The Popravinas – Low Chance

I was first introduced to The Popravinas back in 2017 through their second album entitled California Sonic. 2019 brought us their third, Willy Nilly. Then in 2021, we were treated to the equally rootsy Goons West. Embracing the sounds of The Rolling Stones, The Fleshtones and to a lesser extent, The Beat Farmers, The Popravinas have always given us a unique California slant to the power pop meets garage thing.

Their latest, Low Chance, follows that same tried and true formula. The melodies are pleasing, the hooks are plentiful and the guitars have all the requisite twang we’ve come to expect from this California bar band.

Sugar Sweet & Swagger, Too

“The opener, “Closest Thing To A Smile”, boasts a memorable chorus and the kind of swagger that surely makes it a highlight in a live set. It’s got all the makings of a great single. Similarly, “3 Month Situation” takes advantage of guitar jangle and keyboard accents to give us maximum melancholy. The short but very tasty guitar solo is a real highlight here.

The stream of consciousness lyrical content of “Eastern Ave Bar” may remind one of Jonathan Richman. This and a very effective horn arrangement make the track really work. Credit Benny Lipson (Trombone) and Greg Kirchmaier (French Horn, Clarinet & Flute) for their masterful contribution.  Juxtapose that with the bubblegummy “Sugar Likes Peanut Butter”. Imagine if Chinn and Chapman wrote a Fleshtones song. This clever, bouncy track might be representative of what might result from such a union. And “The Girl Who Didn’t Want To Hear Any Tunes” is incredibly tuneful. It’s a great lyric, too.

The Popravinas are: Eddy Sill (lead vocals, bass), John Adair (guitars, banjo, mandolin, piano, steel pedal & more), Dean Lyons (rhythm guitars) and Steve Markowitz (drums).

Get Low Chance Here

The Popravinas’ Low Chance is tuneful, fun and memorable. You can get a digital copy of their latest through Bandcamp, Apple Music and anywhere finer recordings are sold.