Powerpop Review: Edward O’Connell’s Vanishing Act

Our Little Secret, Edward OConnell‘s first release and one of the best of 2010, was a delight to hear. With a sound that reminds one of pub rock greats of the past (Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello immediately come to mind), O’Connell put together a collection of well written, smart and catchy tunes that took the powerpop community by surprise. His follow up release, Vanishing Act, picks up where Our Little Secret left off. His knack for while adapting a sound or genre to suit his own sensibilities – and his ability to write a great hook – make for songs that sound both familiar and brand new.

“My Dumb Luck” opens the album and starts things off just right. Its vintage powerpop with ringing guitars and beautiful harmonies. “Lonely Crowd”, one of my favorites on Vanishing Act, sounds as it it could be a Warren Zevon outtake from one of his later releases. “Same Old Faces” is another instantly catchy ear-worm with smart lyrics and vocals that remind the listener so much of Elvis Costello that one cannot help but smile.

“I’m The Man” will remind folks of Elvis Costello’s “Radio Sweetheart” – it demonstrates the ease with which O’Connell drifts from one genre to another. That’s what great songwriters can do. The fiddle and pedal steel guitar make the track instantly irresistible. And the lyrical genius of “Severance Kiss” will demand repeated play.

As clearly one of the best releases of 2014, Vanishing Act is highly recommended listening. In fact, with the holidays creeping up, it occurs to me that it could make the ideal stocking stuffer for the powerpop fan in your life. Buy it Here.