So what do the following men all have in common? - Mikey Erg, Kurt Baker, Brad Marino, Geoff Palmer, Pavid Vermin, J Prozac, Dave Strong and Classic Pat. They were all once/still are members of well known "underground" bands. All now striving to carve out their own niche as solo artists.
One Mr. Ricky Rochelle has inserted himself into that exclusive club with a slew of singles, EP's, a solo album and now THIS - "Second Layer" https://rickyrochelle.bandcamp.com/album/second-layer
Obviously his second solo outing and it shows him growing more distance from his Pop Punk/Ramonescore roots. After a few listens I'm leaning on some 80's New Wave (The Vapors, The Fixx, The Police) and major 90's Manchester (Stone Roses, Charlatans, Soup Dragons) influences. There's still some Punk anger in songs like "Self Doubt" and "Turbulent" but the growth is not only musical but lyrically as well. "Envy", "Highlight Reel" & "Can't Forget The Terror" seem like they come straight from Ricky's diary.
This second chapter in one man's journey is revelatory. You can still be angry and retrospective at the same time. All in all this is a solid piece of music. Beholden to no genre. And THAT'S what I want from music in 2025 & forward! I don't doubt for a second that this man has a piano ballad or "The Police" style reggae jam up his sleeve. Here's my favorite cut off the album "Scenederella" because it rocks & we ALL know her!
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