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Much like my favorite Buzzcocks album, Meyerman’s new one feels like a collection of killer A sides. The vocal snarl, ringing power chords and undeniably catchy chorus make the title track feel very much like something Pete Shelley & Steve Diggle would have approved of. “WWDAT” is another catchy tune with one foot in 2023 and the other back in the British Invasion.” • PowerPopNews.com
"The brainchild of guitarist and vocalist Theo Meyer, the meyerman raises the ante on the quality of modern powerpop to spring out of New Jersey. Along with his bandmates, Jeff Preischel on bass and vocals, Mike Eckhart on lead guitar and vocals, and Rob Barden on drums, these guys prove you don't need facial hair, tattoos, or ironic T-shirts in order to rawk. The record is so consistently good, and band chemistry so electric, that it's hard to believe Who Do You Think You Are? is a debut album. Bolstered by the production talents of Kurt Reil (Grip Weeds, The Smithereens), Who Do You Think You Are? makes it evident that meyerman thinks they are bona fide rock stars.
Relying on the tried and true method of encasing a sweet center with crunchy power chords,meyerman cook up all kinds of ear candy. One of the themes explored on the record is music and the music business itself, underscoring the commitment these guys have to their craft - music is truly in their blood. Meyer's vocals are modestly scratchy with a nasal delivery, making the band sound like The Thornbirds or even Enuff Z'Nuff at times.
The band sets the stage with a "ready to rock" intro that surely kicks off their live set as well. Then they dive straight into earnest pop rock with the memorable "Permission To Rock You" before coming up with the most radio-friendly serving on the record, "Get To You". "Tour Of Japan" is sure to be on the playlist of any musician. "New Direction" is another astute satire parodying the music biz, but the song features such delectable melodies that it will find universal appeal. Meyerman doesn't slow things down much, but they do a good job of it when they do... check out "Indecision and Inertia". The CD continues to end strong with a trio of snappy tunes including "Metalface" (love the reference to the Quiet Riot mask), "Bitter End", and "Elephants".
Catchy riffs, spot on harmonies, and sugary melodies - what more could you want? Who Do You Think You Are? is a nonstop thrill ride from start to finish. I can't see how this one can't make my best of 2011 list." • nowthisrocks.blogspot.com
"2011, and power-pop is taking over? WTF! On their debut, this Somerset, NJ quartet recorded by Grip Weeds (and current Left Banke) drummer extraordinaire Kurt Reil like theirs meaty like Cheap Trick, speedy and boyishly catchy like The Rubinoos, hard-hitting as Sloan, and as fresh faced as Pointed Sticks (and a song is titled "Xrayspex"). Perhaps the state's previous patron saints such as The Smithereens (whom Reil also produced), fit here, too...for with their big-lead guitars, '80s Ameri-indie rock drive, and driving get up and go, Theo Meyer's crew are rightly requesting "Permission to Rock You." Sure, be my guest! If only Jersey had shook like this when I was teenage, I might've never left." • Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover Magazine "Rarely have I heard such an impressive debut by a hitherto unknown band: the songwriting is tight, the musicianship accomplished and creative and the lyrics often humorous and always meaningful. Meyerman is a band hailing from New Jersey whose amazing debut album was produced by Gripweeds drummer Kurt Reil. They pray at the altar of the 'British Invasion' sound but also have a resolutely modern approach to powerpop music, a bit like Fountains of Wayne or Rooney. Cheap Trick also often comes to mind when listening to these hook-laden songs, more particularly 'Permission to Rock You' or 'Tour of Japan' with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics about pop bands touring Japan to get some notion of the success that escapes them in their home country... A real discovery and a contender for end-of-the-year 'Best of 2011' lists, for sure." • PopPhil Rateyourmusic.com "It's easy for me to become complacent about all the power pop I listen to, to the point where it can kind of fade into the background.... But a few times a year I get shaken out of my complacency when I get to hear a record that makes me say to myself, "This is why I listen to power pop." Who Do You Think You Are?, the debut album from New Jersey's meyerman, is one of those records. This is classic Power Pop with 2 capital P's. It's also very "meta" - a power pop album which is mostly about being in a power pop band and a band's relationship with its audience. So while it has the sound of a number of power pop bands running through it like Cheap Trick, The Raspberries, Butch Walker, The Shazam, it has the looking-at-itfrom- the-inside sensibility of The Replacements or Local H.... If anything, Who Do You Think You Are? could be considered the "Community" of power pop albums...On the one hand, it rewards you for being in on the joke while on the other it's still an excellent representative of its genre if you'd rather not think too hard about it." • absolutepowerpop.com |
“Theo Meyer and his band comfortably crank out infectious power pop full of crunchy riffs, handclaps, and shaking tambourines. From the opening introduction to the blistering “Permission to Rock You” takes its cues from Cheap Trick, Splitsville, and the Posies… this is a wonderful debut that is sure to win over fans… I highly recommend this album.” • powerpopaholic.com "Well, after listening to it, I can tell you that this is one of the best Powerpop discs of the year. It has everything: melody, flavor, and fresh songs. These people are steeped in the best powerpop of all eras, from Cheap Trick to Velvet Crush. The disc is a veritable treatise on powerpop." • ES Powerpop blog (Spain) “Offering up a joyous and downright infectious burst of straight-up sparkling power pop… If you’re not smiling and bobbing your head while listening to this album, then you’re either deaf or a hopelessly incorrigible sourpuss. A real treat.” • JerseyBeat.com “Meyrman may hail from New Jersey, but their smart, catch rock songs have Southern California sunshine in their soul. They may not be the youngest kids on the block, but they sure belt out songs like they are.” • Dryw Keitz, contributing writer, San Diego Citybeat and the San Diego Reader |
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