Tenacious tunesmith serves up explosive pop 'n' roll. Unparalleled lyrics, unforgettable hooks. Graham Parker as T-Rex.

10 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Americana, ROCK: Modern Rock



Details:
Someone just asked me what type of music someone named "Kowtow Popof" would play, and without hesitation I replied "garage pop'n'roll". Perhaps I've (or Kowtow) has created a new genre, but this record reeled me in like a helpless fish. The truth is, this is one of few really good driving records that I've heard in awhile - something that feels very moody and keeps you hurtling down the road feeling very much like you're in a movie or music video. There's nothing particularly groundbreaking going on with this record, but that doesn't matter to the quality of the performance. The songs are catchy, Popof has a definite style and swagger with his vocal delivery and lead guitarist Rob Santos provides an edgy campiness along the lines of '70's rock guitar mentality (which is very complimentary and stylistically compatible with Popof). Popof himself is a curious figure - his voice is a familiar sounding device that manages to conjure up some strange comparisons, ranging from Elvis Costello to Rick Springfield (understand this isn't a slam, Springfield was a major pop force several years back and "Jesse's Girl" wasn't his only hit although the cheese factor, I'm sure, is making you all cringe). In short, the ten songs on Eat My Dust are ultimately listenable and consistent in quality, execution and style. This record is a solid effort by a man who understands his niche and the audience that he's playing for. Popof is to be commended for recognizing and drawing upon his energy and pop sensibilities in creating a catchy and inspired set of tunes. -- Heidi Drockelman, Indie-Music.com

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Sounding like the love-child of a secret rendezvous between the Guess Who and Joe Jackson, these clever, fast-talking tunes rock resolutely but also clean up real nice. Vast, open-sky guitars render the ballads absolutely heart-breaking. - Sarah B., Listen.com

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Rockville's own Kowtow Popof presents a nice selection of pop-rock music with a bit of an '80's edge. His pop hooks and arrangements are complemented by the addition of Rob Santos on guitar - a departure from Kowtow's previous work, where he emulated Karl Wallinger in playing all the instruments, writing all of the songs and self producing.

Where Popof differs from Wallinger is that where World Party evokes the Beatles, Popof seems to be inspired by The Cars, or David Bowie - his vocal phrasings very similar to both Ric Ocasek and David Bowie.

The first cut, "Watch Out For Your Fellow Man," advises you to guard yourself from road rage, with the double entendre that you may interpret as an exhortation to care for your fellow man. Kowtow sprinkles such wordplay throughout the album.

Overall, a nice pop sound with decent writing. It would probably do well if there was a major label promoting it. -- Clancey, Snap Pop!