Crabby Appleton

Crabby Appleton sounds like the exact moment the psychedelic 60s hardened into the radio-ready 70s. It is music built on a foundation of impeccable vocal harmonies and bright, jangly melodies, but it is delivered with a muscular, driving rhythm section that keeps it from feeling too precious. There is a distinct West Coast warmth to the production, a golden-hour glow that makes every track feel like a lost summer anthem.

What truly sets them apart is the pedigree of frontman Michael Fennelly. Bringing the sophisticated vocal arrangements of his previous band, The Millennium, into a more aggressive rock context created a unique friction. You get the complex, stacked harmonies of sunshine pop paired with the 'boogie' grit of a bar band. It is sophisticated songwriting disguised as straightforward, foot-stomping rock and roll.

Start with their self-titled debut to hear the hit 'Go Back,' which perfectly encapsulates their appeal. It is a masterclass in the three-minute pop single: infectious, driving, and harmonically rich. If you find yourself hooked on the energy, move to 'Rotten to the Core' to hear them lean further into their rock instincts while maintaining that signature melodic polish.