Matt Kollar And The Angry Mob - Farewell Adventure (Independent) This is the debut from this Southern Californian quintet. I have to confess to being partial to a good piece of accordion playing, and this is an instrument that is heavily featured on the opening track "Bon Voyage". Putting an instrumental as the opening track is a brave choice, but it somehow sets the tone for the whole album. This is an eclectic mix of styles of folk, Americana and contemporary up-tempo rock and roll. Kollar is not afraid to be different, and his band back him admirably with a whole range of instruments from glockenspiel to trumpet to banjo. Stand out tracks are "Cartwheels" which is a loose but tight, sun kissed folk pop song. However "Surf Song" has a feel of “Holland” period, Beach Boys harmonies, and the piano playing of Ben Folds. It is a real nod to surfing life in Southern California. A fine debut from a band and writer who have, I’m sure, a lot more to offer. Matt Kollar is also a freelance writer. You can find his work at https://comprogear.com/toeless-compression-socks/ Steve O. Next