originally published: 02/14/2024

(MEDFORD LAKES, NJ) -- Van Kapeghian is one of New Jersey's premiere jack-of-all-trades artists. From playing post-rock surf jams in Camino Sound to serving up roots rock gems as a member of The Fondaleros, you never know what sounds he might be cooking up next. FuriousBall, his main gig, finds Kapeghian forging his own unique brand of psych-infused alternative rock, while flexing his impressive songwriting chops. His new album, Fixt, will be released on April 5, 2024.

Fixt is perhaps the best entry point for all FuriousBall newcomers, since it’s a collection of some of his catchiest, most addictive songs to date, and they’ve all been given superb updated mixes. While it may not be a ‘best of’ album per se, this record does serve as a fantastic sampler of Kapeghian’s incredible gift for crafting excellent and dynamic ear candy.

Songs like “Sunflower Eyes” gleam with fierce guitar work, glistening keyboards and rich harmonies. Meanwhile, tracks like “Lonely as a Cloud” feature tasty Beck-like hooks and fun little flourishes, like the occasional cowbell break or bouncy ska-like riffs. No matter which song you’re listening to, there’s a treasure trove of exciting little moments to uncover.

The music contained here is truly as lush as the album’s cover art. Kapeghian packs so much sound into each song, utilizing a multitude of overdubs, which allows for him to also show off his prowess as a musician. Between all of the tracks on this compilation, he mans a vast arsenal of instruments with enviable ease. However, on “Sisu” and “Troxler's Fading,” Kapeghian is joined by I Think Like Midnight’s Andrew Chalfen on guitar, and as you will hear, the two compliment each other beautifully.

With an ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ style of production and arranging that might make one think of Cake, Pavement or even Yo La Tengo, this album is clearly made by an artist who keeps a steady diet of deep cuts and pop-loving bands that are difficult to pigeonhole. This is a record of variety, strength and good times. If FuriousBall is new to you, listen to this record a handful of times, and it’ll surely become a household name in your life soon.

 

Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info

---

 

MORE NEWS

Makin Waves with Steve Forbert: Keep on Keepin' on

​​​​​​​Now based in Asbury Park, Meridian, MS-raised singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is an American musical treasure whose latest album, "Daylight Savings Time," is another omnivorously observant chronicle of magic and meaning within everyday moments. As he approaches his 70th birthday, Steve explores aging with beautiful, natural metaphors and a few man-made ones, such as the fun-loving "Purple Toyota," the album's second single.

---

Two River Theater to present two Concerts by Bernadette Peters in November

---

Xian Zhang announces appointment to music director of Seattle Symphony while remaining music director of New Jersey Symphony

---

Gary Van Miert to Release 3rd LP of Psychedelic Gems as The Sensational Country Blues Wonders!