Eric Gales

Crown

Provogue, 2022

9/10

Listen to Crown

The blues legend Eric Gales returns with his most daring, political and personal body of work yet, as he joins forces with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith on production for the groove oriented and guitar shredding acrobatics that are never in short supply.

“Death Of Me” opens the listen with rugged yet melodic blues rock that’s thick and powerful as Gales’ sturdy guitar playing and soaring pipes are complemented by soulful backing vocals, and “The Storm” follows with an intially a cappella tune that transitions into funky, R&B flavored territory that’s quite inviting.

Further into the listen, “Stand Up” brings a much needed message to a souful and gentle blues climate, while “Survivor” is a loud, thumping, anthemic display of Gales’ rugged approach that embraces a gospel slant. “Too Close To The Fire”, another excellent track, then shimmers with a dreamy quality, where agile drumming and gentle backing vocals add much to the contemplative landscape.

Close to the end, the subtle accordion of “I Found Her” suits the introspection of the subdued album highlight, and “I Gotta Go” exits with an upbeat and brass friendly display of talking and singing amid the festive and playful finish.

Gales has earned his spot among guitar legends like Carlos Santana, Dave Navarro, and Mark Tremonti, and this 19th album proves that his talent and energy is in no way waning. Now 5 years sober, some might even say it’s some of his best work to date.

Travels well with: Joanne Shaw Taylor- The Blues Album; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Straight To You Live

Eddie Berman

Broken English

Nettwerk, 2022

8/10

Listen to Broken English

A Portland artist with an affinity for folk-rock, Eddie Berman recruits the multi-instrumentalist Gabe Feenberg and drummer Max MacVeety for these very well thought out 11 tunes that thematically surround isolation and its effects on work, family, technology and community.

“Taurus” opens the record with warm, precise instrumentation as Berman’s raw, eloquent vocals are met with cozy guitar and plenty of atmosphere, and “Skin Of The Earth” follows with fluid drumming alongside gentle piano as Berman’s more hushed voice resonates a timeless folk quality.

Deeper still, “Time Waits For No Man” sounds like it should be played near a campfire with its poetic Americana climate, while the title track flows with a cosmic feel under the rootsy, cautious approach. “The Wheel”, which might be the best song present, then offers a meticulous melody surrounding the articulate and stirring folk sounds.

Near to the end, “Leviathan” possesses much bare beauty that builds into a nearly cathartic display, and “Song Of Joy” exits the listen with chunky banjo complementing the playful vocals and slightly Celtic angle.

You might think, considering the wordplay, that Broken English was penned during the pandemic. However, it was written in 2019, but laid down during lockdown, which forced the album to be made remotely. Berman and company did a great job, though, and the album actually sounds live, spontaneous and captures a very moving and literate spirit that embraces all the hallmarks we love about folk music.

Travels well with: Lydia Luce- Dark River; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country

Himmellegeme

Variola Vera

Karisma, 2021

8/10

Listen Variola Vera

The sophomore album from the Bergen, Norway rockers Himmellegeme, Variola Vera keeps their ominous, prog-rock ways intact as the dense riffs and haunting melodies float across the 8 tracks with much allure.

“Shaping Mirrors Like Smoke” starts the listen with plenty of shimmering atmosphere, as the keys and guitars build into a thundering and thick prog-friendly landscape, and “Heart Listening” follows with calm acoustic guitar, poetic singing and a dreamy quality.

“Brother” occupies the middle spot and flows with ambience and mystery that relies on strummed guitar and manipulated mood for the emotive album highlight, while “Let The Mother Burn” weaves in and out of pretty yet dark tension.

Near the end, “Agafia” carries some warm psyche-rock tendencies in its hypnotic formula, and the title track exits the listen with calm gestures of textured and pretty instrumentation that’s quite adventurous, too.

A very psychedelic and occasionally bluesy tinted affair, there are certainly legions of great bands in Norway playing with much attention to atmosphere, but few are doing it as well as Himmellegeme.

Travels well with: Monstereo- In The Hollow Of A Wave; Kosmodome- Kosmodome

Ward White

The Tender Age

VF14, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Tender Age

A veteran art-rock crooner from Los Angeles, Ward White possesses a voice that you’re immediately drawn to, and he’s quite skilled at bass and guitar as Mark Stepro (drums, percussion) and Tyler Chester (keyboards) accompany him on these poetic and timeless tunes.

“Dirty Clouds” starts the listen with warm guitar and light drumming as White’s smooth, elegant pipes and playful keys enter the cozy rock’n’roll setting, and “Easy Meat” follows with a more firm thumping that resonates in the buzzing climate that benefits much from White’s charming falsetto.

The middle tracks are some of the best, including the glam-rock prowess of the gritty yet melodic “On Foot”, while the title track showcases sophisticated piano amid some blues guitar lines and, of course, White’s expressive, unique pipes.

Nearing the end, “Heavy Lifting” unfolds with a shimmering, dreamy quality that’s quite mesmerizing in its beauty, and “Monrovia” exits the listen textured flawlessly with artistic moments alongside hooks and harmonies.

It’s not hard to think of Bowie or Morrissey when listening to The Tender Age, and White’s meshing of art-rock, orchestral pop and glam-rock certainly makes an impression that will likely leave you enamored.

Travels well with: Electric Religious- Tragic Lover; Dizzy Box Nine- Radio Fiction

Stephanie Lamprea

Quaking Aspen

New Focus, 2022

9/10

Listen to Quaking Aspen

The debut album from the Colombian-American soprano Stephanie Lamprea, there’s also spoken word from William Bond present, as words written by female poets from the 19th through 21st centuries are explored with a contemporary-classical and avant-garde approach.

Jason Eckardt’s “Quaking Aspen” opens the listen with fascinating, haunting vocal acrobatics, as guttural sounds are met with breathy moments of intrigue, and Donna Masini’s “Water Lilies I” follows with Bond’s expressive and vivid spoken word that unfolds with a poetic quality.

Elsewhere, “Bathing”, by Wang Lu, mixes talking and singing with a very unpredictable approach that’s capable of being operatic, while Hannah Selin’s “Mid-Day” showcases Lamprea’s impressive range and tone amid a droning quality.

Moving towards the end, George N. Gianopoulos’ “An Autumn Sunset: II ‘Lagooned In Gold’” offers a stunning delivery of sublime and soaring dynamcs from Lamprea’s powerful pipes, and “Flowers For Eurydice”, by James May, exits the listen with timeless beauty that resonates warmth and adventurousness.

An extremely unique affair that makes the most of Lamprea’s coloratura voice in both harsh and soothing ways, subtle electronics and Bond’s captivating performance makes for a highly experimental and unforgettable journey that you’ll want to take again.

Travels well with: Adam Roberts- Bell Threads; Mark Kirschenmann- Cybersonic Outreach

Jon Stancer

In Light Of

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to In Light Of

The many obstacles plaguing the world in the last few years has given the Canadian singer-songwriter Jon Stancer plenty of songwriting material, and these 6 well crafted tunes were born out of the frustation, sadness and uncertainty Stancer was seeing around him and in himself, too.

“These Arms (Won’t Let You Go)” opens the listen with light piano alongside soulful singing as much warmth enters the cautious climate that builds into a lush, atmospheric rocker, and “In Light Of Everything” follows with a superbly textured track of rich, flowing instrumentation that straddles pop and rock in Stancer’s inimitable approach.

“One Six” occupies the middle spot, and displays agile drumming amid a dreamy landscape of buzzing melodies, while “This Cannot Wait (Until Tomorrow)” enters balladry, as graceful keys accompany Stancer’s poetic singing with much sophistication that embraces Brit-pop ideas.

“A Few Degrees Of Adjustment” and “Scared Off” exit the listen, where the former offers a precisely layered EP highlight, and the latter finishes with sublime beauty that unfolds with a hazy quality of melancholy put through Stancer’s unique and timeless vision.

There’s certainly a darkness embedded in these songs, as Stancer balances mood and tension with a wealth of experience and no lack of skill, where beats, vocal harmonies and synth stabs are all used strategically and memorably.

Travels well with: Eric Krasno- Always; Avi Wisnia- Catching Leaves

Charming Disaster

Our Lady Of Radium

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Our Lady Of Radium

The Brooklyn duo of Ellia Bisker and Jeff Morris, as Charming Disaster the pair have done great work in the area of gothic-folk sounds, though here they swerve into less ominous areas, where thematically they surround the scientist Marie Curie and the tragic story of the ‘Radium Girls’.

“Bad Luck Hard Rock” opens the listen with some atmosphere and a cryptic version of gypsy rock as the pair both sing skillfully alongside bare percussion and light guitar, and “Forces Of Nature” follows with carefully strummed guitar amid pretty singing from Bisker as folk ideas enter the charming formula.

Moving along, “Power Of The Sun” has the two harmonizing as the song builds into a more tense landscape, while “Darkened Room” offers a playful, rhythmic album highlight that resides closer to timeless folk sensibilities.

Deeper yet, “A Glow About Her” layers the vocals with subtle drums in a calm version of indie-rock, and “Our Lady Of Radium” exits the listen bare, with some of the best singing on the album to accent the vivid storytelling.

A project that began in 2017, this is a concept album that required much thought and research, and Bisker and Morris certainly bring an unparalleled amount of creativity that includes ukuleles, guitars, glockenspiel, bass, pots and pans and breath sounds to a truly unique and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Charming Disaster- Spells + Rituals; Curse Of Lono- Severed

George Nazos

Σymposium for Peace

Street Of Stars, 2021

9/10

Listen to Σymposium for Peace

The NYC guitarist and composer George Nazos returns with his sophomore album, where Harvie S, Joe Abba and Tamuz Nissim join him for some very creative jazz fusion tracks.

“A Warm Welcome” starts the listen with indeed warm guitar as the intricate strings unfold with incredible fluidity, and “I See You” follows with Abba’s soft drumming complementing the gentle guitar and elegant mood.

In the middle, “Back To Life” makes great use of S’s precise bass as the setting is quite melodic, while “Pent Up House” moves quickly amid dizzying chord progressions in a frisky sort of way. “Wholesome Blues” then certainly does touch on the blues with no lack of rhythm and groove, too.

Vocals are used sparingly but effectively here, and near the end Tamuz Nissim’s scatting populates the agile climate of “Hope”, and “Closer To Home” exits the listen with much beauty as Nazos holds down the finisher solo and charms us endlessly with his inimitable skill.

Originally from Athens, Greece, Nazos brings much talent and a whole lot of experience from his countless appearances at clubs and festivals worldwide for this exceptional jazz fusion affair.

Travels well with: Tamuz Nissim- Capturing Clouds; George Nazos- Heat Song

GNP

Codes

Ears & Eyes

8/10

Listen to Codes

An exceptional trio consisting of Tyler Giroux (piano), Matt Niedbalski (drums) and Dylan Perrillo (bass), as GNP they’ve got a long history playing together, and that chemistry certainly is present and appreciated across these 10 animated tunes.

“Rise And Grind” leads the listen with upbeat and playful keys as the bouncy bass and frisky drumming enter the lively climate, and “Dream Visions” follows with a calmer pace of cautious and warm melodies that flow with elegance.

“Prolepsis” occupies the middle spot and meshes the plucked bass, firm keys and light drumming with much attention to detail, while “JC” focuses on Niedbalshi in a dizzying display of drum acrobatics that you can’t help but admire. Later in the track, the bass and keys complement the mood with timeless jazz sensibilities.

“Scrubs” and “But Not For Me” exit the listen, where the former is gentle, rich and glowing in restraint, and the latter showcases the trio’s respective talents with a charming, melodic and very fun finish that you could dance to.

Consisting of 9 originals and a Gershwin cover (“But Not For Me”), GNP certainly know their way around a jazz tune you won’t soon forget, and let’s hope there’s more on the horizon soon.

Travels well with: James Gilmore- Decorating Time; Lauren Lee- Queen Of Cups

Monstereo

In The Hollow Of A Wave

Karisma, 2021

10/10

Listen to In The Hollow Of A Wave

The veteran Norway rockers sure make an impression on this booming and rich listen that’s packed with ‘70s nods, mammoth sized riffs and the sort of choruses that could fill stadiums.

“Third Eye Seeing” starts the listen with dense fuzz as smooth vocals enter the alt-rock meets psyche-rock intensity, and “A Sudden Rush” follows with soaring guitar work alongside wild drum acrobatics in the energetic climate.

Halfway through, “Jigsaw” is rhythmic and pounding in a groove friendly sort of way, while “Witness” is abrasive and thundering in a charged arena rock sort of fashion that borders on metal but also shimmers with a dreamy beauty.

Approaching the end, “Wings III- Icarus” is Monstereo’s version of jam music with the guitars, drums and organ weaving in and out of prog-rock moments, and “Golden” exits the listen with bright synth amid spacey ideas that align with plenty of melody in a song so good it alone is worth the price of admission.

A unique mix of hard rock, space rock, jam band nods and psychedelic exploration, if Monstereo aren’t your favorite band right now, they will be after listening to this masterpiece.

Travels well with: Kosmodome- Kosmodome; Arabs In Aspic- Strange Frame Of Mind

Michelle Areyzaga & Dana Brown

Were I With Thee

4Tay, 2021

8/10

Listen to Were I With Thee

A very creative project that assembles Michelle Areyzaga’s inimitable soprano with Dana Brown’s elegant piano, the pair set women’s words to song, where many countries are represented.

“How Do I Love Thee” starts the listen with warm, firm keys as Areyzaga’s stunning pipes guide the beautiful and romantic spirit, and “To My Dear And Loving Husband” follows with much grace as the intimate keys align perfectly with the emotive singing.

Deeper into the listen, “Wild Nights (from The Shining Place) rumbles with a bit of tension as the busy piano and diverse singing suit each other well for the mood, while “What Lips My Lips Have Kissed” flows with a dreamy quality amid the powerful voice acrobatics.

Further yet, “Hope (With Feathers)” soars with a majestic and poetic demeanor as the twinkling keys get jumpy, and “Passion” continues the meticulous playing from Brown as Areyzaga’s incredible pipes hit some very high notes.

Both the artists bring a wealth of talent and skill to the equation, and with writers like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Emily Dickinson, Gabriela Mistral and many others showcased, Were I With Thee makes for a unique and captivating listening experience.

Travels well with: Shea-Kim Duo- The Sound And The Fury; Victoria Bond- Illumination: Piano Works Of Victoria Bond

Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train

Gawd Aggie/Cooking Vinyl, 2021

8/10

Listen to Paul Kelly’s Christmas Train

The Australian artist Paul Kelly brings us a mammoth of a holiday album, where 22 tracks are indebted to his southern hemisphere life, and are put through his diverse and inimitable filter.

After the warm acoustic guitar and cozy vocals open up the dreamy “Nativity”, “Silent Night” follows with gorgeous harmonizing of the ukulele friendly interpretation.

Further into the listen, “Little Drummer Boy” indeed uses precise drumming amid the playful setting, while “The Virgin Mary Had One Son” gets soulful in a vocally powerful and musically bare album highlight. “The Friendly Beasts”, another excellent track, then emits a gospel angle alongside the many voices.

Deeper still, the bristling rock of “Christmas Train” bounces and shakes with plenty of melody and grit, and “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” exits the listen with graceful guitar paired with expressive and pretty singing in a folksy sort of way.

While those of us in the States are used to the small handful of Christmas songs that are covered over and over, Kelly highlights lesser known selections, too, and the sounds of balladry, Latin hymns, Irish folk songs, and a cappella moments, among other ideas, are present for the rich and festive occasion.

Travels well with: Hoodoo Gurus- Chariot Of The Gods; Paul Kelly- Nature

Matt Olson

Open Spaces

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Open Spaces

The saxophonist Matt Olson has made quite a name for himself performing in Chicago and the midwest, and his recent move to South Carolina has him in the company of Adib Young, Matt Dingledine, Shannon Hoover and Justin Watt on this swing, bop and ballad friendly set of originals.

“Ups And Downs” starts the listen with a lively energy as Olson’s playful brass is met with frisky drums from Watt and warm guitar lines from Dingledine, and “Redbud” follows with a calm, mesmerizing texture that places soprano sax in front of the subime musicianship.

The title track occupies the middle spot and emits a cozy spirit as Hoover’s precise bass is complemented by the agile drums and soulful sax, while “Violons d’Ingres” swings and grooves with an upbeat and dynamic delivery of timeless jazz.

Approaching the end, “Starts In 5” welcomes Young’s alto saxophone to the dance friendly climate, and “Insomnomania” exits the listen with fascinating sax acrobatics amid swift drumming and even quicker guitar lines.

An extremely soulful affair, Olson and all the players but Watts contribute tracks here, and it makes for a diverse yet very cohesive listen that all fans of jazz will appreciate.

Travels well with: Stephen Martin- High Plains; Nathan Borton- Each Step

Stephen Martin

High Plains

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to High Plains

The saxophone extraordinaire Stephen Martin returns with his sophomore album as leader, and he’s got Peter Schlamb (vibraphone, piano), Ben Leifer (basses) and David Hawkins (drums) along with him for the loose but also very focused 8 tracks of timeless jazz sounds.

“Horizons” opens the listen with a dreamy blur of quick keys, soulful brass and precise drumming, and “The Void” continues the creativity with firm piano, lively bass plucking and a warm but adventurous spirit.

At the halfway point, “Stablemates”, with Bobby Watson, makes the most out of Martin’s sax prowess amid well timed vibraphone from Schlamb, while “High Plains” moves with a calmer approach of bright vibraphone alongside exploratory brass.

Near to the end, “Euphony” welcomes Matt Otto for the very unpredictable and radiant album highlight, and “Simone” follows with a swift and dynamic blend of all the player’s talents present in spades.

An effort that benefits much from solos and the influence of John Coltrane, Frank Foster and many others, Martin’s very modern vision of jazz certainly draws from the past, and unfolds with a rhythmic, sometimes feral demeanor that makes a lasting impact.

Travels well with: Nathan Borton- Each Step; Piet Verbist- Secret Exit To Another Dimension

Nathan Borton

Each Step

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Each Step

Nathan Borton brings his impressive and timeless guitar playing to these stylish and lively tunes that tip their hat to legends like Wes Montgomery and Grant Green, and he’s got Xavier Davis, Rodney Whitaker, Keith Hall, Diego Rivera and Chris Glassman along for the ride.

The title track opens the listen with Davis’ agile piano against Borton’s spirited guitar and precise drumming from Hall, and “Just One Of Those Things” follows with an upbeat and glowing display of crisp and melodic jazz.

Halfway through, “Milestones” showcases Rivera’s soulful sax prowess amid the frisky tempo and swinging fun, while “What Now?” moves calmly with much beauty imbedded into the playful bass from Whitaker and charming piano.

Further along, “Change” offers a gorgeous execution of cautious brass alongside flowing keys and warm guitars, and “Grant’s Groove” exits the listen with no lack of grooves indeed, where all 5 players emit much chemistry.

Even though it’s his debut, you certainly wouldn’t know it, as Borton and company find plenty of rhythm and blues to be found in their unpredictable jazz formula that you can’t listen to just once.

Travels well with: Piet Verbist- Secret Exit To Another Dimension; Doug Scarborough- The Color Of Angels

Piet Verbist

Secret Exit To Another Dimension

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Secret Exit To Another Dimension

The Antwerp bassist Piet Verbist has played a pivotal role in the Belgian jazz scene, and this 5th album on the Origin label has him aligning with Hendrik Braeckman on guitar and Lionel Beuvens behind the drum kit for a listen full of intimate and moody originals.

“The Other Side” opens the listen with a very stylish and upbeat display of bouncy bass, intricate guitar and frisky drums populating the lively jazz climate, and “A Noble Trice” follows with a restrained and introspective appeal that uses soft drumming and warm guitar superbly.

“In Peace With Gravity” lands in the middle, and flows with much soul and grace that even hints at blues ideas, while “Bridge House” explores atmosphere with a shimmering, elegant display of cautious beauty.

“Pannonica” arrives near the end and blends fusion ideas in the trio’s version of jazz, and “Minikin Milan” exits the listen sublimely, where meticulous guitar, subdued bass and well timed drumming meet at an alluring intersection.

An album that is deeply rooted in mood, Verbist and company also pay close attention to grooves and color and it makes for a charming listen of modern jazz.

Travels well with: Doug Scarborough- The City Of Angels; Ben Thomas Tango Project- Eternal Aporia

Bernie Senensky

Don’t Look Back

Cellar Live, 2022

8/10

Listen to Don’t Look Back

We’re treated to some unissued recordings from the legendary Canadian artist Bernie Senensky here, where he’s accompanied by Bob Mover (alto saxophone), Sam Noto (trumpet), Neil Swainson (bass) and Barry Elmes (drums), who all complement his esteemed piano playing splendidly.

The lively title track opens the listen with warm keys, bright brass and frisky drumming, as Senensky and company build a timeless jazz landscape, and “I Hear A Rhapsody” follows with much elegance, where plenty of gentle melody enters the cozy yet adventurous album highlight.

In the middle, “May In June” showcases Mover’s sublime sax prowess amid the gliding piano, while “The Mover” offers tumbling drums alongside the swift and meticulous jazz flavor.

Nearing the end, “Danse Encore” explores incredible finger acrobatics from Senensky’s piano, and “Who Cares” exits the listen with an upbeat and infectious appeal that meshes soulful brass, agile keys, bouncy bass and proficient drumming.

For those with an ear for hard bop, Senensky and his companions make the most of every second, where plenty of solos, no shortage of melody and an exploratory vision make for a first rate set of 11 songs.

Travels well with: Greg Amirault- News Blues; Wild Blue Herons- You & I

Doug Scarborough

The Color Of Angels

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Color Of Angels

The always impressive Doug Scarborough returns with a new batch of jazz tunes, and he’s got Akram Abdulfattah, Jeremy Siskind, Damian Erskine, Mustafa Boztuy and Reinhardt Melz along for the ride.

The title track opens the listen with swift keys from Siskind, as Scarborough’s bright brass and Melz’s frisky drumming guide the timeless jazz climate, and “Limitless” follows with a soulful approach where Abdulfattah’s precise violin adds much to the thoughtful landscape.

In the middle, the punchy drumming of “You Are Brave Enough” meshes well with the agile keys as a hypnotic demeanor unfolds, while “Imaginal Cells” finds plenty of grooves to cultivate amid the strategic bass from Erskine.

“Arabesque” arrives near the end, and showcases sublime piano work alongside the emotive trombone and moody strings, and “The Source Of The Longest River” finishes the listen with warm melodies and equal attention from all the players that you can’t help but admire.

An often cinematic sounding affair, Scarborough’s trombone prowess and composing skills are top notch as always, and The Color Of Angels serves as a great starting point for the first time listener, and a must for the longtime fan.

Travels well with: Ben Thomas Tango Project- Eternal Aporia; Jared Hall- Seen On The Scene

Ben Thomas Tango Project

Eternal Aporia

Origin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Eternal Aporia

The multi-instrumentalist and composer Ben Thomas has a lengthy and esteemed career in jazz sounds, and here he offers us another interest of his, tango music, where Eric Likkel, Steve Schermer, Gretchen Yanover, Brandon Vance and Jonathan Geer accompany him.

“Tangent 7” opens the listen with playful Thomas’ vibraphone alongside Yanover’s warm cello and Geer’s strategic keys in the upbeat climate, and “Safeguards” follows with a calmer approach of well timed bass and soothing clarinet as Thomas’ percussion really mesmerizes.

Further on, the frisky bandoneon of “Flights Without Air” helps emit a hypnotic quality, while “A Wistful Eschaton” flows with much beauty in its elegant demeanor. “Flowers Of Rage” then bounces and sways with a charming cinematic appeal.

Near the end, “The Space Between” is a bit tense as mood is manipulated with poise and creativity as Vance’s violin makes an impression, and “Something Ventured” exits the listen with no shortage of melody and dynamic interaction between the talented players.

Thomas has spent much time in Buenos Aires over the years, where he’s studied the art of tango, and he brings that experience and much skill to this lively and authentic affair.

Travels well with: Jared Hall- Seen On The Scene; Michael Waldrop- Triangularity

Hannan

Charm Offensive

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Charm Offensive

Louisville has a long history of powerful and timeless rock (anyone else remember The Enkindels?), and Hannan are certainly throwing their hat in the ring as The Next Big Thing from the town that gifted us My Morning Jacket and Elliiott.

“Realign” starts the listen with kinetic modern rock as a thundering rhythm section highlights the crunchy formula, and “Under The Gun” follows with a giant sound of crashing percussion and ‘90s alt-rock nods that are both hard hitting yet cautious.

Though there’s just 6 tunes present, the band don’t waste a second, as “Break Me” finds a more restrained place to reside where harmonic rock invades the calculated delivery, and “I AM I” soars with a FM dial appeal as soothing backing vocals complement the melodic atmosphere. “The Killing Man” exits the listen abrasive and rhythmic, with traces of punk, metal and rock in the flawless execution.

An EP that is both raw yet glossy, this first EP (they have 2 albums out, too) from Hannan proves that they are stand outs in the modern rock genre; if this were the late ‘90s and radio rock ruled the airwaves, there’s little doubt that Hannan would be household names already.

Travels well with: 3 Doors Down- Us And The Night; Shinedown- Leave A Whisper