Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano

Vacilón Santiaguero

Circle 9, 2024

8/10

Listen to Vacilón Santiaguero

The multi-instrumentalist Kiki Valera brings his worldly jazz flavor to this 2nd US solo release, where a large cast accompanies him across 12 lively tracks.

The bright and animated “Este Vacilón” starts with Alexis Baró’s glowing trumpet adding much color to Carlos Castante’s flowing voice, and “El Ají De Cocina” follows with Francisco ‘Coco’ Freeman’s expressive pipes guiding the rhythmic interplay.

Further along, “El Penquito e’ Coleto” welcomes Pete Nater and Dennis Hernandez’s precise trumpets via the festive climate, while “Mari-Juana” showcases Pedro Vargas’ meticulous congas and Steve Guasch’s coros prowess.

Close to the end, “Pájaro Lindo” allows for Brian Lynth and Thomas Marriott’s contributions on trumpet to illuminate the dynamic album highlight, and “El Cuarto de Tula” exits with Valera’s many talents present for the rhythmic and cultured finish.

Valera handles cuatro cubano, guitar, bass, clave, maracas and coros splendidly, as the songs unfold with plenty of Cuban spirit and timeless jazz qualities that you can’t not enjoy.

Travels well with: Randy Weinstein- Harmonimonk; Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You

Ivanna Cuesta

A Letter To The Earth

Orenda, 2024

9/10

Listen to A Letter To The Earth

The drummer and composer Ivanna Cuesta makes an impression with this debut album, where Kris Davis, Ben Solomon, Max Ridley and Pauli Camou accompany her for the free improvisation and electronic ideas.

“Chaos” leads the 6 tracks with Davis’ mesmerizing keys that are met with Solomon’s bright sax and, of course, Cuesta’s frisky drumming, and “Humans Vs Humans” follows with the soulful sax and playful keys surrounded by acrobatic drumming.

The title track lands at the halfway point and swirls with a rare intimacy of beauty and grace, while “On Going Cycles” benefits much from Ridley’s atmospheric bass that populates the cautious introspection.

The final track and only one with vocals is “Este Lugar”, where Camou’s fluid voice populates the dreaminess and lush climate that fades out with a colorful mood.

The effort is inspired by the urgency of climate change, and Cuesta uses her formative years in the Dominican Republic to fuel these artistic jazz gems.

Travels well with: Allan Harris- Live At Blue Llama Jazz Club; Doug Beavers- Luna

Ken Peplowski

Live At Mezzrow

Cellar, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live At Mezzrow

The clarinet and tenor sax wizard Ken Peplowski brings along Ted Rosenthal, Martin Wind and Willie Jones III for these 10 live tracks that are both time honored interpretations and lesser known gems.

The lively and dynamic “Vignette” opens with Rosenthal’s graceful keys that complement Peplowski’s swirling sax, and “Prisoner Of Love” follows with an intimate climate, where much beauty unfolds via the soulful sax and elegant piano.

Halfway through, “Like Young” benefits much from Wind’s meticulously plucked bass that complements the flowing sax, while “The Shadow Of Your Smile” is an eloquent and dreamy set highlight that showcases a heartfelt and soothing demeanor.

Close to the end, “Bright Mississippi” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via the firm keys, animated clarinet and Jones’ frisky drumming, and “Who Knows” exits with Peplowski’s mesmerizing clarinet alongside the playful rhythm section that does justice to the Ellington classic.

The pandemic hit Peplowski hard, and live streams with this ensemble helped him get through the tragedy. The songs here were refined over a year or 2, and they are executed with much care and timelessness.

Travels well with: Roger Kellaway- Live At Mezzrow; Sheila Jordan- Live At Mezzrow

Mark Krahula

Last Goodbye 11

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Last Goodbye 11

The Hawaii folk artist Mark Krahula turns in a cover of his own work for this decade + anniversary of the Nightmare River Band’s Last Goodbye, where a fresh coat of paint adds some new life to these time honored songs.

“Last Goodbye” starts, and features Bunny Day & The Mercy Buckets for the warm and soulful climate, and “Walk On” follows with spirited electric guitar and smooth singing from John Brodeur that resonates much melody.

In the middle “Life Just Stops” welcomes Krahula’s mesmerizing bass and Tara Atkinson’s graceful cello that suits Dan Romer’s expressive pipes, while “Overture” benefits much from mature keys and an emotive presence thanks to The Chillest.

Further still, “Mary” recruits the Quiet Hollers for the album’s best, where their brand of indie-rock flows with a meticulous and charming energy, and “Why Don’t You Love Me” exits with Jay Stolar’s soft voice and minimal qualities that are intimate an ambient.

Whether you’ve heard the original or not, there’s much to enjoy here, as an eclectic collection of already great songs find new and interesting places to reside.

Travels well with: Rubyjoyful- The Pie Chart Of Love; The Texas Trio- TX3

Lisa Rich

Long As You’re Living

Tritone, 2024

8/10

Listen to Long As You’re Living

The jazz vocalist Lisa Rich returns after a lengthy break from music, where the songs touch on the many trials and tribulations that she’s sorted through to flesh out these 12 timeless tracks.

The title track opens with Marc Copland’s warm piano and Drew Gress’ bouncy bass, as Rich’s lively pipes enter the playful delivery, and “Throw It Away” follows with meticulous bass plucking and emotive keys that suit the colorful singing.

Close to the middle, “Lonely Woman” allows for Rich’s gorgeous voice to shine amid the gentle keys, while “Jitterbug Waltz” brings in Dave Ballou’s well timed trumpet for the soulful album highlight.

Deeper still, “Bye Bye Blackbird” recruits scatting and Ballou’s animated horn for the rich climate, and “Hyperchance/Drifting Dreaming (Gymnopedie 1)” exits with a thoughtful, indeed dreamy finish of engaging and moving jazz.

Rich was headfirst into a significant career in the '‘80s when illness struck. With the help and encouragement of the late Jay Clayton, she makes a triumphant return here, where her smoky voice and genuine and heartfelt vision is much appreciated.

Travels well with: Jo Harrop- The Path Of A Tear; Veronica Thomas- They Say It’s Wonderful

Lana Nauphal

Wildland

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Wildland

A New York City singer-songwriter, this debut from Lana Nauphal brings us 10 originals, where similarities to Iron & Wine and Ingrid Michaelson unfold with nostalgic folk ideas and plenty of beauty.

“Be It As It May” opens with cozy acoustic guitar, as Nauphal’s elegant voice glides with a stirring and poetic presence, and “Is It Raining In California?” follows with a lush and warm ambience, where light drums and gorgeous pedal steel tugs on the heartstrings.

“Sure As The Score” lands in the middle and uses mature keys and spirited harmonica via much emotion, while “Something In The Rain” is full of tender singing and raw instrumentation that makes it seem like Nauphal is singing just for you.

“Oh He Oh My” and “One Is The Loneliest Dream” exit the listen, where the former is an upbeat moment that you could and should dance to, and the latter is a mesmerizing finish that’s melodic and vocally charming.

A very thoughtful affair, Nauphal’s craft brings introspection and even cathartic moments to an excellent starting point for a talent that we should all be familiar with.

Travels well with: Wild Ponies- Dreamers; Kyshona- Legacy

Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly

Mestizx

International Anthem, 2024

9/10

Listen to Mestizx

A debut of post-genre, de-colonial, Latinx sounds, Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Frank Rosaly bring their distinct talents to this highly unclassifiable body of work.

“INVOCAÇÃO” starts with Ferragutti’s expressive voice alongside Chris Doyle’s mesmerizing keys and Rosaly’s many percussive ideas for a dreamy ambience, and “DESTEJER” follows with Ben LaMar Gay’s cornet, Bob Frye’s flute and Matt Lux’s electric bass that helps cultivate an atypical version of chamber sounds.

The title track arrives in the middle and comes with a richness that’s stirring and thoughtful, as Bill MacKay’s guitar suits the duo’s mesmerizing formula, while “BLESS THEE MUNDANE” is anything but ordinary via Viktor Le Givens’ voice message and Rosaly’s drums, drum machine programming, synth and guiro.

Close to the end, “WRITING THE KNOTS” places Avreeayl Ra on drums and Ferragutti handles vocals, farfisa, lap harp, prophet and bells for an unconventional sort of droning, and “SIRINUS” exits with Fredy Velásquez’s contributions on harmonica, Awa vocalizations, chacapa, and percussion that continues to defy and impress.

A truly iconoclastic outing, there’s certainly jazz, no wave and psychedelic stabs to be enjoyed here, as Ferragutti and Rosaly turn in a protest album of the highest creativity that emits an indelible impact.

Travels well with: Orquesta Akokán- Caracoles; Jeremy Gignoux- Odd Stillness

Daniel Grindstaff

Heroes And Friends

Bonfire, 2024

8/10

Listen to Heroes And Friends

The banjo extraordinaire and singer-songwriter Daniel Grindstaff brings along an incredible cast and some very well known names for these 10 bluegrass fueled songs.

“Finnland” starts the listen with Andy Leftwich’s swift fiddle that complements Jesse Brock’s glowing mandolin in the rich delivery, and “Forever Young” follows with an intimate spirit that benefits much from Dolly Parton and Paul Brewster’s gorgeous pipes that illuminate the mountain-esque take on the classic.

In the middle is where “When You’re Smiling” lands, and it recruits Trey Hensley’s fluid guitar and Ken Blanton’s meticulous bass for much melody, while “Jesse James” brings Doyle Lawson’s agile mandolin to the picking dynamics of the harmonic album highlight.

“The Last Old Dollar” and “Three Arrows” exits the listen, where the former showcases Kevin Richardson and Shawn Lane’s soaring voices amid the meticulous bluegrass mood and the latter allows for Grindstaff’s animated banjo to shine alongside Stephen Burwell’s fiddle.

Grindstaff has an incredible resume working with the best of the best, and this impressive effort is full of the kind of bluegrass that will age well and always be relevant.

Travels well with: The Roe Family Singers- Sisters & Brothers; Circus No. 9- Circus No. 9

Jake Leckie

Planter Of Seeds

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Planter Of Seeds

The bassist Jake Leckie brings along some excellent help for these 8 well thought out jazz tracks that examines the beauty that can arise from the seeds planted today.

The title track opens with a warm haze, where Cathlene Pineda’s graceful keys complement Randal Fisher’s soulful tenor sax, and “Big Sur Jade” follows with Beth Goodfellow’s precise drums adding much richness to the strong attention to mood.

Moving into the middle, the playful sax acrobatics and well timed bass from Leckie makes “The Aquatic Uncle” a busy album highlight, while “Starboard” is an intimate moment thanks to the poetic keys, light drumming and Nadav Peled’s strategic guitar.

Close to the end, “String Song” is more rock focused, as the meticulous rhythm section sets the tone for plenty of introspection, and “The Daughters Of The Moon” exits with a dreamy ambience that benefits much from Darius Christian’s trombone.

An eloquent body of work that addresses the legacy we leave behind, Leckie and company make every song thought provoking and worth repeated listens.

Travels well with: David Murray Quartet- Francesca; Jihye Lee Orchestra- Infinite Connections

Eyal Vilner Big Band

Swingin’ Uptown

Self-Released, 2024

9/10

Listen to Swingin’ Uptown

An aptly titled record from Eyal Vilner Big Band, the sounds here draw from the past and molds it into a modern day delivery of 16 energetic tracks.

The rhythmic and upbeat “Chicken An’ Dumplings” opens the listen with John Lake’s animated trumpet and Jon Thomas’ key acrobatics adding much to the rich climate, and it isn’t long until “Tell Me Pretty Baby” arrives with Julieta Eugenio’s well timed tenor sax that suits Imani Rousselle’s powerful and smooth vocals.

Moving into the middle, the frisky “Tea For Two” benefits much from Eran Fink’s lively drums and Ian Hutchison’s bouncy bass, while “I Love The Rhythm In A Riff” brings back Rousselle’s playful pipes amid a scrappy rhythm section and glorious brass.

Deeper still, “Hellzapoppin’” showcases Josh Lee’s intricate baritone sax via the swift and dynamic late album highlight, and “Afternoon At Smalls” exits with James Zollar’s trumpet, Robert Edwards’ trombone and Bill Todd’s alto sax, plus many more, for a busy versus calm finish.

The album has its roots in Harlem, but the dance friendly landscape and Vilner’s contributions on alto sax, clarinet, flute, conducting and arranging will amaze fans worldwide.

Travels well with: Eyal Vilner Big Band- The Jam!; David Murray Quartet- Francesca

Pacifica Quartet

American Voices

Cedille, 2024

9/10

Listen to American Voices

The Grammy Winning outfit Pacifica Quartet return with a body of work that illuminates the works of Antonín Dvořák, Florence Price, Louis Gruenberg, and James Lee III via their inimitable delivery and violin, viola and cello prowess.

“String Quartet in F Major, Op. 96, “American”, by Dvořák, opens with the dancing strings interacting with much warmth and fluidity, as Brandon Vamos’ cellos is quite gripping, and Price’s “String Quartet in G major” follows with Simin Ganatra and Austin Hartman’s adventurous violins making for an exploratory yet cautious 2 chapters.

The back half brings us Gruenberg’s “Four Diversions for String Quartet, Op. 32”, where the frisky landscape is quite infectious and daring, while “Pitch In”, by Lee III, exits with Mark Holloway’s tonally intriguing viola adding much richness to the meticulous finish.

An effort that’s influenced by American popular and traditional music, this 14th recording for Cedille continues the quartet’s consistently enthralling and timeless performances.

Travels well with: Stacy Garrop- Oratorio Terra Nostra; Minnesota Orchestra- Mahler 8

The Thirteen Matthew Robertson

Monteverdi The ‘Lost’ Vespers

ACIS, 2024

9/10

Listen to Monteverdi The ‘Lost’ Vespers

The inimitable Matthew Robertson leads the ensemble The Thirteen through these late period Monteverdi pieces, where strings and winds are also present and appreciated amid the many voices.

“Domine in adjutorium, from Selva morale e spirituale” begins the listen with warm and emotive singing that unfolds with much grace alongside the rich and textured strings, and “Dixit Dominus primo á 8, from Messa e quattro voci et salmi” follows with a distinct intimacy via the harmonic vocals that are aligned with powerful instrumentation.

In the middle, “Laudate Dominum, from Messa e quattro voci et salmi” is particularly striking thanks to Edmund Milly’s expressive bass-baritone, while “Sanctorum meritis primo, from Selva morale e spirituale” recruits Sheila Dietrich and Katelyn Grace Jackson’s gripping sopranos for the lovely and touching album highlight.

Residing near the end, “Laetaniae della Beata Vergine á 6, from Messa e quattro voci et salmi” benefits much from Carrie Krause’s precise violin and Adam Pearl’s moody organ, and “Magnificat primo, from Selva morale e spirituale” exits with the flowing voices radiating tremendous beauty, and Doron Sherwin and Kiri Tollaksen’s cornetto prowess won’t go unnoticed, either.

A meticulous effort that balances light and dark moments and is never short on truly gripping instrumentation thanks to The Thirteen’s inestimable skills, Robertson continues to impress.

Travels well with: Rami Levin- Wings; Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square

Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics

Bite Of The Street

Nefarious, 2024

8/10

Listen to Bite Of The Street

A lively 6 track affair that illuminates trumpeter, vocalist and keyboardist Mac Gollhon’s many talents, there’s also a few players along for the festive experience.

“Souled Out” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Gollehon’s lively trumpet is met with Jeanee Carno’s animated drumming and Ismael Sanchez’s worldly percussion, and “Maczone” follows with a bit of a sci-fi feel, as the soaring horn is complemented by Eric Klaastad’s well timed bass.

Deeper into the record, Adam Perez’s meticulous keyboards add much atmosphere to the swirling “Coming At You”, while “High Drama” is a calmer moment of bouncy bass, soulful trumpet and mesmerizing percussion.

The final and best track, “Sleepwalker”, recruits Ariel Lawler’s well timed backing vocals, as a more rock focused climate unfolds with strong attention to detail.

An effort that ends entirely too soon, Gollehon and company mash soul, jazz, Latin, dance and synth-rock with much unpredictability and global appeal that you’re not likely to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Juan Megna Group- Mariwô; The Steve Luciano Quartet- Under The Covers

Rami Levin

Wings

Acis, 2024

9/10

Listen to Wings

The inimitable composer Rami Levin makes quite an impression on this debut album, where an all star cast of players are in attendance for 7 rich chamber selections.

“Asas (Wings)” starts with Barbara Drapcho’s lovely clarinet and Mathias Tacke’s precise violin interacting with Kuang-Hao Haung’s elegant keys, and “Saudade (Longing)” follows with Denis Azabagic’s swirling guitar that radiates much intimacy and emotion.

The wind focused “Reflections Of Reflections (11.11.11) arrives in the middle and allows for Jennifer Clippert’s flute, Erica Anderson’s oboe, Barbara Drapcho’s clarinet, Collin Anderson’s bassoon and Jeremiah Frederick’s horn to radiate much warmth and melody, while “Caprichosa (Capricious)” is just Eugenia Moliner’s dreamy flute and Lillian Lau’s colorful harp emitting beauty and wonder.

The final piece, “Four English Songs”, presents glorious singing via Alisa Jordheim’s soprano, as Moliner’s flute, Lau’s harp and Azabagic’s guitar dance around with plenty of energy and grace.

The works here were penned over 22 years and represent Levin’s diverse, worldly and exciting chamber vision that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Matthew Dirst- J.S. Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I; Trinity Church Boston/Colin Lynch- The Great Glad Tidings Tell: Carols From Copley Square

Lisa Mezzacappa & Beth Lisick

The Electronic Lover

Innova, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Electronic Lover

The Bay Area composer Lisa Mezzacappa and New York writer Beth Lisick come together for this 9 episode serial audio opera set in a ‘80s chatroom, and they’ve got some exceptional help along for the comedic drama.

“Episode 1: The Pilot” starts the listen with Jordan Glenn’s warm percussion, as both expressive talking and singing enters with plenty of interplay that sets the tone, and “Episode 2: So Long, Quietlady” continues with harmonizing vocals, which brings us to the mid ‘80s, where Margot has relocated to spearhead an online community. Musically, the dreamy setting emits flowing vocals that illuminate the quirky plot.

“Episode 4 MizStacks Cuts Loose” lands further on, and has the group expanding their roles, where Mezzacappa’s stategic bass and Glenn’s light drumming help guide the mood, while “Episode 7: The Silent Circle” has some members getting married and the others attending virtually, where some discord within the group is soundtracked by Steve Blum’s synth acrobatics that often add mystery.

Close to the end, “Episode 8: Compusex Compumurder Compuwhat!” meshes the many voices in often busy bouts of friskiness, and “Episode 9 Epilogue” exits with The Premier Ensemble of the San Francisco Girls Chorus in attendance for the reflective and insightful peek into the character’s intentions.

A truly unique release that spans nearly 4 hours, the voices of Will Adams, Sidney Chen, Jesse Olsen Bay, Michelle Amador and many, many more are complemented by occasional strings and Blum, Glenn and Mezzacappa’s inimitable talents, too.

Travels well with: Odeya Nini- Ode; Guy Barash- Killdeer

Dupont Brass

Professional Development

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Professional Development

The DC based outfit DuPont Brass bring us 8 songs that surround mental health, loss, and dreams, where plenty of grooves and soul are present and appreciated.

The calm spirit of “Sunny Days” opens with insightful wordplay that emits plenty of warmth and welcomes both hip-hop and soul ideas, and “Meet Me Outside” follows with playful keys that welcomes lively beats to the energetic and stylish delivery.

“Treat” and “Work” land in the middle, where the former offers crisp drumming sounds amid smooth singing, while the latter is a rich and dynamic album highlight that allows the bright horns to shine alongside the flawless vocal harmonies.

Landing close to the end, “I Deserve It” uses both singing and rapping that’s not short on grooves, and “The Anthem” exits with a more lyrically forceful approach that allows for the band’s many talents to shine.

A 10 piece outfit who have humble beginnings, DuPont Brass use jazz, hip-hop, and R&B to their advantage for a unique body of work that might remind you of The Roots or Earth, Wind & Fire via a very modern and relevant listening experience.

Travels well with: Jay Sanders- Evanescent; Michael O’Neill- Arrival

Bobby Christina's Caravan

True Blues Brother: The Legacy Of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy

Nola Blue, 2024

9/10

Listen to True Blues Brother: The Legacy Of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy

The dummer and producer Bob Christina is aligned with the guitar legend Matt Murphy, plus many guests, for this final project before Murphy’s passing in 2018.

The 2 disc set opens with the body shaking delivery of “Matt’s Boogie”, where Bruce Bears’ lively organ and Bob Worthington’s animated bass will get your limbs moving, and not too far along we’re treated to “I’m Lost Without You”, as Fran Christina’s expressive drums are complemented by Greg Piccolo’s vibrant sax.

Further into disc 1, “Way Down South” welcomes Kenny Wayne’s inimitable voice and piano to the indeed southern influenced climate, while “Matt’s Shuffle” starts disc 2 with Christina’s agile drumming that suits the soft melodies.

Moving towards the end, “Give Me Time” showcases Anthony Farrell’s warm keys and plenty of soulful backing vocals, and “You Wasn’t Doin’ Too Good” exits with Joe Beard’s eloquent voice, harmonica and guitar for the minimal but memorable finish.

Included are Murphy’s final 3 studio albums, a new song penned Tom Hambridge and songs from friends that illuminate a brilliant career that began in the late ‘40s and continued to his final days.

Travels well with: Seth Lee Jones- Tulsa Custom; Ollee Owens- Nowhere To Hide

David Udell

It’s Worth It

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to It’s Worth It

The sophomore album from the Delay Tactics guitarist David Udell, the 10 tracks welcome many guests and unfold with a diverse and timeless brand of rock.

The thick guitar of “Watching The Freak Parade” starts with Udell’s smooth pipes alongside the many instruments he plays, and “It’s Beginning To Look Like Rain” follows with a calmer pace, where Jackie Niebylski’s fluid bass and Dominic Schaeffer’s well timed keys add much to the melodic climate.

“Our River” occupies the middle spot and carries a dreamy aspect amid the crunchy rock, while “Made My Peace” welcomes Mike Long’s drums, Jack Spanin’ clavinet and Tracy Wynkoops bass to the rich and textured album highlight.

The final 2 tracks, “Unexplored Expanses” and “It’s Worth It”, don’t disappoint either. The former is a bit spacey, where Carolyn Udell’s voice and Walter Whitney’s synth add mystery, and the latter recruits Margaret Bianchetta’s gorgeous pipes to the intimate and thoughtful exit.

Somewhere between prog-rock, art-rock and psychedelic and indie sounds, Udell cut his teeth in the St. Louis ‘80s outfit Wax Theatricks, and he proves here that his work is still relevant, exciting and memorable.

Travels well with: Tom Salvatori- La Bella Vita; Tim Solook- Changed Lives

JP Soars

Brick By Brick

Little Village, 2024

9/10

Listen to Brick By Brick

The blues and roots luminary JP Soars makes a large impression with this first album on the Little Village label, where contributions from Anne Harris, Terry Hanck, Rockin’ Jake, Annika Chambers and Paul DesLauries won’t go unnoticed.

The rugged and melodic title track starts the listen with Soars’ thick guitar and Raul D Hernandez’s lively percussion hitting hard and memorably, and “Jezebel” follows with plenty of rhythm that welcomes Chris Peet’s playful bass adding much to the infectious climate.

Closer the middle, Harris’ lively fiddle populates the dance floor delivery of “Can’t Keep Her Off My Mind”, while “The Good Lord Will Provide” benefits much from Soars’ gritty pipes and meticulous guitar playing amid much breeziness.

Near to the end, the swirling banjo and Rockin’ Jake Jacobs’ spirited harmonica make for an adventurous instrumental, and the upbeat exit, “Down By The Water”, will get your body moving thanks to Jeremy Staska’s colorful percussion and the rhythmic interplay.

Soars plays guitars, dobro, bass, lap steel, two string cigar box guitar, merlin stick dulcimer and jaw harp and sings with an inimitable delivery which embraces gypsy jazz, country, Latin rock and metal ideas. It makes every track unpredictable, memorable and some of today’s best blues-rock.

Travels well with: The Dig 3- Damn The Rent; Memphissippi Sounds- Welcome To The Land

By Aim

The Remedy

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Remedy

A Sweden based outfit who take influenced from artists like Led Zeppelin or even Green Day, By Aim pack a lot of punch and melody into this energetic sophomore album.

After a thundering and riff heavy start with the anthemic and melodic rock of “Some Kind Of Voodoo”, “Carry Me Home” brings plenty of charged rhythm to an immediately memorable, arena friendly rocker.

Further along, “Man On The Edge” uses precise, swirling guitars for one of the album’s best, while the percussive heavy “Minus M” recruits a hypnotic formula for a quieter outing that’s no less impactful.

Near the end, “Together Apart” takes nod to ‘90s alt-rock with great results, and “Louder Than Reggae” ends the listen with a throbbing, powerful conclusion where backing vocals and attention to mood illuminate the exit.

A well recorded listen that finds a nice place to reside between raw and polished, The Remedy is an infectious affair that all fans of rock from any decade since the ‘70s will find irresistible.

Travels well with: Foo Fighters- One By One; Millencolin- Home From Home