Rags Rosenberg

Song Of The Bricoleur

Coyote Gulch, 2025

9/10

Listen to Song Of The Bricoleur

The California singer-songwriter Rags Rosenberg pens tunes about the uncertainty of modern life and the dissipation of old traditions across these 12 tracks that welcome a lot of guests.

The protest song, “Bullfrongs”, opens with Rosenberg’s cozy guitar and poetic voice that’s surrounded by soft drums and warm pedal steel, and “California Bound” follows with a dusty ballad that benefits from vivid storytelling.

In the middle, the mature piano suits the eloquent singing of “Flower Time”, while “Smokey Joe’s” touches on the blues and injects accordion and harmonica to the spoken word.

Approaching the exit, “These Bones” gets a bit spacey with manipulated vocals and graceful strings via the mysterious landscape, and “The Code” exits with beat poetry about the monetization of today’s life and technological slavery which recruits light bass and snare.

An album of Folk and Americana ideas that embraces a wise resistance and tales of flawed systems, Rosenberg pens songs for the dreamers, the iconoclasts and drifters who appreciate the art of names like Waits, Cohen and Prine.

Travels well with: Diane King- Sky; Suzie Brown- Songs Worth Saving

We Are Scientists

Qualifying Miles

Groenland, 2025

9/10

Listen to Qualifying Miles

The New York indie-rockers We Are Scientists are back with a 9th album, and it has the founding members, Keith Murray and Chris Cain, stripping back their approach to a ‘band in a room’ aesthetic where the infectious songwriting and personal wordplay is still very much intact.

“A Prelude To What?” opens the listen with strong attention to mood via the radiant guitar before Keith Carne’s thumping drums enter the haze, and “Starry-Eyed” follows with Cain’s animated bass that suits Murray’s rich vocals, as the setting turns a bit more muscular.

Residing halfway through, the busy and buzzing “Please Don’t Say It” brings rhythm and melody into bright delivery, while “What You Want Is Gone” swirls with an infectious energy thanks to the lively rhythm section and Murray’s searing guitar.

Getting close to the end, “I Already Hate This” comes with some pop fueled bouts amid Sean McVerry’s well timed saxophone, and “Promise Me” exits with a slight jangle that surrounds the textured and harmonic indie-rock.

Few bands in indie-rock have enjoyed careers as long or consistently great as We Are Scientists, and these ‘90s guitar rock tinted tunes prove that 2+ decades into their existence they are still very much ahead of the pack.

Travels well with: Wonderly- Wolves; The Cranberries- To The Faithfully Departed

The Cranberries

No Need To Argue

UMe, 2025

9/10

Listen to No Need To Argue

It’s been just over 30 years since The Cranberries seemingly became everyone’s favorite band overnight with their 1994 album, No Need To Argue. To celebrate the anniversary, this CD edition comes with 6 bonus tracks to accompany the remastered audio.

“Ode To My Family” opens with O’Riordan’s gentle yodeling/keening that leads into heartfelt singing alongside Noel Hogan’s soft guitar, and “I Can’t Be With You” follows with Fergal Lawler’s scrappy drumming that suits the flowing and crisp alt-rock.

Moving into the middle of the original, O’Riordan’s calm keys start the mesmerizing climate of “Empty” that welcomes strings, while “The Icicle Melts” relies on acoustic guitar and Mike Hogan’s skilled bass amid O’Riordan’s layered vocals.

Getting close to the end, the dreamy spirit of “Yeats’ Grave” builds into a rich and more rugged album highlight that uses spoken word, too, and “No Need To Argue” exits with a breathy and intimate moment of reflection.

Of the bonus material, the demo version of “Zombie” gives us another angle of their smash hit, and “Ridiculous Thoughts”, a live cut from Woodstock ‘94, shows us how great O’Riordan’s voice sounds live, and band delivers with a tight and memorable performance, too.

I was actually gifted a copy of this album in ‘95 and was only familiar with “Zombie” at the time. I was pleasantly surprised at how many other great songs were present, and that sentiment is still true. There’s many variations of this reissue available and with different bonus material. For the diehard fans, this is a must, and there’s more reissues from The Cranberries on the horizon.

Travels well with: The Cranberries- To The Faithfully Departed; The Cranberries- In The End

The Mighty Rootsmen

The Mighty Rootsmen

Bulletproof, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Mighty Rootmen

You might be familiar with many of the songs here, but The Mighty Rootsmen turn the rock and pop classics into reggae fueled interpretations that were fleshed out in 2009-2010.

The rich and rhythmic “I Won’t Back Down” opens with Sly Dunbar’s well timed drums alongside soulful backing vocals, and “Love The One You’re With” follows with an upbeat mood, as Robbie Shakespeare’s playful bass suits the animated horns.

“Take It Easy” occupies the middle spot and makes great use of Mikey ‘Mao’ Chung’s warm guitar via the laid back mood, while “Drift Away” benefits from Uzziah ‘Sticky’ Thompson’s playful percussion and Dan Petty’s meticulous guitar for the album’s best.

Arriving close to the end, “Don’t Stop” comes with some funk influence amid the animated guitar and gritty vocals, and “Come And Get It” exits with an infectious energy that invites singing-along and will get your body moving, too.

Vocals are provided by Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Mykal Rose and Luciano, and they help make for the reggae, dub and roots sensibilities that put a very fun spin on well known tunes. Many of the players on the album have since passed away, and this honors their legacies with rhythm, soul and the universal, uplifting nature of reggae.

Travels well with: The Kingston Lions- The Kingston Lions; Bob Marley- Uprising

Laveda

Love, Darla

Bar/None, 2025

10/10

Listen to Love, Darla

If noise-rock, shoegaze sounds and bands like Sonic Youth or Blonde Redhead perk your ears up, well, you might want to acquaint yourself with the NYC quartet Laveda, whose 10 songs draw parallels to the noise and static of city life.

“Care” opens the listen with dissonance before the scrappy drumming from Joe Taurone enters the jagged and raw alt-rock that can retreat to calm, and “Cellphone” follows with bouncy bass and front woman Ali Genevich’s expressive pipes amid some post-punk flavor.

In the middle, “Strawberry” buzzes and swirls with a pounding yet melodic backdrop, while “Heaven” is a softer moment thanks to the pretty singing, floating harmonics and occasional gritty bouts.

Residing close to the end, “Bonehead” touches on dream-pop via its infectious energy and mesmerizing atmosphere, and “Lullaby” exits with an indeed intimate demeanor that’s radiant, a bit grungy at times and builds into an ebullient finish.

The multi-instrumentalists Genevich and Jacob Brooks started Laveda in 2018, and this is their 3rd album. In addition to Taurone’s drums, Dan Carr handles guitar and bass, and together they flesh out a masterpiece in the area of alt-rock, grunge, dream-pop and shoegaze that warrants a place in your collection.

Travels well with: Yellowjackets; The Ocean Blue- Davy Jones’ Locker

Wesley Hanna

Magnolia

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Magnolia

An effort that draws inspiration from his Texas roots, Wesley Hanna brings many guests to these heartfelt and sincere 11 tracks.

“Gulf Prairie Blues” opens with some cozy twang, as Hanna’s warm voice guides Cody Braun’s graceful fiddle, and “Life In Three Quarter Time” follows with a breezy mood via Pat Manske’s light drums and Courtney Patton’s harmony vocals.

The title track lands in the middle and benefits from Stacie Hanna’s well timed bass amid the poetic singing, while the lush “Unkept Leather” enlists Michael Durkan’s meticulous fiddle and Conrad Chouchron’s punchy drums for the album’s best.

Arriving close to the end, the romantic spirit of “Forever Kind Of Love” is an appreciative and upbeat moment, and “Magnolia (Charlie’s Version)” exits with Riley Gilbreath’s harmony vocals and fluid banjo complementing Hanna’s timeless and organic formula.

A nostalgic effort that tips it hat to names like Rodney Crowell, Adam Carroll and Clint Black, Hanna touches on plenty of timeless country ideas, and his execution is nothing if not authentic.

Travels well with: Fox Run Five- Holding Out Hope; Marty Cooper- American Portraits

The Kingston Lions

The Kingston Lions

Bulletproof, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Kingston Lions

This debut from Jamaica’s The Kingston Lions reinvents classics from the Jamaican songbook, where the supergroup welcomes a couple of guest vocal spots, too.

“Rudy, A Message To You” starts the listen with Mikey "Mao" Chung’s warm guitar alongside the harmonic voices for the timeless tune, and “Young Gifted And Black” follows with upbeat keys and no lack of rhythm surrounding the smooth delivery.

Deeper into the record, Nick Hexum (311) lends his pipes to the hazy “Armagideon Time”, while “Johnny Too Bad” benefits from Boris Gardiner’s frisky bass lines amid the soulful backing vocals.

Moving along, “War Ina Babylon” welcomes Dave Wakeling’s (The Beat, General Public) singing to the calming and laid back grooves, and “Girl, I’ve Got A Date” exits with Mikey "Boo" Richards’ skilled drums mixed in with the sing-alongs and romantic mood.

An excellent first album, if you enjoy reggae, dub, ska and roots sounds any shape or form, you’re going to love The Kingston Lions.

Travels well with: Bob Marley- Uprising; The Slackers- Kill You

The Far West

Everything We Thought We Wanted

Blackbird, 2025

9/10

Listen to Everything We Thought We Wanted

The Los Angeles outfit The Far West are back with a 3rd album, and it explores hope, heartbreak, memory and survival via their diverse formula.

The swift and melodic “See For Yourself” opens with Lee Briante’s rhythm guitar and vocals guiding the upbeat mood and Michael Whiteside’s glowing keys, and “Joshua Tree” follows with a calmer atmosphere, where Aaron Bakker’s warm acoustic guitar suits the expressive storytelling and intimate climate.

Further along, “Soft Place To Land” is strong on ambience thanks to hazy guitar and Brian Bachman’s strategic drumming, while “Happy Now” benefits from a punchy and playful spirit courtesy of Robert Black’s frisky bass amid the energetic and rootsy appeal.

Landing close to the end, “Better Days” recruits well timed harmonica that complements the grooves and R&B nods, and “Over The Hill” exits rich, intimate and even flirts with twang.

A sonically eclectic outing that can bring to mind Wilco, Grandaddy, ELO or John Prine, the legendary Dave Alvin even plays on this excellent record that borrows from folk, country, soul, psych and ‘70s rock.

Travels well with: KP Hawthorn- Til The Glitter End; Shane Alexander- Forever Songs

Robert Stoner

American Dream

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to American Dream

The California singer-songwriter Robert Stoner is joined by his long running musical partner and producer Ben Bernstein for these timeless 12 folk songs.

The cozy mood of “The Lady Spoke” opens with Bernstein’s warm keys amid Stoner’s expressive and poetic singing in a very dreamy climate, and “Don’t Know What I Know” follows with Stoner’s meticulous guitar radiating much melody alongside bright storytelling.

Moving into the middle, “Silent Message” welcomes Lily Stoner’s well placed backing vocals via the emotive landscape, while “Walk On Down” benefits from Bernstein’s crisp drumming as a retro folk-rock spirit enters.

“Long Way Down” and “Left For Dead” exit the listen. The former carries a hint of mystery that suits the harmony vocals, and the latter showcases Stoner’s eloquent pipes that are met with soft gestures.

A highly relevant and relatable effort that can occasionally get into more firm areas of rock, Stoner has a PHD in economics, but that doesn’t enter his insightful observations on life, politics and relationships.

Travels well with: Fox Run Five- Holding Out Hope; Ryan David Green- Off And Running

Various Artists

Long Journey Home- A Century After The 1925 Mountain City Fiddlers Convention

Appalsongs, 2025

9/10

Listen to Long Journey Home- A Century After The 1925 Mountain City Fiddlers Convention

An all star line-up comes together for these songs that originated in 1925 at a legendary fiddlers’ convention in Mountain City, Tennessee.

The raw recording of “Cumberland Gap” opens with Stuart Duncan’s playful fiddle guiding the old time fun, and “I’ve Always Been A Rambler” follows with Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor working together for the rich and rootsy flavor.

Further along, Jake Blount’s meticulous banjo and expressive pipes appear on “House Carpenter”, while “Cuckoo” enlists John McCutcheon’s always impressive playing and inimitable vocals .

Getting close to the end, “Boatin’ Up Sandy” uses the Earl White Stringband for the textured bluegrass, and “Forked Deer” exits with Becky Buller’s animated fiddle guiding the flowing melodies and timeless delivery.

All the artists are donating all profits of this album to the Arts Center in Mountain City, and though a hundred years have passed and the world is vastly different, the southern music still sounds great a century later.

Travels well with: John McCutcheon- Field Of Stars; Ketch Secor- Story The Crow Told Me

Fox Run Five

Holding Out Hope

Self-Released, 2025

10/10

Listen to Holding Out Hope

The project of a few touring multi-instrumentalists who got together once a year at the Fox Fun studio in Boston, Neale Eckstein, Jagoda, Matt Nakoa, Tom Prasada-Rao and Eric Schwartz flesh out 2 discs of eclectic, memorable and wise songs.

“A Villanelle For Angeline” opens with cozy acoustic guitar and powerful singing that’s heartfelt, and it isn’t long until “Take Your Time” showcases Jagoda’s fluid drumming in a soulful climate that’s got grooves.

Further along, “Let There Be Light” allows for the playful bass and crisp drumming to complement the retro mood, while “It’s Alright To Be Wrong” is an intimate moment of poetic songwriting that benefits from well timed keys, melodic guitars and sage-like storytelling that’s so well done, it alone is worth the price of admission.

Disc 2 is full of thoughtful songs, too, including the dreamy spirit of “I’ve Got Faith In You”, as well as the classic rock tinted “Paradise”. “Don’t Wait” exits, and it carries a lullaby-esque mood that tugs on the heartstrings.

Very tragically, Prasada-Rao passed away in 2024 from cancer. Despite how ill he had become, he continued to write, and a song is included here that he played on just 3 weeks before he passed.

Every tune here is a work of beauty, and anyone who listens will benefit in body, soul and mind.

Travels well with: Megan Bee- Fiction; Jubal Lee Young- Squirrels

Jaelee Roberts

Let Me Be Lonely

Mountain Home, 2025

8/10

Listen to Let Me Be Lonely

The International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year, Jaelee Roberts, returns with 10 new tracks, where bluegrass, classic country and old-time rock and roll ideas surround the authentic listen.

The heartfelt “Between The Two Of Us” opens with Roberts’ pretty voice alongside Andy Leftwich’s flowing mandolin, and “Love Gone Missing” follows with warm acoustic guitar and Stuart Duncan’s well timed fiddle that suit the emotive presence.

“Looking For Yourself” and “He’s Gone” arrive in the middle. The former is full of swift picking that emits a timeless bluegrass spirit, while the latter recruits many backing vocals and Ron Block’s playful banjo for the gospel spirit.

Nearing the end, “Cry In The Rain” offers an intimate moment of poetic beauty thanks to Roberts’ stirring voice, and “Heavy As A Stone In Her Heart” exits with dreaminess and eloquence amid John Gardner’s light percussion and the soft strings.

Although she’s just in her early 20’s, Roberts delivers like a seasoned vet and her backing band make for a diverse set of originals and covers that are full of heart.

Travels well with: Sister Sadie- All Will Be Well; Jaelee Roberts- Something You Didn’t Count On

Friction Farm

Stone By Stone

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Stone By Stone

The modern folk duo Friction Farm, which is spearheaded by Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, treat us to 10 thoughtful tracks that welcome Annie Wenz, Pete LeVine, Todd Hoke and Siobhan Quinn.

“Louder Than Guns” opens with warm acoustic strumming alongside Aidan and Christine’s vocal harmonies and LeVine’s flowing keys, and “Stone By Stone” follows with Christine handling bass amid Aidan’s guitar for a more firm approach that surrounds war.

In the middle, “Spread A Little Sunshine” recruits Annie Wenz’s percussion to complement the eloquent singing and melodic guitars, while “Tyler And Peggy” enlists Richard Brock’s well timed harmonica and Mark Goldberg’s frisky percussion via the colorful album highlight.

“American Dream” and “Everything Will Be Alright” exit the listen. The former is a duo setting where the American Dream is dissected for what it really is, and the latter emits much beauty thanks to the heartfelt singing, pretty keys and gentle percussion.

An observational effort that tackles anthems and ballads with a sage like quality, Friction Farm’s brand of folk-rock is timeless, topical, harmonic and sometimes even humorous.

Travels well with: Siobhán O’Brien- You Can’t Run Out Of Love; Kate McDonnell- Trapeze

George Coleman

George Coleman With Strings

High Note, 2025

9/10

Listen to George Coleman With Strings

The tenor sax wizard George Coleman is in some fine company for these 7 tracks with strings that were recorded in 2022.

The rich and cozy spirit of “Dedicated To You” opens with Coleman’s stirring sax amid elegant strings and Joe Farnsworth’s light drumming, and “Moment To Moment” follows with plenty of rhythm thanks to Café Da Silva’s percussion and David Hazeltine’s sophisticated keys.

“Stella By Starlight” and “A Time For Love” land in the middle. The former enlists John Webber’s precisely plucked bass alongside the soulful sax and sweeping strings, while the latter offers a romantic mood via the meticulous wind and frisky rhythm section.

“Ugly Beauty” is the last tune before a couple of alternate versions, and it’s a spirited take on a Thelonious Monk original in a ballad friendly and atmospheric setting, which is followed by full orchestra intros to both “A Time For Love” and “Ugly Beauty”.

Coleman has done just everything a musician can do in their career, and has inspired legions of other saxophonists along the way. This 20th album proves that, even at 90 years old, he’s able to bring new ideas into his craft, where the addition of strings makes this first rate jazz even more appealing.

Travels well with: Mark Winkler- Hold On; Jim Self- My America 3: My Country

Sister Sadie

All Will Be Well

Mountain Home, 2025

9/10

Listen to All Will Be Well

The Grammy nominated outfit, Sister Sadie, return with a bluegrass meets ‘90s country effort, where the sounds are musically collaborative and the lyrical themes substantial.

The hazy and textured “Winnebago” start with Rainey Miatke’s warm mandolin complementing Jaelee Roberts’ expressive voice, and “I Wish It Would Rain” follows with Dani Flowers’ cozy guitar amid flowing vocal harmonies and punchy drums.

The title track lands in the middle and emits quick bluegrass rock that benefits from Gena Britt’s swift banjo, while “Do What You Want” resides in country territory via Deanie Richardson’s meticulous fiddle and Maddie Dalton’s playful bass.

Further still, the distinct mood of “Orphan Train” comes with a darker spirit that’s busy and mysterious, and “Can’t Let Go Of Your Love” carries an infectious energy, where each player’s talents are present in spades.

The ladies in Sister Sadie have exceptional resumes, and their combined strengths make this an exceptional 2nd album from a bluegrass sextet everyone should be familiar with.

Travels well with: Sister Sadie- II; Fireside Collective- Across The Divide

Unspoken Tradition

Resilience

Mountain Home, 2025

9/10

Listen to Resilience

The North Carolina quintet Unspoken Tradition bring their revered, bluegrass ways to these 7 tracks that includes songs recorded and released over several years and that carry much meaning for the outfit.

“Weary Town” opens with Audie McGinnis’ warm vocals and gentle acoustic guitar, as Tim Gardner’s moody fiddle enters the emotive climate, and “I’m In A Hurry (And I Don’t Know Why)” follows the flowing harmony vocals amid Zane McGinnis’ playful banjo.

Landing in the middle, the melodic “Georgia In Her Eyes” benefits from Sav Sankaran’s animated bass playing, while “I’ll Break Out Again Tonight” welcomes Danny Paisley’s inimitable pipes to the intimate moment of heartfelt songwriting.

“Katie And Burl” and “Moments” exit the listen. The former spotlights Ty Gilpin’s swift mandolin amid the soothing vocals, and the latter allows for all the player’s talents to radiate timeless and authentic bluegrass ideas.

Many of the tracks here have already been well received singles and it’s easy to see why; Unspoken Tradition’s sense of history and culture is weaved into these meticulous and memorable songs.

Travels well with: Benson- Pick Your Poison; Ashby Frank- Leaving Is Believing

Megan Bee

Fiction

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Fiction

The Ohio artist, Megan Bee, pens 10 soft and sincere songs that embrace Americana and folk ideas, plus some artistic moments, where John Borchard, Kate Wakefield, Chris Justice and Ammed Solomon, plus others, accompany her.

“Sweeter Things” opens with Bee’s warm voice alongside Solomon’s light drumming amid much emotion, and “Deepest Blue” follows with Ruby’s stirring fiddle that suits the poetic singing and stirring intimacy.

The middle spot belongs to “Part Of The Mystery”, where Bee’s gentle keys and Caitlin Kraus’ elegant vocals add much to the dreamy landscape, while “Certainty” recruits Justice’s cozy bass and Borchard’s aching pedal steel that radiates a heartfelt mood.

“Soft Place To Land” and “Wait For Me” exit the listen. The former is a lush and bare moment of sublime beauty, and the latter focuses on piano and Bee’s vivid wordplay that’s hushed but does pick up steam towards the ebullient finish.

An effort that emphasizes enjoying the sweetness of life, Bee’s delivery is authentic and relatable, where an often minimal approach is key to her engaging song craft.

Travels well with: Alison Tucker- Where You Used To Be; Susan Anders- Now I’m A Kite

Blood Brothers

Help Yourself

Gulf Coast, 2025

9/10

Listen to Help Yourself

In the area of modern blues, it doesn’t get much better than Blood Brothers, i.e. Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, who are back with their signature blues, soul and rock thanks to these 10 tracks.

The rhythmic and powerful title track opens with Zito and Castiglia’s dense guitars alongside Scot Sutherland’s flowing bass lines, and “Can’t Be A Prophet” follows with Lewis Stephens’ well timed keys interacting with the hard hitting rhythm section.

The middle spot belongs to “Low Down”, where swirling guitars and thumping drums complement the sing-alongs, while “The Best I Can” emits plenty of soul via the heartfelt delivery.

“Running Out Of Time” and “Do What You Gotta” exit the listen. The former is a thick and gritty blues rocker that’s got plenty of rawness, and the latter blends the keys, guitars and drums into a fiery delivery that parallels the animated presence of their live shows.

If your ears enjoy anything blues related from any era, you’re not going to be disappointed with Blood Brothers, whose modern approach and authentic and passionate performance is nothing short of stunning.

Travels well with: Blood Brothers- Live In Canada; Mike Zito- Life Is Hard

Elliott Grabill/Civitasolis Reed Quintet

Heroes And Villains- Travilah

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Heroes And Villains- Travilah

This first album from the Baltimore composer Elliott Grabill enlists the Civitasolis Reed Quintet for 2 works that take inspiration from his home state, where both U.S. American politics and the landscape of Maryland are lyrical themes.

Heroes And Villains occupies the first 5 selections, and blends Amy Humberd’s playful clarinet with Luis Gallo Quinteo’s moody oboe, as both tension and grace enter the dynamic climate. In the middle, “Jeering Song” is particularly luminous thanks to Alexandra Castro’s bassoon which makes an impression, and “Elegy” exits this portion with a cautious and introspective interaction between the players.

The last 4 chapters belong to Travilah. The title track leads this section with Ryan Pereira’s cozy bass clarinet amid the rich wind presence, and later on “Violette’s Lock” emits a distinct, harmonic angle that’s heartfelt. “Preakness” exits, and makes great use of Beth King Bennett’s animated sax that suits the vibrant and expressive musicianship.

A debut of contrasting themes, the sordid nature of politics versus the sprawling beauty of Maryland are met with a charming neo-classical vision that embraces sonata-allegro form, post-romantic nods and much creativity and sincerity.

Travels well with: Beth Levin- Blackbirds & Ancestors; Daniel Gall- Exit Paradise

The Spider Hole

To The Monsters

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to To The Monsters

A Phoenix outfit who have been plugging away since the late ‘90s, The Spider Hole carry influences as vast as Tom Waits, Primus and Frank Zappa, and birth a highly unusual and eclectic version of alt-rock where each song here is about a different monster.

“Werewolf Biker Bastard (From Shit-Town, AZ)” starts the album with some gothic desert sounds and gravelly vocals in a dusty, hazy setting that builds into some version of rockabilly, and “Still Draw Breath” follows with a variation of alt-rock that’s charged and quite unusual yet enticing.

Further along, “Rock, Your Body” soars with a great balance of power and melody, while “Chomp-Chomp” recruits a dramatic atmosphere of biting vocals and playful instrumentation.

The back half of the album is equally interesting, with the nearly cinematic “Devil By A Nail” and the driving, visceral “The Leviathan Stomp”. The album ends on “Night Of The Nighty-Night Slasher (‘84 Demo)”, which starts out like a soundtrack to a slasher film, before finding a thundering groove of crashing percussion and thriving energy.

Often reminding us of an aberrant version of Calexico on steroids, this 3rd album even comes with a graphic novel that suits the meticulous, unpredictable and unique approach to the ominous formula of The Spider Hole perfectly.

Travels well with: Siouxsie And The Banshees- Peepshow; Pixies- Doolittle