Spike Jones And His Band That Plays For Fun

Spike Jones In Stereo

Omnivore, 2025

9/10

Listen to Spike Jones In Stereo

Originally recorded in 1959, this spooky effort from Spike Jones and company saw them scoring this live like a movie that gave monsters a voice with plenty of unpredictable fun.

“I Only Have Eyes For You” opens with vocals by Dracula and Vampira in the conversational versus singing moments amid soft background noises and instruments, and “Poisen To Poisen” follows with an interview with a Famous Poisenality that adds much to the eerie setting.

Frankenstein makes an appearance in the middle, where “Everything Happens To Me” brings keys and light drums into the storytelling, while “Monster Movie Ball” recruits singing from the Fiend-Ager via the retro rock’n’roll that will get everyone on the dance floor.

Deeper still, the quick and busy “My Old Flame” enlists I.M. Arson’s pipes alongside the sound of sirens before the creepy story is told, and “Spooktacular Finale” exits with The Entire Ghastly Cast contributing vocals that pause to allow for lively brass and plenty of novelty noises, something Jones built his career on.

This highly creative record is newly remastered, available on LP for the first time in nearly 50 years, and also on CD. Jones influenced legends like Dr. Demento and “Weird Al” Yankovic, and it’s pretty clear after spending any time with his work that there are few artists as innovative as him.

Travels well with: Memphis Slim- Memphis Slim U.S.A.; Vince Guaraldi- Oh, Good Grief!

Bonnie & The Mere Mortals

Take Me To The Moon

First City Artists, 2025

9/10

Listen to Take Me To The Moon

The Pittsburgh outfit Bonnie & The Mere Mortals make their own kind of country rock, where nods to Dolly Parton, David Bowie, and The Cure are appreciated across these 11 songs.

The very unique mood of “Wildfires” starts with Andrew Roulston’s frisky drumming and Bonnie’s expressive voice that somehow brings country and shoegaze together, and “Evaline” follows with a soft ambience thanks to the heartfelt singing that builds into a hazy delivery.

“It’s All Fine” arrives in the middle and uses buzzing synth and plenty of cautiousness via the emotive duet, while “Fade Into You” offers a really fun take on the Mazzy Star hit that enlists Matt Elias’ meticulous guitar.

Closer to the end, the frisky energy of “Kindred Spirits” gets a bit busy in a rhythmic fashion that makes great use of Jill Storm’s bass, and “Dreams” exits with another cover, and this time it’s a warm and adventurous spin on The Cranberries’ ‘92 single.

A very distinct sophomore studio album that balances Americana, goth, ‘90s rock and folk moments, Bonnie and her band use both digital and analog ideas that will appeal to punks. blue collar populations and cowboys.

Travels well with: Lila Blue- Sweet Pea; Zack Keim- Battery Lane

I Musici Gemelli

The Art Of The Duo

Hunnia, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Art Of The Duo

A live album that explores the evolution of chamber music for violin in the 18th century, Francesco Pio Bertozzi and Giuseppe Pio Bertozzi, i.e. I Musici Gemelli, come together for 5 meticulous and timeless selections.

“Duo Concertante No. 2, Op. 29”, by G.B. Viotti, opens the listen with string interaction that emits much grace and adventurousness across the 3 segments, and “Duo Concertante No. 3”, also by Viotti, follows with a heartfelt and elegant delivery of meticulous string prowess.

In the middle, “Duo No. 6, Op. 14” tugs on the heartstrings thanks to B. Campagnoli’s emotive vision, while “Duo for Two Violins” spotlights tremendous and intricate playing that’s sublime and captivating via the F. Geminiani selection.

The last tune, “Suite for Two Violins, "Gulliver's Travels"“, is a more animated moment, as the pair illustrate a rare and exciting chemistry.

The sound quality here is excellent, and the execution flawless. The focus on Italian composers is much appreciated, and the never recorded sonata by Geminiani alone is worth the price of admission, especially for those with an ear for classical sounds.

Travels well with: Miró Quartet/Kiera Duffy- Ginastera String Quartets; Nathan Davis- Earthworks

Irving Flores

Armando Mi Conga

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Armando Mi Conga

The pianist, composer and arranger Irving Flores celebrates Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban jazz with these cultured 9 tracks that recruit an all star cast.

The title track opens with Giovani Hidalgo’s lively congas alongside Brian Lynch’s animated trumpet and Flores’ meticulous keys in the swift climate, and “Gary En Nanchital” follows Norbert Stachel’s rich clarinet that adds much to the melodic delivery.

Closer to the middle, “Tramonto a Massa Lubrense” enlists Flores’ mesmerizing piano amid John Benitez’s graceful bass via the intimate 9+ minutes, while “Music en La Calle” is a frisky album highlight that benefits from Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernandez’s drumming acrobatics and Flores fast fingers.

Residing near the end, “Dana Point” has Stachel handling baritone sax in a textured and flowing bout of worldly jazz flavor, and “With Amanda in Favignana (Solo Piano)” exits with Flores’ inimitable playing that’s heartfelt and touching.

An album that surrounds migration, nostalgia, love and cultural roots, Flores and company flesh out a love letter to Latin America that’s enlightening and very enjoyable.

Travels well with: Conrad Herwig- Reflections-Facing South; Rafael Zalvidar- Rumba

Mud Morganfield

Deep Mud

Nola Blue, 2025

9/10

Listen to Deep Mud

The son of the legend Muddy Waters and an esteemed artist in his own right, Mud Morganfield brings his inimitable pipes and bass playing to these 14 authentic blues tracks.

The animated and rhythmic “Bring Me My Whiskey” opens with Morganfield’s soulful pipes alongside Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi’s lively keys and Rick Kreher’s flowing guitar, and “Big Frame Woman” follows with E.G. McDaniel’s playful bass that suits the expressive singing and Melvin ‘Pooky Styx’ Carlisle’s snappy drumming.

Further along, “Ernestine” recruits Studebaker John’s spirited harmonica that complements the dense grooves, while “Cosigner Man” places Roosevelt Purifoy on organ and Felicia Collins on backgrounds via the melodic and dance floor ready sounds.

Moving closer to the end, “Country Boy” enlists Rodrigo Mantovani’s skilled upright bass amid Morganfield’s vivid storytelling and the timeless blues, and “A Dream Walking” exits with Jacole Avent’s powerful backing vocals that contribute much to the gospel nods.

An effort that is rooted in respect and love, Morganfield’s execution is forthright and raw, and the top notch players further solidify this is as must for fans of Chicago Blues.

Travels well with: Mud Morganfield- Portrait; Johnnie Johnson- I’m Just Johnnie

Dana's Music Playground

Wonder FULL

Music Playground, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wonder FULL

The veteran artist and pioneer in the area of children’s music, Dana Cohenour, pens an album where each song poses a question that triggers the curiosity of youngsters.

The bright spirit of “WHY WHAT WHERE WHO” starts with Dana’s uplifting voice surrounded by backing vocals, warm guitar and playful drums, and “WHICH (One Will I Choose)” follows with a rock focused bout that uses thumping drums and thick guitar that’s contagious.

In the middle is where “WHAT (Can We Do)” lands and it emits a dance floor ready mood that’s beat driven, while the title track enlists cozy piano and well timed backing vocals which invites singing-along.

Landing close to the end, “WHERE (Can It Be)” benefits from mandolin and fiddle via the frisky and contagious album highlight, and “ANSWERS (Will Come)” exits with a lush and dreamy moment thanks to the lively bass and colorful keys that complement Dana’s elegant pipes.

This is Dana’s 8th album, and it celebrates the fertile minds of children via the diverse and really fun songs that are humorous, heartfelt and meaningful.

Travels well with: Musica Sierra- Garden; Debi Derryberry- Go To Sleep

The Cowsills

The ‘Cocaine Drain’ Album

Omnivore, 2025

10/10

Listen to The ‘Cocaine Drain’ Album

Although these tracks were recorded in 1978, the masters ended up disappearing, as did a major label deal for The Cowsills, and they’ve remained in obscurity until now.

The title track starts with Susan Cowsill’s stunning voice that guides the psychedelic fueled ideas that recruits soulful backing vocals, and “Give Me A Chance” follows with John Cowsill’s thumping drums and Bob Cowsill’s radiant guitar amid some grit and expressive harmonies.

Further along, “I Will Always” benefits from Paul Cowsill’s playful bass alongside Billy Payne’s dreamy keys, while “Gettin’ Ready” is full of breezy melodies and a sunny disposition that invites singing along.

“Part Of Me” and “Dance In A Dream” exits this portion. The former enlists Buzz Feiten’s meticulous guitar that suits Susan’s heartfelt pipes, and the latter is a scrappy retro rocker that makes great use of buzzing keys and the punchy rhythm section.

Of the 5 bonus tunes, “Couldn’t It Be Love?” swirls with an infectious, nostalgic energy that’s raw and tuneful, and “Say You Love Me” is a sweet, anthemic pop-rocker that lingers long after the music stops.

The Cowsills would of course reach legendary status, going from a pop-rock vocal group to pioneers in the area of alt-rock/Americana. These tracks are restored and remastered by multiple Grammy-winning engineer Michael Graves, and he gives the album a vibrant and urgent appeal that sure sounds great all these decades later.

Travels well with: The Cowsills- Global; The Cowsills- Rhythm Of The World

Saint Pierre

Luck And Gravity

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Luck And Gravity

The husband-and-wife duo of Danny and Julia St. Pierre pen their first album of original music together, where rock and Americana unfold via songs about second chances.

The driving pace and retro flavor of “What You’d Said” starts with Julia’s flowing vocals alongside Scott Babcock’s thumping drums and Danny’s melodic guitar, and “Fine Ride West” follows with Julia’s well timed keys and Ed Tree’s playful bass that suits the rootsy, harmonic delivery.

Moving into the middle, the warm acoustic guitar of “Love Who You Love” offers an intimate and cozy moment, while “All I Ever Wanted” makes great use of the breezy rhythm section and radiant guitar amid the romantic wordplay.

Making our way towards the ends, the gritty and energetic rock of “Coming Around” allows for Danny’s pipe to shine, and “Keeping Me Alive” exits with a fluid duet that spotlights all 4 player’s talents across the timeless and textured Americana.

The pair, who were married in 1990, divorced, and then got remarried in 2017, take inspiration from their Texas roots and embrace country and classic rock ideas with no lack of hooks or relatable song craft.

Travels well with: Laura Benitez And The Heartache- California Centuries; Susan Anders- Now I’m A Kite

Reena Esmail

Exaltations

Acis, 2025

8/10

Listen to Exaltations

The composer Reena Esmail pens 3 selections for double choir and brass quintet, where 5 musicians and 3 soloists are present for the pieces that fit between the works of Gabrieli and Bruckner.

“Hossana” opens with the rich trumpets from Daniel Taubenheim and Kristopher Westrich alongside the group vocals that surround the dynamic and ambient delivery.

In the middle, “Alleluia” swirls with a radiant energy via the soft versus busy bouts that make great use of Mark Hughes’ French horn, while “Gloria” exits with a lively energy that blends the voices amid textured brass and meticulous songwriting.

The soloists include Katelyn Grace Jackson (soprano), Matthew Newhouse (tenor) and Aryssa Leigh Burrs (mezzo). Austin Westjohn contributes trombone and Zach Bridges handles tuba. Together, they flesh out Esmail’s vision with incredible attention to detail in a spiritual and uplifting effort.

Travels well with: Sam Post And Ralitza Patcheva- The Well “Tampered” Clavier, Book 1; Susanna Mendlow- Travels With Cello

Steve Rosenbloom Big Band

San Francisco 1948

Glory, 2025

9/10

Listen to San Francisco 1948

The saxophonist Steve Rosenbloom guides his large band through 9 originals that showcase plenty of solos and colorful arrangements.

The lively mood of “Samba For Esther” opens with the bright brass and Eric Harding’s animated keys making for plenty of melody, and “In A Boppish Sort Of Way” follows with Michael Johancsik’s striking tenor sax amid Mike De Masi’s frisky bass.

“Call From The Orient” and “Light And Easy” reside in the middle. The former benefits from Jules Payette’s firm flute playing alongside the soaring brass, while the latter allows for Benjamin Deschamps’ meticulous clarinet to really impress us.

Near the end, “Mexican Holiday” enlists Lex French’s strategic trumpet to help cultivate a really scrappy album highlight, and “Asher’s Song” exits with Rosenbloom’s alto sax front and center to complement the cautious and rich finish.

The musicians in attendance are some of Montreal’s finest, and they help illuminate Rosenbloom’s vision with swingin’ fun, emotive balladry and plenty of Big Band dynamics we won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Bruce Gertz Quintet- Octopus Dreams; Andy Nevala- El Rumbón (The Party)

Ellen Braun

The Doldrums

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to The Doldrums

The Canadian folk singer Ellen Braun makes an impression with this debut album, where the 10 songs touch on co-parenting, soul searching and stifled creativity that comes from an emotional and poetic angle.

“Doldrums” opens with strong attention to atmosphere, where Braun’s expressive voice suits the warm acoustic guitar before Stef Schneider’s drums enter, and “Gravity” follows with Mike O'Brien’s fuzzy electric guitar amid poetic singing and a crisp, folk-rock presence.

In the middle is where “Map Reader” and “On The Line” land. The former benefits from Sarah Hiltz’s gentle piano via the intimate landscape, while the latter pushes and pulls with emotion and grit that incorporates well timed synth.

Arriving near the end, “I See You” offers a bare but impactful delivery that showcases Braun’s alluring voice alongside much beauty, and “Nashville” exits with Sage Reynolds’ upright bass, which complements the sing-alongs.

The songs were written over five years and flow together seamlessly, as Braun’s vision and execution is one of authenticity and memorableness that takes influence from Indigo Girls, Neil Young and Kim Richey.

Travels well with: Don Amero- Broken Record; Skydiggers- Dreams & Second Chances

Fearful Symmetry

I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…

Progrock.com Essentials, 2025

9/10

Listen to I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…

The UK prog outfit Fearful Symmetry is back with a 3rd album, where the multi-instrumentalist Suzi is again joined by Yael Shotts and Sharon Petrover for 10 diverse tracks.

“One By One” opens the listen with Petrover’s very swift and intricate drumming alongside Shotts’ pretty pipes and Suzi’s flowing guitars that radiate much melody, and “Hard As Diamonds” follows with Suzi’s buzzing keys amid colorful and smooth songwriting.

“Someone” and “The Dance Of The Ghillie Dhu” land in the middle. The former is cautious, where playful guitars suits the frisky rhythm section and harmonic singing, while the latter swirls with plenty of prog-friendly ideas that are often warm and inviting.

Getting close to the end, “Theme For An Imaginary Cop Show” offers a busy and meticulous moment of lively bass and upbeat grooves that you could dance to, and “The Tears Of The Gods” exits with Suzi’s strategic oud helping cultivate cultured Eastern nods that flow into more firm areas of thumping prog-rock.

Suzi plays many instruments here, and along with Shotts and Petrover they flesh out a fusion effort like few others out there.

Travels well with: Fearful Symmetry- The Difficult Second; Mihrax- Medley Of A Life

Connie Kaldor

Wide Open Spaces

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Wide Open Spaces

The Juno Award winner Connie Kaldor pens an album that surrounds her Canadian West home, where both humor and keen observations discuss the dynamics of land, the difficulties of being a small farmer and the challenges of environmental stability.

The quick pace of “Outlaw” opens with Zacharie Bachand’s meticulous guitar and Aaron Dohlman’s frisky drums alongside Kaldor’s flowing voice, and “This Car” follows with grit thanks to Aleksi Campagne’s animated violin and well timed backing vocals.

Closer to the middle, “Hitched Together” is a cozy, acoustic guitar fueled moment full of vivid storytelling, while “If You Were There” finds itself in balladry thanks to the graceful piano and emotive singing.

Residing near the end, the meticulous guitar picking of “Crane Valley Road” blends the pedal steel and sweet vocal harmonies via a distinct intimacy, and “For Those Who Say That There’s Nothing Here” exits with a strong and dramatic vocal performance amid the firm keys.

An insightful and eloquent affair, Kaldor blends folk, Americana and country ideas into a variety of textures that are heartfelt and authentic.

Travels well with: Connie Kaldor- Keep Going; Suzie Brown- Songs Worth Saving

Ravita Jazz

Alice Blue

Ravita, 2025

8/10

Listen to Ravita Jazz

The bassist, composer, educator and radio host Dr. Phil Ravita brings a long some friends for modern jazz tunes that are never short on creativity.

The warm energy of “Broken Light” opens with Paul Carr’s bright tenor sax alongside Ravita’s playful bass lines, and “From The Start” follows with Deirdre Jennings’ soulful pipes amid Nucleo Vega’s frisky drumming in the bright climate.

Halfway through, “I Can’t Stand The Rain” benefits from Greg Small’s fluid piano that suits Jennings’ expressive voice, while “Hereafter” finds a cozy place to reside thanks to Carr’s soprano sax and Ravita’s skilled acoustic bass.

Getting close to the end, “Golden Sky” bops and shakes with an infectious mood via the lively rhythm section and meticulous keys and “Signal And Noise” exits with plenty of rhythm and melody in both and minimal and busy bouts of timeless jazz.

An effort that embraces jazz, blues, funk, Brazilian nods and modern harmonies, Ravita and company flesh out an unpredictable and memorable body of work.

Travels well with: Bruce Gertz Quintet- Octopus Dreams; Chris Wabich- 1978 (STEEP)

Hannah Gill

Spooky Jazz Vol. 3

Turtle Bay, 2025

9/10

Listen to Spooky Jazz Vol. 3

The jazz vocalist Hannah Gill continues her themes of ghosts and ghouls with these spooky jazz tunes that welcome an all star cast.

After the quick “Intro: Music To Be Murdered By”, which lets us know what to expect, “Spider In The Web” follows with Ben Zweig’s playful drumming amid Gabe Terracciano’s animated violin and Gill’s soulful pipes.

Deeper into the darkness, “Moon Ray” benefits form Gordon Webster’s soft keys and Philip Ambuel’s strategically plucked bass in a gentle climate, while “As Long As You Live (You’ll Be Dead If You Die)” brings us back a century with a frisky, ragtime flavor thanks to Rick Alexander’s lively clarinet and Gill’s colorful pipes.

Getting close to the end, “He’s A Demon, He’s A Devil, He’s A Doll” offers a rich and spirited moment of intimacy and playfulness, and “Wolves In The Tree Line” exits with Justin Poindexter’s meticulous guitar alongside Gill’s expressive singing and Danny Jonokuchi’s well timed trumpet via the busy finish.

A really creative effort that recruits jazz, indie, rock and swing ideas into ominous themes, Gill’s eerie sounds don’t need to be enjoyed just in October.

Travels well with: Hannah Gill- Spooky Jazz Vol. 2; Hannah Gill- Everyone Loves A Lover

Gino Amato

Latin Crossroads 2

Ovation, 2025

8/10

Listen to Latin Crossroads 2

The always impressive arranger Gino Amato enlists some excellent guests for both standards and a classical selection, where much imagination is present and the setting becomes Latin-ized.

“Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard” opens with Itai Kriss’ bright flute and Arnold McCuller and Matt Cusson’s animated vocals in the cultured fun, and “I Only Have Eyes For You” follows with Chris Rogers’ muted trumpet that suits Kandace Springs’ soulful pipes.

In the middle, “Tangerine” blends Amato’s warm keys and Lou Marini’s fluid sax amid the playful scatting, while “I Love Paris” recruits Veronica Swift’s inimitable pipes alongside Mitch Frohman’s firm sax and Oscar Hernández’s’ strategic Rhodes for the lively album highlight.

Near the end, “Windmills Of Your Mind” benefits from Alex Norris’rich flugelhorn that coincides with Cusson’s smooth pipes via the flowing melodies, and “Scheherazade” exits with Randy Brecker’s unmistakable trumpet that aligns with graceful and cinematic musicianship.

Some of these songs might be familiar to you, but Amato dresses them up with grooves, jazz festivities and worldly rhythms that are energetic and breathes new life into them.

Travels well with: Gino Amato- Latin Crossroad; Andy Nevala- El Rumbón (The Party)

Tekla Waterfield & Jeff Fielder

Mother Mind

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Mother Mind

Tekla Waterfield and Jeff Fielder bring their inimitable talents to these 11 folk and Americana songs that welcome several guests for the heartfelt and socially conscious effort.

The a capella beauty of “I Am Alive” opens with Waterfield’s touching voice tugging on the heartstrings, and “Something My Own” follows with Fielder’s warm guitar and William Sage’s thumping drums occupying the fluid Americana.

Later on, “Saw Myself In Her” makes great use of Daniel Walker’s mature keys amid the soaring vocals and upbeat mood, while “A Million Times” is closer to country territory via Walker’s accordion and David Salonen’s violin that surrounds the balladry.

Closer to the end, “Sad” comes with an orchestral angle that’s quite emotive and relatable, and “Will You Remember Me” exits with a lullaby demeanor that has Fielder playing drums alongside the duo’s 2 year old daughter’s vocals.

An often autobiographical effort, Waterfield and Fielder explore parenthood with these lush, groove filled and rootsy tracks that might bring to mind Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffin or Lake Street Dive.

Travels well with: The Heart Collectors- Alchymie; Ponyfolk- The Woods Have Shown Us

Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra

Multiversal: Live At Bop Stop

Hidden Cinema, 2025

9/10

Listen to Multiversal: Live At Bop Stop

This sophomore album from the Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra showcases Harvey’s conducting, arranging and composing skills alongside an excellent cast for the 11 energetic tracks.

“Multiversal” starts the listen with a warm Big Band approach, where Tommy Lehman’s radiant trumpet is met with Dustin May’s agile drumming, and “Covert Ops” follows with Max Schlenk’s colorful sax amid the dreamy winds and strong attention to atmosphere.

Entering the middle, “Men Of Steel” spotlights Clint Bleil’s skilled baritone sax and Zach Warren’s impressive trombone prowess in both gentle and busy bouts, while “Ain’t No Sidekick” benefits from Jordan McBride’s meticulous bass and Chris Coles’ strategic alto sax that suits plenty of melody.

Arriving late in the listen, the alternate take of “Covert Ops” comes with a cinematic delivery that’s unpredictable and stylish, and the alternate take of “Earth-Two” allows for Ben Tweedt’s elegant keys to complement the sophisticated and adventurous songwriting.

There’s 17 players in this orchestra, and that equals a lot of talent that was recorded live, in one take, and it brings us on an eclectic comic book inspired journey that anyone with an interest in jazz will admire.

Travels well with: Stephen Philip Harvey- Live At Radio Artifact; Stephen Philip Harvey- Library Card

Conrad Herwig

Reflections-Facing South

Savant, 2025

9/10

Listen to Reflections-Facing South

Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri and Luques Curtis come together for these rhythmic 9 tracks that emit flowing and timeless Latin jazz.

“Bianco’s Waltz” opens with Palmieri’s playful keys alongside Herwig’s soulful trombone in the warm climate, and “C’mon (Mi Guajira)” follows with Curtis’ frisky bass amid the rich keys and rich brass.

The title track and “Listen Lady” land in the middle. The former is a cozy moment thanks to the pretty piano and heartfelt trombone, while the latter comes with mystery and atmosphere via Palmieri’s moody piano and hazy horn.

Nearing the end, “Monica” showcases the meticulous bass amid the trio’s rich dynamics that are heartfelt, and “El Guerrero Solitario” exits with elegance and poeticism that occasionally gets a bit more firm, and really allows for Curtis’ bass acrobatics to shine.

Tragically, Palmieri passed away after this recording, and he leaves behind an unparalleled body of work in the area of jazz. Curtis and Herwig’s efforts here are nothing short of stunning, either, and it makes for plenty of rhythm, melodies and timelessness.

Travels well with: Conrad Herwig- The Latin Side Of McCoy Tyner; John Sturino- Blow Globe

Subshine

Easy Window

Apollon, 2019

9/10

Listen to Easy Window

The debut album from the Norwegian pop outfit recruits some of the best ideas of the ‘80s and injects them into modern indie-rock sounds on Easy Window, leaving an indelible mark in its all too brief gloriousness.

“Florence” starts the listen with calm, fluent indie-pop with breezy melodies and a soaring atmosphere, and “Your Love” follows and brings a dreamy ‘80s feel where pulsating synth really punctuates the setting.

Further along, “Trust” increases the tempo to quick paced electro-pop fun, while “Shadows” recruits a contemplative feeling with plenty of cautious instrumentation that takes nods to the early days of post-punk.

The back half of the listen stays indebted to earlier decades, too, with the crisp, atmospheric “Stones”, and the moody dance-rock of “Easy”. The quick album ends on “Where Does It Go”, where an adventurous, restrained and warm spirit end on a high note, putting a firm exclamation point on just how strong this first LP is.

Spearheaded by Ole Gunnar Gundersen, formerly of Lorraine, the songwriting legend brings a wealth of talent and experience to one of the year’s best listens.

Travels well with: New Order- Low-Life; Pet Shop Boys- Actually