Ellen Foley

Fighting Words

Urban Noise, 2021

10/10

Listen to Fighting Words

Even if the name Ellen Foley isn’t familiar to you, you’ve probably experienced her work in some form, as not only did she sing on Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell album, but she even starred on the TV show Night Court for a season.

On this fifth solo album and her first in eight years, Foley takes some exceptional help on a rock and roll album that’s as diverse as her career playing alongside The Clash, Ian Hunter and Joe Jackson, among many others.

Foley starts the listen with the thumping and animated rocker “Are You Good Enough”, where her firm but tuneful vocals are complemented by soaring backing vocals and a gritty rhythm section, and “Be Nice” follows with a calmer approach that even embraces some Americana.

Elsewhere, the retro flavor of “I Found A Love” emits much bluesy melody as Foley’s soulful pipes impress, while “I’ll Be True” recruits some honky tonk nods amid strategic keys and a rugged yet very catchy delivery. “Fill Your Cup” then turns the volume down as Foley proves she excels at poetic balladry, too.

Towards the end, the dense classic rocker “Leave Him Janie” brings an anthemic quality weaved in between buzzing guitars, and “Heaven Can Wait” exits with just Foley’s versatile pipes and mature piano that glow in the sparse reworking of the Meat Loaf tune.

Noted musicians like C.P. Roth, Slim Simon, Steve Goulding and the late Stephen B. Antonakos, to name a few, are in attendance, and Foley’s sharp songwriting and raw, personal delivery certainly points to the ‘70s as she creates a topical, timeless rock’n’roll gem.

Travels well with: Joe Jackson- The Duke; Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes

Tatiana Eva-Marie & Terry Waldo

I Double Dare You

Turtle Bay, 2021

8/10

Listen to I Double Dare You

A very exciting collaboration, the jazz piano legend Terry Waldo and the esteemed vocalist Taitana Eva-Marie join forces to interpret jazz and pop songs from the ‘20s and ‘30s with their charming and frisky delivery.

“Do Do Do” starts the listen with soulful and smooth sounds that goes back 100 years with its ragtime flavor, and “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home” follows with warm keys, expressive singing and timeless jazz qualities entering the heartwarming climate.

In the middle, the swift and playful “Be Sweet To Me” will get you headed for the dance floor, while “The Very Thought Of You” moves cautiously with a ballad like presence of agile piano and emotive brass. “I Double Dare You”, one of the album’s best, then has the pair putting their own festive spirit on the 1937 classic.

Nearing the exit, the energetic “Runnin’ Wild” sounds it should soundtrack a night at a speakeasy, and “Two Sleepy People” exits the listen with a lovely duet that’s bare, pretty and illustrates a precise intimacy.

Eva-Marie might best known as the front woman for the Avalon Jazz Band, and Waldo spent portions of his lengthy career playing in the Gutbucket Syncopators as well as The Gotham City Jazz Band. Together, they bring an impressive amount of talent to songs that most of us have never heard before, but will want to hear again and again now.

Travels well with: Pokey LaFarge- Rock Bottom Rhapsody; Rebecca DuMaine And The Dave Miller Trio- Someday, Someday

The Christmas Bride

Dark Romance Of A Midnight Wanderer

Snappy Little Fingers, 2021

10/10

Dark Romance Of A Midnight Wanderer

A one man band from Chicago, as The Christmas Bride Davey Hart shows an affinity for New Wave, power pop and the early days of punk, and the 3 years he spent fleshing out this mature and energetic album will be appreciated by anyone whose interests revolve around the best days of Epitaph or Fat Wreck Chords.

“My Shadow Bracelets” starts the listen with a swift punk energy, where the singing is somewhat yelped yet tuneful, and the music resides in firm pop-punk territory, and “Christian Ska” follows with driving guitars and speedy drums as plenty of gritty melody unfolds across the sing-alongs.

There’s 14 tunes present, and each one is fantastic. The middle tracks are among the best, and include the garage rock spirited “Embarrassing Sexual Moments”, as well as ultra harmonic, timeless punk rock of “(Obsessed With A) Love-Type Thing”. The title track then brings some ambience into a charged and more firm climate that eventually settles into a rowdy version of pop-punk.

Later on, “Unforcertain Future” is a flawless, scrappy tune that sounds like it could have been penned in the ‘80s, and “In Search Of A Decent Overworld Theme” exits the listen with thumping drums, blistering guitar work and barked vocals that illustrate some hardcore roots.

Hart takes help from Pasha Pear (The Crustations), Phil Sudderberg (Spirits Having Fun), Angel Marcloid (Nonlocal Forecast) and Bret Koontz (Cool Memories), and their collective strengths make Dark Romance Of A Midnight Wanderer one of the best listens of 2021.

Travels well with: State Drugs- Live. Laugh. Love; Jiffy Marx- She’s My Witch/Warning Sign 7”

Steady Circuits

… Of One Of Many Worlds

Snappy Little Numbers, 2021

9/10

Listen to … Of One Of Many Worlds

The solo moniker for New Mexico/Colorado musician Mike Marchant, as Steady Circuits the multi-instrumentalist makes quite an impression with this debut album that is nearly impossible to categorize, as he references the current indie-rock scene as well as throwback electronica.

“Intro (the other side)” sets the tone for the record with a very dreamy, even spacey opener that’s nearly spiritual in its hazy delivery, and “Do It For The Dead” follows with a firm beat amid an indie-pop angle that’s soaked in dense melodies thanks to the clever synth work.

Moving along, “Who Broke The Radio” flows with a busy and dizzying display of adventurous electro-pop that’s not short on ambience, while “End Times Cassette” brings many ideas to the table, where much attention to mood yields both a playful climate and a cautious, almost ominous finish. “Come On” then textures the setting with well timed keys, swift drum machines and some of the best guitar playing on the album, making for an instantly memorable album highlight.

Rounding out the listening are “Habitat Three (No Face And No Station)” and “Always”, where the former offers synth acrobatics that are as captivating as they are irresistible, and the latter exits the affair surreal and radiant in its precise and thoughtful execution.

A co-release with Cloud Command Sound, physically there’s 2 batches of 50 cassettes out there for this one, one blue tinted, the other pink, and there’s also 50 deluxe CDs pressed. Regardless of your preferred method of absorbing it, just make sure you allot some time for … Of One Of Many Worlds, cause Marchant’s talent won’t disappoint.

Travels well with: Sunshine Satellite- Sunshine Satellite; Empty Palace- Secret Names

Magdalene Baker

Found Objects

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Found Objects

The artists Magdalene Baker and Teague Clements penned this alluring pop friendly album in their apartment during lockdown in 2020, and it’s quite evident that much thought went into every detail across the 10 tracks that unfold like a coming of age movie.

“The House Party” starts the listen with soft, dreamy guitar as Baker’s smooth, expressive vocals enter a cautious form on indie-rock that, later on, displays soaring singing amid a ethereal landscape, and “The Magic Bathtub” follows with crisp drumming and bright storytelling that embraces some pop ideas amid a light buzzing.

In the middle, “Pastime” moves softer with plenty of atmosphere, while “Evergreen” recruits warm keys and a poetic quality to the emotive and very pretty song craft. “Found Objects Of The Pacific Northwest”, one of the album’s best, then gets quite playful with hand clapping and some folk nods that are as memorable as they are irresistible.

Approaching the end, “Porchlight” offers a quirky and charming brand of electro-pop, and “Froggyworm” exits the listen with acoustic guitar and Baker’s versatile singing and Teague Clements’ frisky pipes in a raw delivery of rootsy songwriting.

The pair clearly have much chemistry together, and let’s hope future collaborations are on the horizon, cause their pop, indie, folk, country, and rock sensibilities mesh in very enjoyable ways that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Welcome Center- Talk Talk Talk; Gawain And The Green Knight- A Sleeping Place

New Standards Men

Spain’s First Astronaut

Snappy Little Numbers, 2021

9/10

Listen to Spain’s First Astronaut

A very unusual duo from Denver, New Standards Men, i.e. Drew Bissell and Jeremy Brashaw, create a highly interesting mashing of noise, psychedelia, jazz and post-rock that was very well received on their recent album, I Was A Starship.

Here, we’re treated to a companion album that was recorded during the same sessions as I Was A Starship, where a pair of improvised, lengthy tracks unfold with precise, dynamic and exciting music.

“Spain’s First Astronaut I” starts the album and spends nearly 20 minutes with playful brass that ranges from soulful to screechy alongside bouncy bass work and stunning drum acrobatics that are generally busy, sometimes even frantic.

The other track, “Spain’s First Astronaut II”, sometimes borders on free jazz as tumbling drums and plenty of atmosphere finds its way into dreamy territory. Closer to the end of the song, the scene gets a bit more ominous, as sludgy nods enter the diverse landscape.

Bissell and Brashaw are joined by Bob Bucko Jr., Ike Turner, and Luke Tweedy, as they turn improvisation into a refined art form on this extremely charming listen that anyone with an ear for the unconventional will appreciate.

Travels well with: Empty Palace- Secret Names; Matterhorn- Outside

Mustat Kalsarit

Yö

Cudighi, 2021

10/10

Listen to Yö

An outfit from Finland consisting of Jukka Herva, Minna-Kaisa Kallinen, Juuso Paaso and Samuli Tanner, Mustat Kalsarit play a ragged version of rock that’s certainly gritty and somehow finds itself residing somewhere between punk, metal, psyche-rock and even power-pop on this sophomore album.

“Puhu musta” starts the album with thick, fuzzy guitar, as calm, expressive singing enters the loud versus quiet dynamics, and “En tahdo astua pimeyteen” follows with a swift display of warm, raw garage rock that showcases Tanner’s scrappy drumming.

Further on, Elaa vaan” brings a powerful mesh of post-punk and power pop, while “Ulmaan” offers noise-rock tendencies amid Herva’s strategic keyboards and primitive melodies. “Harmaata massaa” then trims the volume back to a rugged and vocally harmonic album highlight that even gets groove friendly.

Near to the end, “Nokka” recruits a more cautious and psyche influenced tone of their inimitable vision, and “Puu” exits the listen with flute and mellotron making an appearance in a dreamy, diverse finish to an unrefined and exceptional listen.

Passo has been the heart and soul of the band since day one (i.e. 2009), and the members he’s aligned with now help make this version of Mustat Kalsarit the best yet, as Yö is a superb record for those who adore unpolished and often visceral forms of rock.

Travels well with: Sonya Waters- The Sheltering Ranges; Anne Laplantine- chéri chance inouïe

Lucie Vítková/James Ilgenfritz

Aging

Infrequent Seams, 2021

9/10

Listen to Aging

The performers and composers Lucie Vítková and James Ilgenfritz take on a daring project here, where 7 works of contrabass and electronics were laid down from one loudspeaker placed next to the performer, in order to create an equal partner. Additionally, the various metal, wood and rubber on the bass help cultivate the very distinct and unique sonic adventure that is Aging.

“I” starts the listen with no shortage of atmosphere as the low contrabass is manipulated with mystery alongside subtle electronics, and “II” follows with a louder experience of ominous sounds that mix the acoustic with the electronic in fascinating ways.

The middle tracks offer us the inviting droning of “III”, while “V” mixes mechanical songs with drawn out bowed strings that add much impact to the atypical landscape. “IV” then builds into a textured, cinematic climate that’s both haunting and mesmerizing in its profoundly technical delivery.

The last two tracks, “VI” and “VII”, continue the creativeness, where the former quivers with jarring string playing amid hazy electronics, and the latter exits the listen with a blurry, nearly sci-fi execution.

A very iconoclastic and admirable exercise in the area of electroacoustic sounds, even at 75 minutes this never out welcomes its stay as the pair tweak jazz, avant-garde, classical and electronic ideas in artistic and exciting ways.

Travels well with: String Noise- Alien Stories; Colin Cannon- McGolrick

Vestamaran

Bungalow Rex

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Bungalow Rex

A band assembled from members of Father Of A Thousand Kids, Ribosyme and The Danny Cannon Show, among others, as Vestamaran the quintet play a diverse brand of rock that often points towards the ‘90s, and yet still embraces plenty of modern day indie-rock spirit, too.

“Error Come Save Me” starts the listen with firm guitar playing as playful percussion enters the swift and melodic indie-rock, and “Risky Pigeon” follows with a bright and busy display of energetic and dynamic modern rock that even gets a bit funky.

Halfway through, the calm “My Finest Eye” offers a poetic example of sublime song craft that hints at Americana, while “Solitude” builds into a cathartic and soaring rocker that pushes and pulls with tension. “Salt Chair”, another excellent tune, then brings bluesy rhythm and grit into a very soulful execution.

The last two tracks maintain the strong song craft, and include the more rugged yet very tuneful “Follow Me”, which could fill stadiums, and “Only For You” exits the listen dreamy and with hypnotic keys adding much allure to the heartfelt finish.

Self-described as ‘low octane rock’, Vestamaran offer plenty of variety across these 10 tracks, and the quality of the songwriting remains high throughout. An excellent album, it will be exciting to see what they do next.

Travels well with: Castaway Hounds- Come On Down; 35 Tapes- Home

De Press

Block To Block

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Block To Block

It’s been 40 years since Norway’s De Press released this debut album, and to celebrate the Apollon label is reissuing the classic and making it available on some limited colors of wax, too. An absolutely essential piece of the Norwegian underground rock scene from the early ‘80s, Block To Block has certainly stood the test of time, as all 14 songs sound like they could have been penned today.

“Kalhoz” starts the listen with a quick guitar line and thumping drums as deep vocals from front man Andrej Nebb guide the swift and busy brand of post-punk, and this formula continues to the dense and tense “Block To Block”, as well as the scrappy and propulsive “Dobi Steyshen”.

The middle tracks offer us the jagged and quirky “Velvet Waltz”, while “Peyshens” displays bouncy bass lines and jumpy piano amid New Wave nods that are as charming as they are timeless. “Bo Jo Cie Kochom”, one of the album’s best, then brings an anthemic and dance friendly setting to a lively rocker that even flirts with ska influences.

Approaching the end, the layered and soaring “On Top” is packed with melody and grit, and “Conveyor Belt” exits the listen brief but impactful as the band offer a multifaceted version of rock that’s quite daring for the time it was recorded.

For fans of New Wave, punk rock, alt-rock, indie-rock and even hard rock, it just doesn’t get much better than this. De Press would release one more album after this one before disbanding for a decade, and this pivotal piece of their catalog illustrates an adventurous band on the cusp of greatness

Travels well with: Aadal- Silver; The Opium Cartel- Valor

Elisabeth Remy Johnson

Quest

Albany, 2021

8/10

Listen to Quest

The harpist Elisabeth Remy Johnson takes on an impressive project here, where she interprets works from the 19th and 20th century that were originally created on piano. Johnson represents 12 women composers on the listen, and she certainly does justice to the pieces while putting her inimitable spin on them that includes many solos.

“Niloufar Nourbakhsh” starts the listen with a soft, mesmerizing execution of delicate string manipulation, and “Cécile Chaminade” follows with sublime, melodic instrumentation that’s both dreamy and absorbing in its beauty.

In the middle, “Mel Bonis” unfolds across 5 movements that illustrate diverse and cautious techniques that are often gentle enough to be faint, but also firm to the point of being commanding, while “Romanze” certainly does carry a romantic spirit in its pretty, agile climate.

Further still, “Come All Ye Fair And Tender Ladies” emits a soothing, even meditative quality with its meticulous song craft, and “Spindrift” exits the listen with 8+ minutes of dizzying, sometimes forceful and always captivating dynamics that are as unpredictable as they are admirable.

Johnson has played with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1995, and has also played with many orchestras across the country as well. She brings her vast experience and timeless vision to songs that many of us are hearing for the first time, and it’s delivered in a way that few others could articulate.

Travels well with: Doug Bielmeier- Ambient Works; Dave Walther- Distance

Castaway Hounds

Come On Down

Apollon, 2021

10/10

Listen to Come On Down

The Norwegian rockers Castaway Hounds don’t disappoint on this debut album, where raw but meticulously executed songs unfold with sharp riffs, animated drumming and punk, indie and alt-rock flavor that shines on every track.

“Run Run Run Runner” starts the album with firm guitars and strong drumming as a driving version of indie and alt-rock unfolds with plenty of melodies and grit, and “Couldn’t Be More Fine” follows with a bouncy spirit that thumps with some garage rock, nods.

In the middle, “Anything At All” buzzes amid a charged and furious setting of rowdy, attentive rock, while “Ain’t Made Of Gold” brings in a calmer tone as acoustic guitar and soft singing enter ballad territory. “Wherever We Are”, one of the record’s best, then offers both hard hitting and plenty of tunefulness in its irresistible execution.

Approaching the end, the fuzzy “Good Times, Anyway” embraces clever guitar work alongside a frisky rhythm section and “Teenage Wasteland” exits the listen hazy and emotive, effectively proving that Castaway Hounds excel in all tempos and volumes.

On a label with no shortage of exceptional music, Come On Down is a stand out effort, and deserves to be played loud and often.

Travels well with: Suburban Savages- Demagogue Days; 35 Tapes- Home

Marius Leiranes

Langtidsperspetiv

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Langtidsperspetiv

A member of Norway’s prog-rock sensations Pixie Ninja, here Marius Leiranes brings us his first solo effort, where his prog roots are in the company of electronic and ambient textures that relay stories from his ancestral heritage on a farm near the arctic.

“Begynnelser” starts the listen with plenty of ambience as bare percussion and spacey synth help build the climate into a busier display of cinematic swells of grace and adventurousness, and “Amerika” follows with a hypnotic quality where playful drumming and experimental electronics cultivate a highly unique landscape.

The middle track, “Isen pa Bukta”, spends 4 minutes mesmerizing us with its dreamy, and, later on, bright version of post-rock, while “Granatsjokk” brings us right back to the ‘80s with its buzzing synth and hazy display of precisely textured ideas. “1959” exits the listen, and showcases calm ebbs of beauty as well as fuller moments of club friendly sounds that bleep and bloop with an intricate and lively energy.

Much like the climate on the farm, which is dark half the year and light the other half, this debut album covers a wide array of moods and tones, from turbulent to relaxed, and though we’d never want Pixie Ninja to come to a halt, let’s hope that Leiranes has more solo work on the horizon, as he’s creative enough for multiple outlets.

Travels well with: Pymlico- On This Day: Fatal Fusion- Dissonant Minds

De Press

Product

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Product

Originally released way back in 1982, this sophomore album from the Norwegian stars De Press is back in print again, and its New Wave, punk and Eastern European influences sure have held up well as Product sounds right at home alongside today’s version of post-punk.

“The Fatal Day” starts the album with dreamy guitar work and swift drumming as deep vocals help give the opener a post-punk feel that certainly sounds very ‘80s with its buzzing, ominous climate, and “In A Position To Know” follows with hypnotic drumming that aligns with angular guitar work and a tense landscape.

Landing in the middle, the playful “Signals” builds into a dense rocker that flirts with prog-rock amid its very technical song craft, while “Product” showcases bouncy bass work and a gripping atmosphere that’s even got some goth nods. “Other Man’s Sin” then pairs chunky bass with crisp guitar work as thumping drums steer a very swift, punk friendly environment.

Close to the end, the hazy “Total Corruption” emits a darker tone, not unlike what was so common in the UK in the early ‘80s, and “Swienty Pokoj” exits the listen with both alt-rock and New Wave ideas present and appreciated in their very timeless and energetic formula.

An active and esteemed band since 1980 (there was a several year break up in there, though), this early album is an important piece of De Press’s excellent catalog of music, and clearly illustrates just why they’ve been one of Norway’s most beloved rock bands.

Travels well with: Raíse- Crepa!; Cosse- Nothing Belongs To Anything

Rider & Rolling Thunder

On The Banks Of The Tennessee

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to On The Banks Of The Tennessee

A Boise outfit who play a very muscular version of alt-country, Rider & Rolling Thunder don’t shy away from blues and southern rock, either, as each of the 7 songs here showcases agile guitar work and powerful vocals from front man Rider Soran.

“Main St Shuffle” starts the album with gritty guitars and thumping drums as the rugged country rock will indeed get your body shuffling to the firm melodies, and “Good Lovin’” follows with an energetic mashing of bar rock, classic rock’n’roll and the band’s rural influence that’s a big part of their formula.

The middle tracks are some of the best, and include the calmer, poetic Americana of the ballad “Eyes Like Diamonds”, while “Changin’” gets a little thicker and swirls with a bouncy, sometimes even grungy appeal that sounds just as great today and it would have in 1993.

Exiting the listen are “One Shot Man” and “Fire On The Mountain”, where the former flows with an anthemic quality amid a sturdy rock template, and the latter finishes with no shortage of bluesy ideas alongside a dynamic chemistry between the band.

Recorded at the former Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama, Rider & Rolling Thunder keep their tradition of well done rock sounds alive, as power chords, soaring solos, and diverse singing make this an exceptional debut.

Travels well with: Jefferson Berry & The UAC- Soon!; The Danberrys- Shine

Josie Bello

Have Purpose Live Long

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Have Purpose Live Long

A singer-songwriter whose timeless talent runs parallel to names like Lucinda Williams, this 2nd album from New York’s Josie Bello brings us 8 originals that reside somewhere between country, folk and Americana, and are full of thoughtful and careful attention to detail.

Bello starts the listen with the sincere and heartfelt title track, where soft acoustic guitar complements her moving pipes amid the calm drumming and subtle backing vocals, and “Magic Of The Music” follows with a quicker pace of country rock nods as Bello gets a bit rugged.

At the midpoint, “I Bleed Human” flows with bluesy guitar work from Mike Nugent as gospel like backing vocals help make this one of the album’s best, while “Party With The Saints” is a playful tune that recruits Bello’s accordion and agile fiddle.

As we get near to the end, the sublime “Twenty-Five Years” displays much beauty in a breezy folk setting, and “Hole In My Life” exits the listen introspective and lush and showcases accordion, guitars and Bello’s expressive singing that we could never tire of.

It’s no surprise that Have Purpose Live Long has moved up the Contemporary Folk charts, as Bello presents easily relatable and enjoyable tunes that sound like they could have been penned in any decade since the ‘60s, and will sound just as great decades from now, too.

Travels well with: Julia Kasdorf- Motel; Megan Lacy- Salvation

Bandits On The Run

Now Is The Time

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to Now Is The Time

A New York City outfit comprised of Adrian Blake Enscoe (guitar/vocals), Sydney Shepherd (cello/vocals) and Regina Strayhorn (multi-instrumentalist/vocals), as Bandits On The Run the trio put an animated and symphonic take on indie-pop in their inimitable formula.

A quick EP, Now Is The Time starts the listen with the vocally strong “We Battle Giants”, where an energetic version of pop unfolds with an orchestral slant and playful percussion, and “Now Is The Time” follows with soulful singing and warm strings, as the lovely harmonies are nothing short of irresistible.

The middle tracks, “Hurricane” and “Spellbound”, don’t disappoint either, where the former offers an initially bare display of playful beauty, and the latter showcases frisky manipulation of strings amid expressive vocals that are rich with an inviting tone.

Towards the end, “Sing You To Sleep” leads with the sounds of a storm before gentle acoustic guitar and poetic singing complement the gorgeous cello work, and “She’s The Queen” exits the listen dreamy amid plenty of pop spirit present in their undeniable charm.

There’s an incredible amount of talent in attendance across these 6 songs, and the 3 part harmonies alone are worth the price of admission, as Bandits On The Run continue to prove just why they’re one of the most exciting bands in today’s indie-pop scene.

Travels well with: CF Watkins- Babygirl; Evelyn Cools- Misfit Paradise

Again Again

Listen. Love. Repeat

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Listen. Love. Repeat

A pair of Los Angeles mothers, Jennifer Cook and Anne Montone make up Again Again, and together they present a strong vocal prowess and keen sense of rhythm that’s as sophisticated as their wordplay on this charming album.

After the hand clapping and soaring vocals of the self-explanatory “ABCs In Spanish And English”, “The Kids Are Here (First Day Of School)” follows with spirited guitar work and some rock’n’roll crunch on the colorful tune.

Further along, “Bubble Gum And Cheese” recruits strategic keys and horns on the playful ‘60s influenced album highlight, while “Be Well” strips the atmosphere bare with gorgeous vocals and an acoustic guitar on the timeless ballad.

Near the end, “Helping Out” brings in a gospel influence on the feel good, dance friendly tune, and “Camping Song (Lullaby)” exits the listen soft and sweet with graceful piano.

An extremely elegant and fun affair, not only is this worth picking up for the adventurous and skilled sounds, but the duo are giving a percentage of the proceeds to The Harmony Project, which provides year round music instruction and social support at no cost. Also, a 50 page lyric and coloring book is available with the package, too.

Travels well with: Diana Panton- Solstice/Summer; Lissa Schneckenburger- Thunder In My Arms

Holsapple & Stamey

Our Back Pages

Omnivore, 2021

9/10

Listen to Our Back Pages

Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey, who are both longtime members of the jangly pop outfit The dB’s, rework some of their favorite selections from the dB’s catalog in an acoustic setting here, which differs greatly from the plugged in versions that fans will be familiar with.

“Today Could Be The Day” starts the album with firm acoustic strumming as warm vocal harmonies enter the timeless folk qualities that get a bit jangly, too, and “From A Window To A Screen” follows with a calm approach that benefits from skilled banjo and a dreaminess amid eloquent wordplay.

Further into the listen, “Molly Says” displays expressive singing amid playful percussion and a bit of humor, while “Happenstance” gets a little more rugged in its campfire-esque climate and showcases an intricate guitar solo, too. “Picture Sleeve”, one of the album’s best, then emits alluring vocal harmonizing alongside a bare delivery of admirable precision.

Further still, “Nothing Is Wrong” flows with a throwback quality that’s melodic and benefits from spirited electric guitar and keys from Andy Burton, and includes the rhythm section of Gene Holder and Will Rigby, and “In Spain”, which is 1 of 2 bonus tracks on the CD version, exits the listen with some of the album’s best singing.

The duo take already great songs and peel the layers back in charming and flawless ways, and their many decades playing together comes through via their infectious chemistry. Originally released on vinyl for Record Store Day, a CD and digital version became available a week after RSD, which is a very good thing for fans of acoustic focused song craft.

Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw

Acute Inflections

Electric Psychology

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Electric Psychology

A bass and acoustic duo from New York, Sadiki Pierre and Elasea Douglas, aka Acute Inflections, brings us some varied covers as well as 4 originals on this 3rd album.

“My Name Is” starts the album with soaring vocals and bass plucking on the sparse tune, and “New York, New York” follows with a playful and soulful version of the classic.

Near the middle, “A Thousand Years” offers hushed vocals alongside a sensual atmosphere, while “Besame Mucho” finds a soothing place to reside with meditative humming and gorgeous vocal acrobatics.

Deeper cuts bring us the frisky, upbeat, danceable “At Last”, and the pretty, intricate original “Come Out Love”. “The Ascension”, another one of their own, ends the listen with a breezy approach of agile melody and jazz influenced timelessness.

The pair do much with the elegant and versatile pipes of Douglas, and Pierre’s skilled bass certainly anchors down the landscape on these intimate yet adventurous light jazz gems.

Travels well with: Billie Holiday- Velvet Mood; Erykah Badu- Worldwide Underground