Jon Fuller

When Did You Get So Damn Scared

Righteous Babe, 2022

8/10

Listen to When Did You Get So Damn Scared

A record that began when Jon Fuller was working through a lengthy bout of Covid, these 12 songs show us both the personal and political side of Fuller, where Dillon Garrett (bass), Dan Kleederman (guitars, backing vocals) and Derek Swink (drums, percussion) are along for the warm listen.

“Voice” starts the listen with a quick blast of atmosphere before Fuller’s poetic voice and soft keys enter the mature pop song, and “How Long” follows with crisp drumming populating the soaring and cozy pop-rock.

At the midpoint, “Center Of Gravity” recruits a modern indie-rock appeal as hazy textures help make this the album’s best, while “Gonna Have Fun Today” emits a breeziness that’s introspective while still being quite soothing.

Moving towards the end, “Burn It Down” gets a bit more firm with a mild crunch and swift singing that showcases Fuller’s diverse approach, and “I’m” exits the listen with piano balladry, where dreamy moments swirl with much charm.

This is Fuller’s 3rd album, and it continues his very fluid version of modern rock meets FM ready pop that’s easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

Travels well with: Status Foe- Falling Awake; Carrier- When New York Is Drowning

Leland And The Silver Wells

Straight To Your Town

Rubia, 2022

9/10

Listen to Straight To Your Town

The San Francisco native and singer-songwriter Leland Ettinger returns with the Silver Wells, who help her illuminate a dreamy, psychedelic and nostalgic vision of very thoughtful song craft.

“What Comes Around” starts the listen with firm drums and warm piano, as Leland’s distinct, inviting pipes guide the very unique version of folk-rock, and “Love Is Blind” follows with a breezy, retro sound that would right at home in the ‘60s and embraces strings.

“A Drink” occupies the middle spot, and benefits from harmonic backing vocals in the precisely layered album highlight, while “Saving Grace” pairs mature piano with soaring vocals before the orchestral strings and hazy rock sounds populate the unpredictable landscape.

Advancing towards the end, “Story Of Love” brings some gritty electric guitar to the classic rock nods, and “The Blue Sea” exits the listen with excellent use of winds to complement the multi-faceted and timeless songwriting.

It’s not hard to think of legends like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell when listening to Straight To Your Town, which I think we can all agree is a very good thing. However, Leland’s atypical poeticism and eclectic view of song structure certainly puts her in a league all her own on this very charming record where half of the songs were recorded in a single live session, and the remainder were tracked online.

Travels well with: Leland And The Silver Wells- Leland And The Silver Wells; Lost In The Trees- A Church That Fits Our Needs

Gina Sicilia

Unchange

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Unchange

The versatile singer Gina Sicilia has made quite a name for herself in the area of blues and soul since her debut in 2007, and with Unchange the artist finds herself immersed in Americana and roots sounds, too.

“Healing Time” leads the listen with Sicilia’s powerful and soulful pipes alongside cautious blues sounds, and the title track follows with warm acoustic guitar in the poetic, Americana fueled climate.

At the halfway point, “Let’s Set The World On Fire” glides with a stirring emotive quality as Sicilia sings with a very expressive tone, while “Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor” moves with a charming intimacy that benefits from well timed backing vocals and a subtle gospel spirit.

Closer to the end, the wise “Don’t Be Afraid To Be Wrong” is stripped back blues at its finest, and “There’s A Bright Side Somewhere” exits the listen with much grace as Sicilia displays an impressive range amid her always relevant vision.

Accompanying Sicilia is Colin Linden (guitar), Johnny Dymond (bass), and Bryan Owings (drums), and together they make for another bright spot in an impressive catalog of thoughtful, timeless blues related music that’s universally embraceable.

Travels well with: Hanna PK- Blues All Over My Shoes; JD Taylor- The Coldwater Sessions

Dan Bruce's: Beta Collective

Time To Mind The Mystics

Shifting Paradigm, 2022

8/10

Listen to Time To Mind The Mystics

The exceptional guitarist Dan Bruce sure is in fine company here, where the beta collective help birth a very atypical version of jazz with their electronic processing, ring modulators and synth stabs amid Bruce’s superb six string work.

The title track opens the listen with Bruce’s exciting guitar acrobatics, and it isn’t long until adventurous brass and wild drumming enter the free jazz exploration, and “Blueprint” follows with warm restraint as the warm piano and subdued horns emit much beauty. About halfway through, the playful vibraphone steers the tune into quicker areas of layered charm.

In the middle, “Slant” brings a dreamy appeal of agile synth thanks to Joel Negus, while “The Walk” recruits firm horns into the lush and strategically textured climate. “Moth Flame Blues” exits the listen playfully, and benefits much from bright sax, skilled vibraphone and Anthony Taddeo’s precise drumming.

A listen that thematically surrounds the interaction between humanity and technology, the improvisation versus composition and traditional meets futuristic vision makes for a very daring body of work.

Travels well with: Michael Leonhart Orchestra- The Normyn Suites; Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts

Dewey Defeats Truman

The Way You Shatter

Silver Girl, 2022

10/10

Listen to The Way You Shatter

If you were paying close attention to the indie-rock scene from San Diego in the late ‘90s, you might remember Dewey Defeats Truman’s gritty yet melodic rock that shared the stage with names like The Jesus Lizard and Archers of Loaf.

After a lengthy hiatus that began in 2003, the trio regrouped in 2018, and this first studio recording in 20 years has the singer/bassist James Reader, drummer Scott Frazier and guitarist Mark MacBride bringing plenty of power to a punk/shoegaze/indie formula.

“Slow Reaction” opens the listen with a warm guitar line and agile drumming, where a soft version of post-punk unfolds with a bit of dreaminess, and “Serpent’s Kiss” follows with a more thumping affair that’s got some alt-rock spirit mixed with the early days of indie-rock, too.

At the halfway point, “Less Than One” brings firm drumming into swirling guitars on the EP’s best tune, while “Subtract Yourself” emits a thicker presence of fuzzed out rock that would make Lou Barlow and J Mascis smile.

Making our way towards the end, the hypnotic “The Tower” balances tension and beauty in a way that might make you revisit your Dischord Records, and “Shots Taken” exits the listen with much grace and textures that could parallel bands like Mineral or even early Jimmy Eat World.

An incredible comeback record, if bands like Polvo, Sebadoh, Mission of Burma or Swervedriver mean anything to you, you just can’t live a meaningful life without spending ample time with these 7 tracks.

Travels well with: Film School- We Weren’t Here; The Psychedelic Furs- Made Of Rain

CeCe Gable

Next Year’s Song

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Next Year’s Song

The jazz vocalist CeCe Gable returns with 11 standards where her intimate and enchanting voice is accompanied by Alan Broadbent (piano), Harvie S (bass), Roni Ben-Hur (guitar) and Matt Wilson (drums).

The title track starts the listen with bright keys, warm drums and Gable’s very pretty vocals guiding the timeless jazz climate, and “No Moon At All” follows with a stylish delivery of cozy guitar and frisky drums to complement the agile singing.

In the middle, “Like A Lover (O Cantador)” is full of poetic beauty in a calm demeanor that embraces Brazilian ideas, while “I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life” is as playful as the title, and recruits strategic bass lines amid the upbeat drums and bluesy guitar.

“Moments Like This” arrives near the end, and showcases sublime piano amid Gable flawless delivery, and “From Me To You” exits the listen with an upbeat and charming delivery of samba flavored guitar.

You may have heard these songs before, but they’ve never sounded like this, as Gable and company pay strong attention to mood, melody and tone across this very captivating listen.

Travels well with: Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman; Somi- Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba

Family Shiloh

At The Cold Copper Ranch

C-Side, 2022

8/10

Listen to At The Cold Copper Ranch

Originally the husband-and-wife duo of Colby and Kimberly, these days the Family Shiloh is indeed a family affair, and it’s one that touches on Americana, folk, classic country, bluegrass and even indie-rock ideas that brings in guests outside the Pennington family, too.

“Cold Copper Theme” starts the listen with warm whistling, breezy vocal harmonies and a hazy, old time feel, and “(It’s Gonna Be A) Longhorn Day” follows with spirited electric guitar as soaring, dual gender vocals make for a lively country rock appeal.

Deeper into the listen, the cozy fiddle of “Look At All Them Cows” brings both grit and melody to the rural fun, while “Sunshine Soul” recruits frisky percussion and plenty of rhythm to the album highlight that showcases gorgeous singing.

Further on, “No 4C Blues” offers a playful, rootsy demeanor that builds into a barnyard thumper, and “Come With Me” isn’t too far away with its sublime piano balladry and poetic landscape.

A record that’s dedicated to the time honored tradition of Texas country music, there’s talent as young as 10 here, and instruments as varied as accordion and cowbell that helps make for a diverse and very eventful 15 tracks.

Travels well with: David Quinn- Country Fresh; Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency

The Slocan Ramblers

Up The Hill And Through The Fog

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Up The Hill And Through The Fog

The bluegrass wizards Darryl Poulsen, Adrian Gross and Frank Evans, i.e. The Slocan Ramblers, return with a dozen new tunes where Charles James handles bass and helps the band expand on their template with rich and uplifting song craft.

“I Don’t Know” starts the listen with a very warm and rhythmic display of bluegrass nods, nostalgic rock’n’roll and much melody, and “You Said Goodbye” continues with swift banjo acrobatics and flowing vocal harmonies as the moutain-esque fun glides with precision.

Approaching the middle, “Snow Owl” brings a bit of cautiousness to the agile instrumentation and intricate progressions of the instrumental, while “Platform Four” is a bit darker in nature and stripped back initially, before building into a glorious and dynamic meshing of guitar, mandolin and banjo.

Nearing the end, the poetic “The River Roaming Song” might be the best tune with its strong attention to rootsy and folk ideas, and “Bring Me Down Low” exits the listen with a blistering pace of time honored bluegrass songwriting that’s authentic, glorious and just so memorable.

A band who saw incredible highs in 2019 with a Juno Award Nomination, things took a drastic turn during the pandemic, which had Poulsen and Gross losing close family members and their bassist taking a step back from music.

Despite the tragedies, The Slocan Ramblers have made some of their best music to date here, and anyone with an ear for bluegrass, folk, roots, Americana and old time sounds will find much to enjoy from these Canadian luminaries.

Travels well with: Fireside Collective- Elements; Sideline- Breaks To The Edge

Alex Klein & Phillip Bush

When There Are No Words…

Cedille, 2022

8/10

Listen to When There Are No Words…

The Grammy winner Alex Klein, who is Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s former primary oboe player, pairs up with the esteemed pianist Phillip Bush for a listen that was inspired by 20th century political turmoil, and showcases works by Paul Hindesmith, Pavel Haas, William Bolcom, Benjamin Britten, José Siqueira and Klement Slavicky.

“Sonata for Oboe and Piano” opens the listen with the 2 instruments blending fluidly with much attention to mood that’s both swift and playful, and warm and cautious, and “Suite for Oboe and Piano” follows with a bit of mystery as a cinematic quality is emitted via the careful interaction.

“Aubade- for the continuation of Life” lands in the middle and gets a bit darker as the oboe glides with an emotive appeal and the keys are manipulated with a bare demeanor, while “Temporal Variations” rumbles with a low intensity that builds into fascinating piano acrobatics that few could replicate.

"Suite for Oboe and Piano”, this time by Klement Slavicky, exits the listen with very skilled and purposeful dynamics between the duo that you can’t help but admire.

The packaging is just as impressive as the music, and includes a 20 page booklet that explains each song with much depth, and that combined with the themes of anti-militarism, nuclear war, and political anxiety only further solidify the effort as timeless.

Travels well with: Will Liverman- Dreams Of A New Day; Third Coast Percussion- Fields

Joseph Summer

Hamlet

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Hamlet

The composer Joseph Summer brings us the lyrics of Shakespeare to a contemporary musical arrangement, where Bulgaria’s Ruse Symphony Orchestra, choir, and selected Bulgarian soloists are in attendance for the 3 disc effort.

“Prelude” opens the listen with sophisticated yet daring instrumentation that leads into the soaring soprano of “Though yet of Hamlet our dear brother’s death”, where The Choir of The State Opera-Ruse contribute much grace.

Further along, “By heaven, it is as proper to our age” pairs Kevin Thompson’s strong pipes with triumphant musicianship that’s also a bit cautious, while “Welcome dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern” brings many voices to the tense and densely layered climate.

Act 2 showcases Michelle Trainor’s skilled singing across the vivid storytelling of “With all my heart”, and “To be or not to be” highlights Omar Najmi as Hamlet amid the stirring strings and bellowing brass.

The final disc, Act 3, continues the dynamic landscape, and includes the strategic voices of Brianna Robinson and Neal Ferreira that populate “This nothing’s more than matter”, and “Follow My Mother” benefits much from Katherine Pracht as Horatio for the very absorbing late offering.

Even though we’re all familiar with Hamlet, we’ve never heard it presented quite like this, and the 9 international soloists singing the lead roles adds even more appeal to the classic that’s also very contemporary.

Travels well with: Jan Järvlepp- Three Stories By Hans Christian Andersen; Jeffrey Derus- From Wilderness

Jan Järvlepp

Three Stories By Hans Christian Andersen

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Three Stories By Hans Christian Andersen

The composer Jan Järvlepp employs Rob Dean on narration and the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra and Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra for this highly technical listen that illuminates childhood classics in a very unique setting.

The title track starts the listen with Dean’s captivating storytelling, as the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra provides some low rumbling and light strings to suit both chilling and upbeat moments.

The middle track, “Follow The Leader”, recruits playful percussion and plenty of exciting instrumentation from the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra that’s unpredictable, quite charming and meticulous in a universally enjoyable way.

The final track, “Suite For Strings”, unfolds across 4 segments, where the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra displays dynamic string interaction and much warmth from the radiant energy.

A very accomplished orchestral outing that highlights the conductor Stanislav Vavřínek, Järvlepp and company make for a modern listen that spotlights some of the best symphonic ensembles in existence today.

Travels well with: Jeffrey Derus- From Wilderness; Peter Greve- Oerbos & Other Works Vol. II

Chinoiserie

Building New Musical Bridges

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Building New Musical Bridges

The duo of Bin Hu (guitar) and Jing Xia (guzheng), as Chinoiserie the pair blend their instruments into a meshing of Eastern and Western cultures with a very present European classical influence.

“Mulan” starts the listen with strings interacting with much warmth and beauty that flows with grace and awe, and “Cantigas De Santiago” follows with 5 segments that can be bare and dreamy, as well as firm and tense, as the pair weave in and out of each other with incredible precision.

Further along, “El Amor Brujo” quivers with a bit of mystery, where the interaction between the pair is nothing short of dynamic, while “Golliwogg’s Cakewalk” is quite playful with a cozy melody running under the complicated string work. “Zhong Kui’s Journey” exits the listen with strategic strumming on guitar and meticulous picking on guzheng.

A very unique listen, the two display incredible skill with their instruments, and their global nods make for an experience that’s enlightening and charming.

Travels well with: Elaine Greenfield- Ravel Compared; David Colson- Rise: Music In Times Of Uncertainty

Elaine Greenfield

Ravel Compared

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Ravel Compared

The French composer and pianist Elaine Greenfield brings us very rich, unique and timeless solo piano pieces here, where she offers all 16 tracks on two different pianos- a 1893 Erard from Paris, and a 1917 Ivers & Pond from Boston.

“Pavane pour une infante défunte” opens the listen with soft keys and much beauty, as Greenfield’s sublime keys flow with much grace, and “Sonatine” continues this elegance with 3 chapters of intricate and dreamy playing.

In the middle, “Miroirs” emits a bit of mystery as the charming piano is even a bit cinematic, while “Valses nobles et sentimentales”, the longest track, brings firm and agile progressions that mesmerize. “Le tombeau de Couperin” exits the listen swiftly, as the keys dance with incredible attention to detail.

A stunning effort where Greenfield’s inimitable skill is filled with harmonics, bright tones and a romantic spirit, even at 2 discs long, the remarkable piano playing never out welcomes its stay.

Travels well with: David Colson- Rise: Music In Times Of Uncertainty; Jeffrey Derus- From Wilderness

Deanne Matley

The Alberta Lounge

Barbette, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Alberta Lounge

An album that pays tribute to the jazz legend Oscar Peterson, Deanne Matley brings also brings a couple of originals to the affair, where Taurey Butler (piano), Morgan Moore (bass) and Richard Irwin (drums) accompany her, and a couple of guests are on hand, too.

The title track starts the listen with Paul Shrofel’s frisky piano and Steve Raegele’s spirited guitar complementing Matley’s soulful and smooth vocals, and “Mas Que Nada”, which is sung in Portuguese, follows with much beauty entering the lively scatting and dynamic rhythm section of the timeless jazz flavor.

“Merci Pour Ca! (Je ne Sais Pas)” occupies the middle spot, and showcases Moore’s excellent playing as Matley versatile pipes make a big impression in French, while “The Land Was White (When Summer Comes)” enters ballad territory with stirring singing and eloquent musicianship.

Approaching the end, “Tristeza” quickly builds into a dance friendly and Latin display of swift song craft, and “Hymn To Freedom” exits the listen soft and agile, where the calm keys and intimate vocals make for a very reflective demeanor.

The music here is top notch, but Matley’s singing really is the focus, where her modern appeal certainly retains the richness of vintage jazz, too, as she swings playfully, can get haunting and even touches on pop elements.

Travels well with: Beth McKenna- Beyond Here; Shannon Gunn- On A Mountain

David Colson

Rise: Music In Times Of Uncertainty

Navona, 2022

9/10

Listen to Rise: Music In Times Of Uncertainty

David Colson has much experience as a performer, conductor, and composer, and here be offers us very creative chamber sounds that covers a sizable area of emotional content.

“How We Change” starts the listen with the Western Brass Quintet, i.e. Scott Thornburg (trumpet), Robert White (trumpet), Lin Foulk Baird (horn), Daniel Mattson (trombone), and Chance S. Trottman-Huiet (tuba) bringing both restraint and adventurousness to the exciting chamber climate, and “The Wind Is Rising, the Earth lets itself be inhaled” follows with Benjamin Kamins on bassoon and Matthew Strauss’ percussion in the mysterious and cinematic 14 minutes.

The final two tracks unfold across many chapters, where “Rise” recruits the Clocks in Motion Percussion, which is John Corkill, Kyle Flens, Christopher G. Jones and Sean Kleve handling percussio and Clare Longendyke on piano for the delicate, exploratory and sometimes even sci-fi tinted album highlight.

“Dionysian Mysteries” exits the listen, and showcases Christopher Creviston (soprano saxophone), Joseph Lulloff (alto saxophone), David Stambler (tenor saxophone), and Henning Schroeder (baritone saxophone), aka the Capitol Quartet, for a very unpredictable and fascinating brass journey.

An effort where each track shines in its own light, we’re treated to large ensembles, much focus on percussion and plenty of tempo manipulation populating this very well done record.

Travels well with: Jeffrey Derus- From Wilderness; Peter Greve- Oerbos & Other Works Vol. II

Jeffrey Derus

From Wilderness

Navona, 2022

9/10

Listen to From Wilderness

The composer Jeffrey Derus finds himself in the company of the conductor Brandon Elliott and the Choral Arts Initiative for this listen that covers landscapes from Mexico to Canada.

“Root: Survival Chakra & Journey Into Yourself” opens the listen with no shortage of atmosphere, as Kevin Mills brings cello into the warm, vocally harmonic display, and “Sacral: Emotions Chakra” follows with precise and cautious bells emitting mystery into the light climate.

Closer to the middle, “Southern California: No 7 Kennedy Meadows” showcases the sublime and very skilled singing from the choral group, while “Sierras: No 5 Echo Lake” brings Mills’ cello back, where the stirring strings add much to the very intimate landscape.

Deeper into the listen, one of the best tracks, “Oregon: No 6 Mt Hood Wilderness & No 7 Cascade Locks”, brings Anna Kietzman (soprano soloist), Genie Hossain (alto soloist), Taylor Jacobs (tenor soloist) and Kirk Averitt (baritone soloist) to the poetic delivery, and “British Columbia: Manning Park” exits with an alluring droning and subtle cello that’s fascinating from beginning to end.

A very well done record that combines orchestral sounds with a choir, for those with an ear for choral music, it just doesn’t get much better than this.

Travels well with: Peter Greve- Oerbos & Other Works Vol. II; The Music Of Rain Worthington- Passages Through Time

Anna Kislitsyna

Piano Spectrums

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Piano Spectrums

The inimitable pianist Anna Kislitsyna brings much emotion and care to these modern pieces, where the artist adapts to each composer’s distinct vision with incredible proficiency that can be both tender and firm.

Michael Cohen’s “Prelude” opens the listen with Kislitsyna’s agile and exciting keys being both warm and adventurous, and “Five Mise-en-scènes for Piano, Book Two” follows with an eloquent intimacy, as the delicate delivery is quite soothing.

Deeper yet, “Etude For Concert”, by Zhiyi Wang, illustrates incredible progressions with the keys that’s quite dizzying, while “Variations On A Theme Of Beethoven” dances with fluid melodies amid the classical ideas. The final track, “Time And Again”, by Bruce Babcock, rumbles cautiously before moving swiftly with a hypnotic and gripping demeanor.

A truly exceptional solo piano listen, Kislitsyna makes the most of each track, and uses every moment to enthrall us with her sublime craft.

Travels well with: Joys Abiding- Soprano And Baritone Duets By Historical Women Composers; John Mitchell’s Quartets- Seasons

Peter Greve

Oerbos & Other Works Vol. II

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Oerbos & Other Works Vol. II

This 3rd installment from the composer Peter Greve allows for solo, chamber, choral, and orchestral performers to all shine, where some narration even makes an appearance on pieces that can turbulent as well as beautiful.

“Oerbos (Primeval Forest)” opens the listen with the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra bringing both tension and grace to the cinematic swells and calmer moments of the precisely layered climate, and “In Memoriam” follows with Harry-Imre Dijkstra’s clarinet, Ephraim van IJzerlooij’s cello and Antal Sporck’s piano interacting with much warmth and grace.

In the middle, “Prelude, Chorale & Voluntary” recruits Wim Ruitenbeek on carillon and Fred Vogels handling organ samples on the mysterious and creative album highlight, while “Dialogues” showcases Markéta Soldánová’s flute, Petr Nouzovský’s cello, Lucie Kaucká’s piano and David Chevalier’s narration across 4 chapters of rich and poetic chamber sounds. The album exits on “Symfonietta”, where Stewart Clapp narrates and the Filharmonie Brno glides with dreamy, meticulous playing that you can’t not admire.

A listen with themes of nature, Greve is in very exceptional company who illuminate his vision with incredible fluidity and execution.

Travels well with: The Music Of Rain Worthington- Passages Through Time; The Music Of Michael Cohen- A Song For Silenced Voices

Mike Allemana

Vonology

Ears & Eyes, 2022

9/10

Listen to Vonology

The exceptional guitarist Mike Allemana takes inspiration from the saxophonist Von Freeman across these 5 very exploratory tracks, where songs about astrology are fleshed out with much help on brass, strings, drums and vocals.

“Welcome. Enter" opens the listen with soft bass plucking from Matt Ferguson, as many voices enter and harmonize amid the bouts of bright brass and unpredictable drumming, and “The Mediator” follows with a quirky groove running under the playful drums, stirring strings and spirited guitar work.

The middle track, “Communion And Renewal”, enters more intimate areas of beauty and warmth, while “Libra Channeling” moves swiftly, with a busy free jazz approach that’s quite exciting. The final track, “The Mentor’s Benediction”, brings both spoken word and wordless singing to the very creative and eloquent exit.

A jazz effort of the most atypical kind, Allemana and company pay tribute to Freeman’s memory with an artistic spirituality that’s quite accomplished, highly technical and absolutely timeless.

Travels well with: Noa Fort- Everyday Actions; James Gilmore- Decorating Party

King Calaway

Rivers

Stoney Creek, 2019

8/10

Listen to Rivers

A Nashville based country-pop outfit who are making significant waves already in their short existence, King Calaway’s first album also brings the 5 tunes off their recent EP for a harmonic, ultra-tuneful adventure.

“No Matter What” starts the listen with melodic vocals on the acoustic based template, and “More Than I Do” follows with a cautious approach to the vocal harmonies and pop-rock strumming.

Elsewhere, “Obvious” recruits playful pop influences into the FM dial friendly delivery, while “Driver’s Seat” flows with frisky breeziness and an anthemic chorus of country inspired rock.

Back half highlights include the warm balladry and smooth, blues tinted guitar work of “I Do”, and the vocally expressive “World For Two”, which unfolds with a romantic spirit. “I Did” exits the listen with calm keys and a group effort on vocals on the emotive and timeless finish.

A listen of pure ear candy, King Calaway bring all the hallmarks of boy band sounds to their formula, and they do it so well, i expect them to be a household name this time next year.

Travels well with: Imagine Dragons- Evolve; OneRepublic- Waking Up