Clifffs

Panic Attack

We Know Better, 2020

10/10

Listen to Panic Attack

The Texas trio Clifffs may not be a band you’ve heard before, but you’ll certainly want to hear a lot more of them after spending time with this sophomore album. Composed of John Dufilho, Bill Spellman, and Andy Lester, these Dallas residents sure know their way around a place to reside where melody and racket collide and things can get quite disheveled in all the best ways.

“Undone” gets the album off to a proto-punk start with a slinky rhythm and a head bobbin’ pace, and this continues to the fuzzy garage rock of “Manatee”, as well as the fuller, anthemic delivery of the gritty and tuneful “Into The Salt”.

Wtih the bulk of the tunes not over 2 minutes in length, Clifffs trim the fat and gets right to the point with their precisely loose formula. Deeper cuts include the hypnotic and brisk “It’s All Gone Wrong”, where call and response vocals add much to the landscape, while “Gotta Fix This Now” bounces with a punk energy that will remind you all the early greats of the genre as crisp percussion highlights the affair. Though there isn’t a dud to be found, “Dark Clouds”, with its post-punk backdrop and multiple vocals, is certainly a stand out.

Closer to the end, “Stipe” brings in a drum machine for a darker excursion into almost spacey sounds, and “Life”, although the shortest tune, leaves an impression with its furious drum fills, throbbing bass lines and shouted vocals.

Though they’re a punk outfit at their core, Clifffs drag their calculated noise across many genres, rarely taking time for a breath and moving with a memorableness that’s likely to be record of the year material.

Travels well with: The Hip Priests- Stand For Nothing; Professor And The Madman- Live At The 100 Club

Mark John McEncroe

Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra: Reflections & Recollections Vol. 2

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra: Reflections & Recollections Vol. 2

Mark John McEncroe impressed me with his first installment of Musical Images For Chamber Orchestra, and this 2nd venture, recorded in the Czech Republic, brings 11 new piano works by McEncroe that are performed by the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra.

“Daybreak” starts the album with sweeping melody in the graceful, orchestral setting, and this continues to the sophisticated beauty and soaring moments of “Cindy’s Song”, as well as the twinkling textures of “A Rainy Summer’s Day”.

Deeper tracks bring us the playful and tense “Dance Of The Pagans”, while the soothing quality of “Fleeting Images”nearly get meditative. Near the end, “Fading Memories” moves with a cinematic quality of sublime instrumentation, and “Shimmering Lights” ends the listen with nearly 12 minutes of skilled and precise sounds from the esteemed orchestra.

A rich, moving and exciting performance, McEncroe’s work touches on the human experience with a universal spirit, and it’s good to know that volumes 3 and 4 are currently in progress.

Travels well with: Prisma Vol. 3- Contemporary Works For Orchestra; Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth

Kirk O'Riordan

Autumn Winds

Ravello, 2020

8/10

Listen to Autumn Winds

The esteemed composer Kirk O’Riordan has an impressive cast fleshing out these 4 pieces, as Holly Roadfeldt handles keys, Peter Dutilly offers his viola skills and Ann Moss brings her impressive pipes to this chamber filled experience.

“Four Beautiful Songs” starts the album with fierce piano playing and strong viola prowess as Ann Moss delivers flawlessly with her soaring soprano on the only track to feature all 3 artists, and “Prayer Stones” complements the affair with cautious keys amid haunting strings in the instrumental offering.

The 2nd half of the listen leads with 15 chapters of “Autumn Winds”, where the piano moves in bare, emotive ways, before erupting into quivering moments on the haikus by Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, while “Beautiful Nightmares” ends the listen with 10 minutes of beauty as Roadfeldt plays with proficient and timeless skill that recruits a surreal appeal.

Often minimal and always daring, fans of early 20th century art music will certainly be enamored here, as will those with an ear for poetic and elegant chamber sounds.

Travels well with: Clickable- The Art Of Persuasion; Apollo Chamber Players- Within Earth

Prisma Vol. 3

Contemporary Works For Orchestra

Navona, 2020

8/10

Listen to Contemporary Works For Orchestra

In this installment of the Prisma series, 7 conductors are highlighted as their unique contemporary orchestral sounds are presented in a symphonic display of unparalleled skill and timeless delivery.

“Ascension”, by Ahmed Alabaca, starts the album with expressive clarinet from Karel Dohnal as the strings highlight the elegant mood with a cinematic quality, and Sarah Wallin Huff’s “The Dark Glass Sinfonia” follows with a moving and mysterious delivery that builds into soaring highs of cascading beauty while also retreating to low ebbs of calm.

Deeper into the listen, “Spring Fantasy” (Raisa Orshansky) plucks and flows with an emotive aspect to its sublime beauty, while “Songs Of The Seasons” brings us a chapter for each season, where the mood shifts from contemplative to hopeful and then shining bright in the Craig Morris masterpiece.

At the end, Scott Brickman’s “Restoration” emits a majestic atmosphere that’s both playful and cautious, and “Prelude & Fugue” exits the listen with a manipulation of space and tension in the unpredictable closer where Audun G. Vassdal shows us impressive song craft.

Quite possibly the best offering yet among the Prisma albums, the artistic and powerful pieces here truly think in original ways of what a symphony orchestra is capable of, and we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: Anne Neikirk- Spring Shadows; Pete Greve- The Palace Of The Dreamking And Other Works

Karine Germaix

Incandescence

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Incandescence

The vocalist and accordion extraordinaire Karine Germaix is in great company here, as Flavio Maciel de Souza handles bass while Didier Fontaine is behind the drum kit on this brief but exciting listen where the trio soundtrack the words of Mickael Serré.

“Je brule” starts the listen with an accordion and percussion interacting in playful ways as soulful and unique vocals guide the very cultured tune, and “L’ apnée” follows with a more reserved approach that’s no less adventurous in its sublime delivery.

The back half of the listen offers the strong beat of “Le pressoir”, where the accordion unfolds with an infectious quality in a track you could dance to, while “Tout est dense” ends the listen with a slow, dirge like opening that builds into a hypnotic performance of marching band drumming and a repetitive melody you won’t soon forget.

A record that’s loaded with rhythm, power, passion, and, perhaps, most importantly, originality, while many of us aren’t exactly searching out an accordion dominated EP, this one is nothing short of mesmerizing and constantly shifting with intriguing textures.

Travels well with: Kreda- Crest; The Somnambulist- Hypermnesiac

Dennis Callaci

The Dead Of The Day

Shrimper, 2020

8/10

Listen to Dead Of The Day

An integral member of the long running indie outfit Refrigerator and also the founder of Shrimper Records, Dennis Callaci delivers a 3rd solo album with Aaron Alcala, Franklin Bruno, Allen Callaci and Henry Callaci are on hand to help make this drum less listen of guitar minimalsim and piano balladry.

“All Saints” starts the listen with a bare acoustic guitar picking in the 15+ minutes of intimate beauty that’s entirely instrumental and picks up about 10 minutes in with dense fuzz before retreating back to sparse, and the title track follows with fluid keys as soft and expressive singing enters the dark, folk spirit.

Near the middle, “On A Line” relies on a mesmerizing piano melody as Callaci’s delivers vivid storytelling, while “Broadway Blues Pt. II” flows with a stripped back, Americana approach of pretty yet rugged musicianship. “Halloween”, one of the fuller tunes, then radiates grit with Callici exploring his vocal range in playful, yet soothing ways.

Closer to the end, “Alchemists” pairs strong piano with cryptic wordplay, and “Penny Whistle” moves slowly with emotion amid a precise, cautious setting. “The Day Of The Dead Pt. II” ends the listen louder, mysterious and as creative as the rest of the listen.

Callaci released his novel, 100 Cassettes, at the same time as this album, and the narrative of the book ties into the themes of The Day Of The Dead. A record with absolutely zero mainstream appeal, Callaci and company recorded much of the record live to a two track, and its raw, plaintive and minimal approach leaves an impression long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Refrigerator- High Desert Lows; Conor Oberst- Salutations

Grant Peeples

Bad Wife

For RootBall, 2020

9/10

Listen to Bad Wife

A very unique effort, the veteran singer-songwriter Grant Peeples delivers an album where each song was penned by a different woman, including Ali Holder, Phoebe Bloom and Dayna Kurtz, to name a few.

The albums gets off to a sparse start with the bare “Crying Out”, where calm percussion and soft guitar complement the expressive singing from Peeples, and “3:52 a.m.” follows with a darker spirit of nearly Americana gothic ideas in the creative landscape.

Further along, “Iris” benefits from agile guitar lines in the hushed, emotive setting, while “Bad Wife” recruits keys from Red Young in the dramatic delivery. An album where each tune radiates it own rich textures, “Keep Trying” stands out with its lifting melody and backing vocals in its subtly powerful display.

Closer to the end, the acoustic guitar driven “Rich Man” flows with gentle folk-rock, and “Market Town”, the bonus track, exits with vivid storytelling where an accordion adds greatly to the unique project.

A subtly powerful listen, Peeples does not change the pronouns to suit his gender, and performs with a wise, thoughtful and moving approach. An album that coincides with the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote in America, consider this a concept record of the highest caliber in both importance and execution.

Travels well with: Lynne Hanson- Just Words; Adam Carroll- I Walked In Them Shoes

Phantom Blues Band

Still Cookin’

VizzTone, 2020

8/10

Listen to Still Cookin’

An outfit who have been active since the ‘90s and who have picked up many awards since then, while they are probably most known for being the touring band for Taj Mahal, the Phantom Blues Band certainly know how to pen their own albums, too, as Still Cookin’ has the 6 members working together with both originals and covers.

“Don’t Fight It” starts the listen with a classic blues approach as keys, guitar and soulful vocals guide the playful and powerful start, and “Stop Runnin’” follows with a cautious spirit as organs and horns interact with much appeal.

In the middle, “Blues How They Linger” trims the pace back with a bare piano tune where a soothing quality enters, while “Shine On” goes the opposite direction with an upbeat and full display of timeless song craft that even brings in some reggae. “Tequila Con Yerba”, one of liveliest tracks, then offers a rhythmic and exciting cultured setting that you can’t help but move your body to.

Closer the end, “Fess On Up” brings a brass heavy and highly melodic album highlight that you’ll be singing along to instantly, and “I Was Blind” ends the listen sparse, with plenty of emotion amid soft-rock influences.

This 4th album from the ensemble mixes gospel, R&B, Latin sounds, southern rock’n’roll and, of course, blues in their inimitable formula, as their vast skill and experience solidifies Still Cookin’ as a truly exceptional record.

Travels well with: Bob Margolin- This Guitar And Tonight; Rick Vito- Soulshaker

Dimitri K.

Gardens Of Delight

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Gardens Of Delight

The writer, composer and arranger Dimitar Kovachev returns with a dozen new tracks, where a handful of musicians use their improvisational skills to complement and supplement the original vision of the meticulous compositions.

After the key and guitar heavy “It Takes Two” opens up the elegant affair, the title track flows with sublime melodies in a playful formula, while “Happiness” recruits soulful saxophone from Joel Klein amid the cautious landscape.

Back half highlights include the smooth jazz prowess of “Fleeting Vision”, the piano focused cover of Chopin’s “Impromptu”, and the string beauty of “Law Of Creaton”, where Konstantin Dimitrov’s violin leaves a lasting impression. “Shaping Sound” ends the listen upbeat and agile, where plenty of instruments converge into a tuneful exit that’s guided by Devrick Bell’s saxophone prowess.

Much like everything Dimitri K. is involved in, the atmosphere here is mature, inspiring and heavily jazz influenced, although nods to orchestral and classical ideas are also present amid the emotive and gripping effort.

Travels well with: Diane Moser- Birdsongs; Negroni’s Trio- Acustico

Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield

Reckless Saints

Shiny Gnu, 2018

9/10

Listen to Reckless Saints

A husband and wife duo who have been playing and touring together for over a decade now, Roy Schneider and Kim Mayfield’s first official album together delivers originals songs from both of them, as well as a spirited Blaze Foley cover.

The aptly titled “Jump In” gets the record off to a lively start of harmonicas, shuffling percussion and harmonic vocals, and “Walkin’ On A Wire” continues with a folky blues approach, where their rootsy stylings are never in short supply as Freebo (Bonnie Raitt) contributes bass work.

Further along, “Poison Arrow” flows with a contemplative setting of elegant melodies and organic instrumentation, while “Ring Around The Moon”, a Mayfield tune, recruits sublime string work in the emotive landscape. “Angels Along The Road”, one of the best tunes, then offers a gritty country template with plenty of mass appeal including fine violin prowess from Keven Aland.

Deeper tracks include the rugged and socially aware“Runaway Train” and “Election Day”, the lone cover, exits the affair with flowing Americana as Gurf Morlix, who handles lead guitar and also contributes vocals, adds much to the reworking.

Described by guitartist/vocalist Morlix as ‘blue twangled folk n’ roll’, Schneider has often been compared to legends like Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, and together with his wife’s pretty pipes they find all sorts of beauty in this well thought out listen.

Travels well with: Bill Scorzari- Now I’m Free; Andy Thorn- Frontiers Like These

Larkin Poe

Venom & Faith

Tricki Woo, 2018

8/10

Listen to Venom & Faith

The sister duo of Megan and Rebecca Lovell, aka Larkin Poe, are already on their 4th album, and this time the Nashville residents inject a gothic twist to their rootsy ways with a couple of well executed covers, too.

“Sometimes”, a Bessie Jones tune, starts the listen with hand clapping and expressive vocals in the brass friendly and marching band style drumming fun, and “Beach Blonde Bottle Blues” follows with a playful country spirit as Meghan handles slide guitar duties.

Elsewhere, “California King” recruits a warm Americana angle amid a rugged delivery of banjo riffs, while “Blue Ridge Mountains” finds plenty of rhythm in the organic, roots flavored display. “Fly Like An Eagle”, one of the album highlights, then offers strong percussion and soulful vocals in a haunting fashion.

At the end, “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”, by Skip James, certainly does bring the blues with a precise delivery amid vocal acrobatics, and “Good And Gone” ends the listen musically bare on a vocally strong, nearly gospel exit where organs and pedal steel complement the mood.

An extremely varied effort of cozy textures, the sibling’s brand of modern roots is only getting better with each record, as ‘70s nods, blues influences and country traces are used strategically and flawlessly.

Travels well with: The Marcus King Band- The Marcus King Band; Nikki Lane- Highway Queen

Puss N Boots

Sister

Blue Note, 2020

8/10

Listen to Sister

An all star trio consisting of Norah Jones, Catherine Popper, and Sasha Dobson, Puss N Boots return with a sophomore album where originals and covers flow cohesively as they each take turns on vocals and rotate guitar, bass and drums, too.

“Jamola” starts the album with warm guitar work as the tune builds into a percussively strong and wordless vocal setting, and “It’s Not Easy” follows with a slow burning melody as soulful vocals from Jones highlight the agile setting.

Further along, “You And Me” showcases all 3 voices in rich and elegant atmosphere, while “You Don’t Know”, a Dobson original, moves with a bare appeal as spirited guitar accompanies the expressive singing. “It’s A Wonderful Lie”, a Paul Westerberg tune and one of the record’s best, glides with a folksy shuffle as the organic instrumentation unfolds with a smooth, timeless delivery.

Deeper cuts brings us the playful, surf friendly “Sister”, the country sounds of Tom Petty’s “Angel Dream” with Jones at the helm, and the lush version of Concrete Blonde’s classic “Joey”. “The Grass Is Blue” ends the listen emotive and engaging as the women do the Dolly Parton tune justice.

A overall sparse recording that’s heavy on balladry, while the musicianship complements the scene well, the harmonizing vocals steal the show on this impressive 2nd effort.

Travels well with: Kacy & Clayton- Carrying On; Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave. South

Gloria Reuben & Marty Ashby

For All We Know

MCG, 2020

8/10

Listen to For All We Know

An extremely skilled collaboration here, Gloria Reuben, an actress, singer and classically trained pianist, is aligned with Marty Ashby, who brings his jazz guitar prowess to a very powerful listen that carries themes of love and relationships- the good and the bad.

“I’ll Close My Eyes” starts the listen with Reuben’s soaring and flawless pipes against Ashby’s spirited guitar work in the groove filled affair, and “A Time For Love” follows with warm grace and expressive eloquence in the calming atmosphere.

Near the middle, the title track offers a rhythmic and light setting, while “I Get Along Without You Very Well” recruits an agile jazz template with Reuben’s soft vocals guiding us. “Maybe You’ll Be There”, one of the best of the best, then resides in an emotive place with pristine beauty that few could replicate.

Deeper into the listen, “Where Do You Start?” flows with timeless melody in a contemplative tone, and “Sing Your Heart” ends the listen playful, upbeat and full of liveliness that will get your body and soul moving.

It’s not surprising that For All We Know was released on Valentine’s Day, as it is often very romantic and intimate in its mature vision. This is Reuben and Ashby’s 2nd album together and let’s hope there’s a 3rd, as the chemistry they share is both rare and enlightening.

Travels well with: The Diva Jazz Orchestra- Diva + The Boys; Carol Albert- Stronger Now

Midnight Shine

HIgh Road

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to High Road

The Canadian sensations Midnight Shine return with a 3rd album, and this time they bring a bit of culture to the affair and even a nod to their fellow Canuck Neil Young with a charming cover.

“Leather Skin” starts the album with piano and expressive vocals from Adrian Sutherland in the melodic song craft, and “Cold Walker” follows with a fuller setting of gritty pop-rock where some guitar crunch adds a punch.

In the middle, “Velocity” offers a spirited tune of upbeat and nearly alt-rock fun, while “Survivor” trims the setting back with a cautious yet powerful display of timelessness. “Heart Of Gold”, the lone cover, then retains some of the rawness of the original and brings in harmonicas as Midnight Shine pull off a stunning reworking.

At the end of the record, “Sister Love” builds into an Americana influenced rocker, and “I Need Angels” exits the listen with finger snapping and heartfelt singing where an anthemic quality enters the equation.

Although they’re most known for their roots rock prowess, Midnight Shine flirt with all sorts of influences around the rock and pop spectrum, too. It’s no surprise that several tracks here climbed high up the charts, as the quartet are certainly skilled and deliver like seasoned vets.

Travels well with: The Trews- Civilianaires; Buffy Sainte-Marie- Power In The Blood

Austin Lucas

Immortal Americans

Cornelius Chapel, 2019

9/10

Listen to Immortal Americans

Austin Lucas has had quite a varied career, shifting from the hardcore punk musician of his formative years to the country music crooner he is today. Immortal Americans, his 7th studio album, has a now sober and much healthier Lucas working alongside the legendary producer Steve Albini as his backing band plays live on this gritty yet beautiful record.

The title track starts the listen with a bare guitar as Lucas sings with both emotion and expressiveness, and builds into a duet with a warm, Americana delivery amid a working class quality, and “Killing Time” follows with a folk-like appeal alongside pedal steel and comforting vocals from Lucas.

Elsewhere, “Monroe County Nights” brings a percussively strong and musically agile atmosphere of rural melodies, while “My Mother And The Devil” finds Lucas and company entering more traditional country music territory with plenty of ruggedness. “The Shadow And Marie”, one of the album’s strongest tracks, has Lucas exploring his vocal range in an emotive atmosphere on a tune about his then partner’s cancer diagnosis.

Towards the end, a banjo and upbeat percussion highlight the playful “Goat And Goose”, where his sister, Chole Manor, lends a hand on vocals, and “Shallow Inland Sea” exits the listen bare, elegant and poetic with a timeless demeanor.

Always intimate, and often lush, too, Lucas pulls off an amazing vocal performance (he had also recently quit cigarettes), as his alt-country formula has never sounded so confident and urgent in his esteemed career. A record that was made during much transition and tragedy in his life, Lucas certainly parlayed it in exceptional art with Immortal Americans.

Travels well with: Possessed By Paul James- As We Go Wandering; Cory Branan- The No-Hit Wonder

Kali Masi

Wind Instrument

Take This To Heart, 2017

10/10

Listen to Wind Instrument

A Chicago outfit who mesh pop-punk, alt-rock and ‘90s Midwest emo, Kali Masi deliver a striking first album that’s a little rough around the edges but still very precise, and is highly energetic, but still makes time for slower ebbs of gritty restraint.

After the warm, bare guitar of the opener “Some Friends”, the tune bursts into a fuzzed out, anthemic rocker with strong vocal work and swirling melodies, and “Her Palms Were Read” follows with a similar punchy atmosphere with a slightly darker spirit.

In the middle, “Recurring (II)” leads with a quieter delivery before charged, yet tuneful punk rock settles in nicely amid glowing hooks, while “Ghost (Pottery Scene)” remains calm for the most part with heartfelt introspection. “Lunger”, an album highlight, showcases the sort of soaring singing that’s rarely displayed in punk, but in a cautious but no less powerful delivery.

At the end, the crunchy “Sputter” brings us back to the early days of Taking Back Sunday only more raw, dare I say more exciting, and “C.A.” ends the listen with nearly 7 minutes of backing vocals, simmering instrumentation and tuneful dynamics that never out welcome its stay.

Debut albums are rarely this fluid, cohesive and memorable. These 5 guys are really onto something here; let’s hope more is on the horizon soon, cause Wind Instrument is one of the best punk rock albums in recent history.

Travels well with: The Menzingers- On The Impossible Past; Bad Luck- Drug Phase

Diane Moser

Birdsongs

Planet Arts, 2018

8/10

Listen to Birdsongs

Diane Moser has made quite a name for herself in her 2 decade long career, and here the pianist and composer takes her life long interest in birds and pens an album that was actually made with bird sounds outside of Moser’s studio as they would interact with her playing.

After the string, arco bass and flute heavy “Birdsongs For Eric” opens the graceful affair, “Hello” flows with light keys and plenty of atmosphere as bandmates Anton Denner and Ken Filiano contribute their sublime expertise.

Elsewhere, “If You Call Me, Then I’ll Call You”, a tune about the American Robin, glides with a charming playfulness amid flute acrobatics and skilled keys, while “Won’t You Come Out To Play” brings a cinematic quality with a bluesy delivery in one of the album’s best.

Late in the disc, “Variations On ‘A Hermit At Eve’” really puts Moser’s piano prowess on display as the tune shifts into Latin sensibilities, and “When Birds Dream” ends the listen calm and bare, with an emotive aspect to a very soulful delivery.

A very nature-esque angle of flourishing jazz sounds, Moser wanted this listen to instill positively while feeling refreshed, and she certainly succeeded in spades with Birdsongs.

Travels well with: Paul English- Girl In Green; Anne Neikirk- Spring Shadows

Chfifeau

Under The Current

Schwarz Neon Licht, 2018

8/10

Listen to Under The Current

A Haifa, Israel outfit who certainly retain their middle-eastern heritage here, Chfifeau also bring dream-pop, lo-fi, shoegaze and bits of electronica to their inimitable formula.

Though the album starts off hazy with calm percussion and Eastern guitar sounds amid the calm setting, it isn’t long before more folk based sounds enter, and by the halfway point the album resides in rhythmic territory where lo-fi indie-rock ideas are present.

The back half of the listen is equally unpredictable, and includes more vocally expressive moments with woodwind instruments, and even a more dense and dreamy atmosphere where keys add much to the ambience. The record ends on a creative high, with chunky bass lines alongside hypnotic singing in a darker textured exit.

Even though I don’t understand a word being sung here and can’t read the song titles, this is some fascinating and enthralling world music that reels in influences from across the globe with exciting results.

Travels well with: Cattivo- Cattivo; Morphlexis- Borrowed Songs

Energy *

Energy *

Galtta, 2018

8/10

Listen to Energy*

A duo consisting of Camilla Padgitt-Coles and Bryce Hackford, the pair put a metronome and synthesizer to good use on this minimalist and artistic journey of highly creative prowess.

After the bright bass work and soothing synth of “~”, “~~” presents a polyrhythmic display where the sounds of water dripping are emulated amid plenty of atypical synth stabs.

“~~~”, the shortest track, then finds a percussive place to reside alongside a hypnotic landscape, while “~~~~” spends 15+ minutes turning repetition into a refined art from in an almost meditative fashion. “~~~~~” ends the listen with a dreamy quality that fades into sparse manipulation.

Padgitt-Coles previously recorded under the moniker Ivy Meadow and Future Shuttle, and Hackford’s been releasing solo work for over a now decade now, and here their combined forces make for a fascinating and even enlightening experience that’s limited to just 100 cassettes (only 4 left!).

Travels well with: Purelle- Gotta Have It!; Nick Stevens- New Age

Terry Datsun

Fable Of The Seas

Fabyl, 2019

9/10

Listen to Fable Of The Seas

A singer-songwriter with a massive amount of talent, Amsterdam resident Terry Datsun makes an impression very quickly on the blues, psyche-flavored, punk tinted rock’n’roll adventure that is Fable Of The Seas.

“Dance If You Wanna” starts the listen soulful with spirited guitar work that builds into a fuller blues rocker, and “Surfer Girl” follows with a dense beat and retro-rock stabs that’s sunny all around.

Further along, “Girl In The Vans” delivers vintage garage rock spirit and an anthemic quality, while “Love & Hate”, the lone cover, flows with raw emotion and R&B nods in the busy album highlight. “Kamikaze Jumpsuit” then takes a turn into orchestral territory with strings on the acoustic guitar friendly fun.

At the end, “Dirty Secrets” recruits classic rock moments for a sonically loud and raw execution, and “Light The Touchpaper” ends the listen gentle and rhythmic with incredible guitar playing from Datsun.

A nomadic artist, Datsun’s music follows suit as he wanders around many facets of rock’n’roll across these 9 tunes, each one radiating timelessness and warm grit that’s immediately memorable.

Travels well with: Michael Kiwanuka- Love & Hate; Patrick Sweany- Daytime Turned To Nighttime