Richard Hell And The Voidoids

Destiny Street Complete

Omnivore, 2021

10/10

Listen to Destiny Street Complete

The sophomore and final album from Richard Hell and the Voidoids that was originally released in 1982, here the classic album lives again and includes the original version, a repaired version, a remixed version and demos version spread across 2 discs of early punk greatness.

The first disc is the original Destiny Street Remastered and Destiny Street Repaired. The play list is the same for both albums, so you get to hear the run order twice with slight changes. “The Kid With The Replaceable Head” starts the listen with a gritty and melodic display of proto-punk and garage rock, and later on the Repaired version injects guitar solos and added vocals to make the track that much more vibrant.

Elsewhere, the bouncy and playful spirit of “I Gotta Move” sounds just as good now as it did in 1982, and the Repaired version highlights the best assets with a fuller sound of punk spirited energy. Further on, “I Can Only Give You Everything” is filled with firm drumming and a lively rhythm section as Hell’s vocal acrobatics are front and center, while the Repaired track is much cleaner in sound, though certainly still full of raw, thumping rock’n’roll.

The second disc differs from the first disc in that it’s not the same track listing twice, cause the Demos portion brings several different songs that never appeared on the original album. Of the Remixed portion, the more subdued and nearly soulful “Downtown At Dawn” has never sounded better, while the manic “Ignore That Door” illustrates incredible guitar work in a lively climate. The title track, which is one of the best, then recruits spoken work into a fusion sort of landscape that’s even a little funky, too.

The Demos portion offers us the single version of several tracks from Destiny Street, as well as the multifaceted “Smitten”, where some parallels to The Clash are present, and “Funhunt” finds itself in some form of iconoclastic garage rock. “Time” appears twice near the end, as both a calmer single version, and a well documented live track.

Hell was never pleased with the final mix of Destiny Street. In the early 2000’s, he came across a cassette of the rhythm tracks, to which he was able to redo the vocals and guitars. This would become the Repaired version. In 2019, 3 of the 4 original 24 track masters were recovered, which allowed Hell to fully remaster the body of work. This would become the Remixed version.

Now, 40 years later, Hell finally likes what he hears in Destiny Street, and he’s certainly not alone as this incredible project represents some of the best rock’n’roll coming out of New York in the early ‘80s. Add a nice thick booklet with new liner notes, and you’ve got a reissue that no one should pass up.

Travels well with: The Buzzcocks- The Way; Jesse Malin- Outsiders

Tenant From Zero

Flight

La Bella Figura, 2021

8/10

Listen to Flight

The recording moniker of singer and composer Paul Darrah, as Tenant From Zero the artist pairs nostalgic and modern sounds where pop ideas are textured, often romantic and take influence from the British sounds Darrah grew up on.

“ZRH” starts the listen with plenty of soul entering the tuneful, retro pop approach where backing female vocals make an impact, and “The End Away” follows with a bright and very melodic delivery of brass friendly song craft that’s entirely beautiful and timeless.

Close to the middle, “The Bomb You Dropped” recruits synth stabs in its busy and playful execution, while “After” unfolds with warm piano amid the ballad like climate that’s both soothing and elegant. “Properly Wrecked By John”, one of the album’s best, then places strings, dynamic percussion and R&B nods amid sublime sax prowess.

Near the end, “Yellow And Blue” moves gently and with a dreaminess to the mature songwriting, and “Still Empty Rooms” exits the listen with a sparse atmosphere of expressive singing and a poetic quality where a string arrangement adds much to the emotive landscape.

This is Tenant From Zero’s first album, but you sure wouldn’t know it based on the strong songwriting and excellent delivery that often parallels the greatness of Bryan Ferry.

Travels well with: Allbut6ix- Like A River; Satellites- Love & Disaster

Still Corners

The Last Exit

Wrecking Light, 2021

8/10

Listen to The Last Exit

This is the 5th album from Still Corners, which is the duo of Tessa Murray and Greg Hughes, and the effort has the pair mixing their desert noir ideas with dreamy moments and strategic electronica as they explore the open road with their adventurous song craft.

The title track starts the listen with warm acoustic guitars as Murray’s pretty, inviting vocals steer the light and dreamy setting, and “Crying” follows with a calm buzzing as gentle electronica flows alongside whistling.

As we approach the middle, “A Kiss Before Dying” recruits a darker quality as keys and plenty of atmosphere complement the timeless folk sensibilities, while “Bad Town” leads with playful ambience before turning into a campfire-esque strummer with mysterious vocals. “Static”, the pair’s best track, then displays soothing guitar lines, crisp percussion and some mild psychedelia alongside an atypical form of Americana.

“Shifting Dunes” and “Old Arcade” bookend the listen, as the former blend a hazy and dynamic execution of beauty and restraint into an ethereal climate, and the latter exits bare and sublime, where traces of Mazzy Star are present and appreciated amid the intimacy.

Still Corners have already explored many genres in their previous albums, and now over a decade into their career they’re proving they’re still at the top of their game with this perfect road trip album.

Travels well with: Kidbug- Kidbug; Pure Bathing Culture- Moonshine

Carly Taich

It Tends To Glow

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to It Tends To Glow

A North Carolina singer-songwriter with much sincerity and a whole lot of talent, Carly Taich makes the most out of the 6 songs here, where her personal song craft unfolds with themes of love and loss that are executed amid a sage like presence.

“Love Is” starts the listen soft and soulful, where Taich’s expressive pipes illuminate the folk-pop setting that’s poetic and immediately striking, and “The Nest” follows with keys from Jack Victor as much beauty enters the warm and timeless climate that’s quite romantic.

At the midpoint, “Tomatoes” benefits from Alex Travers’ violin alongside the stirring and agile delivery, while “New Year’s Eve” is an eloquent and acoustic filled display of graceful intimacy. “Red Herring” exits the listen with bare keys, gentle singing and a sophisticated demeanor that illustrates an unparalleled amount of songwriting skill.

A strong lyricist who embraces the timeless ideas of folk music and injects it into modern indie-rock sensibilities, this is a this very well done EP that certainly warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Anna Tivel- The Question; Jesca Hoop- The House That Jack Built

Swans

Children Of God

Young Gods, 2020

10/10

Listen to Children Of God

This 5th album from Michael Gira’s seminal, experimental rock band Swans was released way back in 1987, and here it sees the reissue treatment and includes the live disc, Feel Good Now, which was recorded on the Children Of God tour in 1987, and then released in 1988.

“New Mind” starts the listen with an ominous and droning quality as firm guitars, strategic backing vocals and repetition is turned into a refined science, and “In My Garden” follows with a softer, dreamy approach, where soft vocals from Jarboe, warm piano and plenty of atmosphere make for a pretty and mysterious landscape.

Each of the 13 tracks on this disc are exceptional, and radiate their respective strengths, including the thundering “Sex, God, Sex”, where Gira’s deep pipes suit the slow, metallic climate, while “Like A Drug (Sha La La La)” displays Ted Parsons’ strong drumming amid Algis Kizys’ jagged guitar work in some form of rhythmic noise-rock. “Beautiful Child”, one of the most abrasive tunes, then builds into an ebullient display of power and brutality that nearly seems religious.

A record that illustrated much diversity in their song craft, deeper tracks like “Real Love” offer a calmer moment where harmonicas are present, and “Children Of God” exits the listen with Jarboe’s soulful singing front and center, as Swans’ avant-garde approach is both ambitious and exciting.

The live disc was actually recorded on a professional walkman, and is entirely songs from Children Of God, though the running order does differ. Often much more raw then the recorded versions, Feel Good Now has Gira’s vocals occasionally reaching rage like features, as the guitars are often louder, effectively making tracks like “Blind Love” sound like it’s on steroids. Additionally, there’s in between song banter included, some of which is quite humorous.

Considered the band’s best work by many of their fans, Children Of God sounds better than ever on this remastered version, and the accompanying disc is a great way to experience the roaring execution of their live show. Both the first time listener and longtime fan will find much to enjoy on this double disc.

Travels well with: Selfless Orchestra- Great Barrier; you. Guru- Young Adult Fiction

Albare

Albare Plays Jobim Vol. 2

Alfi, 2021

8/10

Listen to Albare Plays Jobim Vol. 2

The guitarist and composer Albare returns with his 2nd installment of Jobim tunes, where he handles both acoustic and electric guitar, and he’s got some exceptional help across the instrumental Latin jazz landscape that parallels the greatness of Vol. 1.

“Dindi” starts the listen with warm and elegant guitar from Albare as a backdrop of strings give the opener an orchestral slant, and “Summer Samba” follows with an upbeat and busy display of crisp drumming from Pablo Bencid as Nestor Torres’ adds flute to the dreamy atmosphere.

Near the middle, “Caminhos Cruzados” is a light and reflective album highlight where Albare’s incredible guitar work mesmerizes, while “How Insensitive” displays Ricardo Rodriquez’s playful bass work as much rhythm is present and appreciated. “Triste”, an album stand out, then recruits sweeping melodies amid a soulful spirit to the sophistication.

Close to end, the pace picks up with the dance friendly setting and Randy Brecker’s incredible flugelhorn skills on “Favela”, and the aptly titled “Meditation” exits the listen with a soothing and very moving performance of pretty melodies.

Now without his central vision faculties present, Albare plays entirely by ear, but that obviously isn’t hindering him one bit as he pays homage to Jobim’s legacy with another batch of first rate jazz sounds.

Travels well with: The Grasso-Ravita Jazz Ensemble- Jagged Spaces; Noah Bless- New York Strong- Latin Jazz!

Cody Lee

Woodpecker Crisis

Periscope, 2020

8/10

Listen to Woodpecker Crisis

Cody Lee has a lengthy and impressive resume that includs playing with Peter Green, the Dictators, Secret Chiefs, and Cody & The Gateway Drugs, among many others. These days he’s going the solo route, and here Kurt Eger lends a hand on several instruments as he brings his vast experience and skill to 9 very well thought out tracks.

Lee starts the listen with the soulful and playful “New Normal”, where his smooth pipes suit the frisky percussion and warm guitar that takes nods to funk, and “BadThingsHappen” follows with graceful acoustic guitar as bare balladry unfolds with much beauty and poetic songwriting.

Closer to the halfway point, “Ruin” displays a bluesy influence as minimal but powerful instrumentation soundtracks scathing wordplay about someone Lee isn’t too fond of, while “Drowning” blends both grit and melody into a cautious rock formula. “California”, an exceptional tune, then displays a strong sense of singer-songwriter skill as a string friendly background adds much to the timeless appeal.

“Nobody” and “Goodnight” bookend the listen, where the former is a swift and raw execution of rhythmic ideas, and the latter finishes sparse and inviting, as Lee’s brand of intimacy is both moving and comforting.

An album that explore grooves, melodies and rhythm while touching on funk, Americana, blues and rock, Woodpecker Crisis is often a minimal effort, where Lee and Eger illustrate precise and eloquent song craft that will be relevant and enjoyable for decades to come.

Travels well with: The Guilty Lenses- Somewhat Romance, Somewhat Poetry; The Pierce Project- Songs For Emi

Sue Maskaleris

Love Is The Key

Jazilian, 2021

8/10

Listen Love Is The Key

A singer and pianist who also excels at arranging and producing, Sue Maskaleris brings her passion for Brazilian sounds here, where Wesley Amorim handles guitars, Leo Traversa holds down bass and Samuel Martinelli sits behind the drum kit, though there’s many guests on hand, too.

“Procrastination” starts the listen with playful keys and a very warm atmosphere as Maskaleris delivers a versatile and very charming vocal performance in the samba, and “Bliss” follows with a pretty landscape of cultured and emotive song craft amid the bossa ballad.

Closer to the middle, “Love Is The Key” recruits fluid Afro-Cuban congas as Sara Caswell’s incredible violin acrobatics highlight the memorable delivery, while “Renewal” displays strong piano work from Maskaleris as soulful sax from Rodrigo Botter Maio adds much to the timeless jazz climate. “Valentine’s Day For One”, one of the album’s best tracks, brings a festive spirit with saxophones, a flugelhorn and some really clever wordplay.

As we approach the end, “Fly Away” finds a dreamy place to reside where backing vocals from Bruce Atkinson add some R&B to the elegance, and “Love Is The Key (Radio Edit)” trims the title track in duration while still maintaining the dynamic jazz energy.

A very lush, harmonic and melodic display of exceptional skill, Maskaleris and company pull off a career highlight here, where each track unfolds with an unpredictable and easily enjoyable performance you can’t help but admire.

Travels well with: Frank Kohl- Solitude; Wayne Alpern- Jukebox

DiCosimo/Pagan

Con Moto

SubCat, 2021

8/10

Listen to Con Moto

Bill DiCosimo and Edgar Pagan have been playing together for two decades now, and have collaborated with legends like Ismael Miranda, Lou Gramm and Bela Fleck, among others along the way. On this first solo outing, the pair offer 5 originals and 2 covers, where funk, jazz and blues are all embraced and delivered with an unparalleled amount of skill.

“So It Begins” starts the album with no lack of grooves, as Karma Auger’s keen sense of drumming and DiCosimo’s deft keys steer a very warm opening, and this creativeness continues to the very playful “Magic Carpet Ride”, where Jeff Richman’s strong guitar work and Pagan’s gritty yet tuneful vocals steer the psychedelic atmosphere.

Near the middle, “Samba Pagan” benefits much from DiCosimo’s synth flute in the dreamy landscape, while “Blues Clues” indeed touches on the blues amid Jimmy Haslip’s synth, Pagan’s bass work and Nick Kellie’s agile guitar lines.

“Cisco Kid”, the album highlight, has DiCosimo switching to B3 as Pagan’s voice is used more as an instrument alongside plenty of dynamic musicianship, and “Show The World” finishes the listen with DiCosimo’s sublime piano complementing the emotive singing from Pagan as much soul enters the exit that’s inspired by and dedicated to peace, love and unity in the world.

Con Moto doesn’t fall into an any easy classification, although it’s highly diverse, full of culture and is never short on fusion, as all 7 tracks impress us with their timeless nature and contagious energy.

Travels well with: Joey Molland- Be True To Yourself; Alexander McCabe- I’d Prefer

Wayne Alpern

Jukebox

Henri Elkan, 2021

8/10

Listen to Jukebox

The New York composer, arranger and scholar Wayne Alpern never disappoints, and here he brings us 20 familiar tunes that are reborn in his inimitable vision, and he’s got Gretchen Pusch, Gerard Reuter, Benjamin Fingland, Karl Kramer-Johansen and Adrian Morejon handling the instrumentation.

“Accustomed To Her Face” starts the listen with soft and soulful brass from Kramer-Johansen that moves with much emotion amid classical nods, and this meticulous nature follows to the playful and upbeat waltz “All The Things You Are”, where Pusch’s flute makes an immediate impression, while “Bartok Chorale” moves with stirring, sublime interplay.

Closer to the middle, “Do-Re-Mi” puts an elegant and memorable spin on the classic, and “Don’t Stop Believin’” offers a version of the Journey song like you’ve never heard, nor will forget anytime soon. “Have You Met Miss”, one of the album’s best, then dances around frisky melodies with plenty of spirited song craft, where Reuter’s oboe mesmerizes.

Highlights on the back half include the outfit’s animated version of “Nutcracker Suite”, where divine musicianship is present and appreciated, and “Over The Rainbow” is reworked in Alpern’s atypical brand of glorious songwriting. “You’ve Got A Friend” exits the listen, and brings much beauty to a very tuneful version of the James Taylor classic.

If you prefer your covers to unfold in the same key, tone and arrangement as the originals, this isn’t an album for you. However, if you like to see how an artist can explore the textures and manipulate the ideas of an existing song, often times making it barely recognizable from its original form, Jukebox will occupy a very comfortable spot in your collection.

Travels well with: The Jeff Benedict Big Band- The Weather Is Here, Wish You Were Beautiful; Charles Colizza Group- Hug The Devil

Will Bonness

Change Of Plans

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Change Of Plans

The pianist extraordinaire Will Bonness returns with a 3rd album, where his keen sense of storytelling unfolds with plenty of thoughtful textures, as Jon Gordon, Jocelyn Gould, Julian Bradford and Fabio Ragnelli are on hand with their respective talents.

“Burning Bridges” starts the listen with a dizzying display of piano acrobatics alongside Gordon’s playful sax, as they find many grooves to cultivate, and “In The Wee Hours Of The Morning” follows with a calmer approach as warm balladry is explored with sublime singing from Gould.

In the middle, “Guiding Light” spotlights Ragnelli’s proficient drums as scatting accompanies the inviting and creative climate, while “I Love You”, a Cole Porter original, allows Bradford’s frisky bass prowess to shine alongside Gould’s versatile pipes.

Deeper still, the jazz rock of “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”, a Smashing Pumpkins hit, is redone here with much grace that still retains the grit of the original, and “Downpour” exits the listen with pop sensibilities highlighting the timeless jazz qualities.

It’s not too often that you’ll see covers of artists as diverse as Cole Porter and Billy Corgan on the same record, but Bonness and company easily pull it off with their immeasurable skills and impeccable dynamics on this varied and exceptional jazz effort.

Travels well with: Jesse Ryan- Bridges; Richard Whiteman- Very Well & Good

Jozef Nadj

Twenty Twenty One

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Twenty Twenty One

The 3rd album from the violin extraordinaire Jozef Nadj, Twenty Twenty One makes an indelible impression, where Nadj’s electric violin and strong attention to detail is appreciated across much beauty, playfulness and timeless songwriting.

“Fantastic Plastic” starts the listen with Nadj’s exceptional violin acrobatics amid funky gestures and even some psychedelics nods, and “Clown Parade” follows with a bluesy spirit as intricate guitar lines and frisky percussion add much to the stylish delivery.

Halfway through, “Lol (Labor Of Love)” benefits from warm keys as jazz ideas enter the cautious landscape, while “Optimistic” is heavily indebted to the ‘70s with plenty of brass dynamics amid some R&B stabs, too.

Closer to the end, “Loodilo” offers precise and soulful song craft with divine interplay between the instruments, and Nadj’s version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” finishes off the record with a live track, where a spiritual and emotional quality highlights the incredible cover.

Nadj is classically trained, and he brings a wealth of experience and talent to this contemporary jazz record that embraces fusion in all the best ways.

Travels well with: Majamistry Trio- Organic; Adam Glaser Trio- Wide Awake

Quiet Marauder

Tiny Men Parts

Bubblewrap Collective, 2021

9/10

Listen to Tiny Men Parts

The Wales outfit Quiet Marauder shift away their lo-fi, bedroom pop beginnings here, where fuller tunes are fleshed out with much charm, a whole lot of unpredictability and often in a bizarre yet fascinating fashion.

“The Business Deal” starts the record with dual gender vocals as a gritty form of indie-rock builds with both calm and firm bursts, and “I Want A Moustache, Dammit” follows with a jangly approach where backing vocals are shouted in a quirky form of alt-folk.

There’s 9 tracks included here, and each one resides in its own unique category, including the more subdued “It Wasn’t Me, It Was The Moon” where warmth exists amid the festive energy, while “The Internal Monologue Date” rests in folk territory amid soothing vocals and a bit of twang, too. “Lucky Tonight", an especially fun tune, then recruits loud guitars and plenty of vocals contributing to the anthemic and playful climate.

Near the end, “Eggs!” flirts with psyche-rock alongside a dreamy landscape of swift, punky flavor, and “I Want A Moustache, II” exits the listen on the dance version of an earlier tune that sounds right at home in the ‘80s.

Tiny Men Parts is actually a condensed version of Quiet Maruder’s first album, Men, which amazingly contained 111 tracks. This reimagined version is so well done, I’m actually considering sitting down for the entire 111 songs of the original, as I feel pretty confident no one is making music like this, and I can’t help but feel that I’m missing out by not absorbing more.

Travels well with: They Might Be Giants- My Murdered Remains; R. Stevie Moore- Afterlife

Corey Ledet Zydeco

Corey Ledet Zydeco

Nouveau Electric, 2021

9/10

Listen to Corey Ledet Zydeco

This 14th album from the Zydeco sensation Corey Ledet offers his exceptional talent on drums, accordion, washboard and vocals, where all the hallmarks of music from Louisiana are present, as ragtime, jazz, blues, Creole and bebop, among others, are part of his inimitable formula.

“This Is All I Want” starts the listen with upbeat and dance friendly accordion acrobatics that are plenty festive and highly melodic as Ledet’s pipes soar high amid gospel nods, and “Buchanan Ledet Special” pays homage to Zydeco’s first drummer and his grandfather, where plenty of soul and rhythm comprise the infectious climate.

An album where each track is the highlight, “On A Roll” recruits some ska influence amid strong drumming in the feel good atmosphere, while “Flip Flop And Fly” rocks and rolls with a timeless spirit that sounded as great in the ‘50s (when it was first recorded) as it does today. “It’s Gonna Be Alright”, a particularly noteworthy tune, then recruits some of the best singing along with proficient organ and an immediate sing-along quality that you can’t help but enjoy.

The listen exits with “Mo Mank (I Miss)” and “Arét Tu Trin (Stop Your Noise)”, where the former is a cultured waltz alongside plenty of breezy dynamics, and the latter is a playful and memorable finish that makes great use of a washboard in its firm Zydeco landscape.

It’s no surprise that Ledet has been Grammy nominated, and together with Cecil Green, Lee Allen Zeno, Grant Dermody, Julian Primeaux and Gerard Delafose, this body of work could land him with equal or even more amount of praise.

Travels well with: Michot’s Melody Makers- Cosmic Cajuns From Saturn; Rebirth Brass Band- Move Your Body

Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine

Mazel Tov Kocktail!

Tall Man, 2021

9/10

Listen to Mazel Tov Kocktail!

The Southern California sensations Ira B. Liss Big Band Jazz Machine return with a dozen new, swingin’ tunes, and they’ve got some esteemed guests on hand to help flesh out the fun.

“Gimme That” starts the listen on a high note, where bright brass, no shortage of grooves and incredible skill from Andew Neu’s tenor sax and Mike Vax’s trumpet don’t disappoint, and “High Wire”, with Carly Ines on vocals, follows with her playful pipes guiding the warm jazz climate on the Chick Corea original.

Near the middle, “Bass: The Final Frontier” benefits greatly from Nathan East’s bass prowess as funk nods enter the lively atmosphere, while “You’d Better Love Me While You May” puts Janet Hammer’s expressive vocals on display as Tyler Richardson and David Barnard contribute alto sax and trombone respectively in the big band execution.

“Springtime”, the record’s best, lands near the end and illustrates much skill from Steve Sibley’s piano, as the rhythm section works together meticulously, and “Joy Spring” brings Ines back on vocals amid a frisky energy complete with scatting. “Where Or When” exits the listen just as strong as it started, where Matt DiBase’s vibraphone complements Hammer’s soaring pipes superbly.

Liss formed the band way back in 1979, and they’re still moving fluidly between originals and standards on this timeless and top notch big band and jazz effort that you’re likely to be smitten with immediately.

Travels well with: Dan Bonsanti And The 14 Jazz Orchestra- Cartoon Bebop; The Grasso-Ravita Jazz Ensemble- Jagged Spaces

Holy Toy

Close All Doors

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Close All Doors

The exceptional duo of Andrej Nebb (of De Press) and Lars Pedersen (When), Holy Toy return with a double album of very experimental ideas where no genre is off limits, and a massive amount of creativity is present.

“Polka Fly” starts the listen with a mashing of electro-rock meets world music fusion in a very atypical opener, and this ingenuity follows to the guitar focused “Sunday Free”, as well as the experimental New Wave nods of “Superficial”.

Elsewhere, “Mental Castration” pairs robotic singing with much atmosphere, while “Choir In Silence” does recruit soaring backing vocals alongside a hypnotic display of melody. “Scarolezsmie Boze”, one of the album’s best, offers playful bass amid much ambience and mystery.

Deeper yet, “Trapped” sounds ready for the club with its danceable demeanor, and “Iron Damp” lands in post-punk territory as darker textures unfold with much precision. “Breathe”, one of the most innovative tunes, then touches on Eastern sounds with a nearly meditative quality.

As we near the end, “Wake Up” flirts with punk while a firm beat and pretty vocals guide the crunchy landscape, and “Sleeping Shepard” exits the listen with over 9 minutes of the sounds of water and minimal instrumentation that, 7 minutes in, bursts into a jam band style execution.

The first great record of 2021, Holy Toy are nothing if not unpredictable, as each song amazes, entertains, and, on occasion, perplexes, but we’re all better off for it.

Travels well with: De Press- Manifest; Raíse- Crepa!

John R. Kjellstrom

John R. Kjellstrom

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to John R. Kjellstrom

The debut album from the singer-songwriter John R. Kjellstrom, the Swedish artist is aligned with Freddy Holm, who handles the majority of the instruments on this often dark and pretty delivery of sincere song craft.

“Efterskalv” starts the listen bare and expressive, where a slow burning version of Americana unfolds with much atmosphere, and “Hemlighet” follows with a more firm approach where dense moments of rock are met with calmer ebbs of cautious beauty.

At the halfway point, “Omsom Vin” recruits a banjo as the song builds into a lush and layered display of warmth and mystery, while “Den Onda Sommaren” moves with a sparse execution of moody strings, poetic singing and creative songwriting.

Near the end, “Se Allt Du Var” steers into dense, crunchy alt-rock that’s also quite rhythmic, and “Ett Hus Ar Inget Hem” exits the listen in balladry, where piano adds much to the emotive and timeless landscape.

Kjellstrom pulls off an impressive first album, where many variations of subdued rock are present and appreciated in his very well thought out vision.

Travels well with: Matterhorn- Outside; Wudewuse- Northern Gothic

Matterhorn

Outside

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to Outside

A very diverse project spearheaded by Tommy Sebastian Halseth (formerly of Griffen, Atrox, Manes), as Matterhorn he brings in much help to flesh out these very detailed songs that lyrically surround those who are left out, and there’s much melody along for the journey, too.

The title track starts the listen with bright jazz influences and Halseth’s smooth, soaring vocals that guide the synth and sax friendly climate, and “Aura Noire” follows with a calmer landscape where lap steel, violin and backing female vocals add much to the expressive and cautious setting.

There’s just 8 tracks included, and each one leaves an impression, including the mysterious “Aorta”, where a choir is recruited and is complemented by an orchestral slant, while “Last Page” emits a powerful and timeless presence of emotive rock on perhaps the most traditional song of the bunch.

“Oceana”, the album’s best, then finds a dreamy place to reside as strings, synth and piano add much to the beauty, and “Doden Og Meg” exits the listen and is the only song sung in his native tongue as ambience and warmth comprise the eclectic songwriting.

Often moody, sometimes with melancholy, and embracing artistic qualities into a prog-rock like approach, Halseth possesses a poetic inclination amid a very unique and inviting formula across this very compelling record.

Travels well with: Wudewuse- Northern Gothic; Brudini- From Darkness, Light

Wudewuse

Northern Gothic

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to Northern Gothic

The brainchild of SBM, who is also known as Spacewulff of Spectral Haze and Skrubben, as Wudewuse the troubadour brings meticulous guitar picking to a gothic forest-folk formula on this sophomore album.

“Amaryllis” starts the listen with a soft and expressive landscape of warm folk songwriting that’s both dreamy and soothing, and “Kirkegaardsvise” follows with a sparse but memorable delivery of gentle guitars and poetic singing

Close to the middle, the intricate picking of “Northern Gothic” mesmerizes with its organic beauty, while “Selene”, one of the album’s best, flows with sublime musicianship amid soft, elegant singing and synth stabs. “Halvgangar”, another strong track, then emits a cultured and dynamic display of skilled song craft that’s without words but still manages to instill vivid imagery.

Near the end the longest song, “Lucifer”, spends 7 minutes impressing us with a hazy, cinematic quality of sophisticated song craft, and “Hvem Kan Seile Foruten Vind” exits the listen breathy, bare and with a rare intimacy that’s stirring.

An album penned over 3 years while he was living in a forest and working in a graveyard, that experience certainly lives in the ballads here that puts Wudewuse firmly in a league of neo-folk that warrants being explored.

Travels well with: Brudini- From Darkness, Light; Pymlico- On This Day

Fran

A Private Picture

Fire Talk, 2019

8/10

Listen to A Private Picture

Spearheaded by guitarist and songwriter Maria Jacobson, this debut album from Chicago’s Fran is a personal one that’s intimate and full of vivid lyrical imagery that’s often culled from Jacobson’s time as an actor.

“Now” starts the listen vocally strong on a sparse opener of timeless beauty, and “Company” follows with a firm guitar crunch and swift percussion on a subdued alt-rocker.

Further on, “Time And Place” simmers with a pretty delivery of pop-rock sensibilities, while “In My Own Time” brings a folk rock spirit to the thoughtful setting.

Near the end, the title track flows with agile, gentle melodies, and “Desert Wanderer” exits the listen with sweeping strings and light percussion in the cautious and gorgeous conclusion.

An album that tip toes across folk, country, indie and alt-rock, Fran is certainly thinking person’s music, as Jacobson creates an emotionally resilient and honest first effort.

Travels well with: Buck Meek- Buck Meek; Jay Som- Everybody Works