Shamblemaths

Shamblemaths 2

Apollon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Shamblemaths 2

Norway’s Shamblemaths thankfully don’t hide their ‘70s influences, and this sophomore album brings a massive amount of exploration as well as intimacy to some very diverse songs.

“Måneskygge” begins the listen with a brief bout of soothing winds before “Knucklecog” bursts into a busy and dynamic blend of warm drumming, layered keys and strategic double bass as Marianne Lønstad’s alluring pipes guide the louder climate.

In the middle, “D.S.C.H. (Op. 110 String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Mvts. 1 and 2) Imaginary Friend” trims the volume back initially with a cinematic quality before erupting into almost operatic rock territory that’s wildly intense and welcomes vocals from Pia M. Samset, while “Lat Kvar Jordisk Skapning Teia” unfolds in 9 parts that showcase Anna Gaustad Nistad, Eivor Å. Ellingsen and Samset on vocals amid the adventurous prog-landscape that sometimes hints at jazz and other times avant-garde rock.

“Been Gone” and “This River” exit the listen, where the former is a quick track of plucked bass and mysterious atmosphere, and the latter offers 9 minutes of soothing singing that escalates into an ebullient, charged finish.

An album that took years to make, it’s quite obvious that a lot of work went into the listen, and it all unfolds with Simen Ellingsen (soprano/alto/tenor/baritone sax, guitar, vocals, recorder, sundry implements) and Ingvald A. Vassbø (drums, percussion) hosting many guest musicians for the exciting and timeless effort.

Travels well with: Flying Norwegians- Wounded Bird; Aadal- Silver

Stefan Nilsson

The Gift

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Gift

The esteemed Swedish jazz-rock artist Stefan Nilsson returns with The Gift, and he’s got an all star cast along with him to flesh out the precise, fusion focused affair.

“Yttsersti” starts the listen with Johan Hasselquist’s fluent drumming and Erik Soderlind’s warm electric guitar complementing Nilsson’s agile keys in the smooth jazz-rock opener, and this energy continues to the flowing melodies of “Menuet", which benefits much from Patrik Boman’s strategic bass and Magnus Persson’s unpredictable percussion as Nilsson interprets the J.S. Bach classic.

In the middle, “Let’s Go” bounces and shakes with help from Max Schultz on guitar and Rafael Sida Huizar’s dreamy percussion that adds much beauty to the landscape, while “Keltsong” truly showcases Nilsson’s incredible key prowess as the mood gets a bit mysterious amid some folk nods. “Honeysuckle Rose”, another excellent track, then displays Soderlind’s fascinating guitar alongside Nilsson’s keyless bass skills.

“Winter” arrives near the end and has Aminah Malmborg on vocals, as her gorgeous pipes help illuminate the sublime beauty of the album highlight which pays tribute to Vivaldi, and “Sana Sananina” exits the listen aglow in a cultured, playful personality that accents Fakir’s diverse singing, the frisky drumming, proficient keys and graceful guitars.

In the area of jazz fusion, it just doesn’t get much better than this. Nilsson’s key work is stunning from beginning to end, and the wealth of talent present only solidifies The Gift as, well, truly a gift for the attentive listener.

Travels well with: David Janeway- Distant Voices; Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses

Low Level Clouds

Low Level Clouds

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Low Level Clouds

The recording moniker of the Hawaii based musician Christopher Coats, as Low Level Clouds the ultra-creative artist knows his way around a nostalgic pop tune that’s easy to enjoy and difficult to forget.

“No Stone” starts the listen with some retro-rock ideas, as thicker moments flow alongside jangly, even spacey ideas, and “It’s Not The Chemicals” follows with playful fuzz and crisp drumming that complements the gritty melodies.

The middle tracks are some of the best, and include the more restrained crunch of the raw and scrappy “Wild Things”, while “Replaced By A DJ” gets a bit dreamy and pretty amid the rugged stabs that even welcomes rapping. “Speaking Of Sudden Changes Of Subject”, the best tune, then makes great use of keys and a soaring power-pop influence that’s got a lot of power behind it.

Deeper into the listen, “Real Cause” flirts with some ‘60s friendly harmonies and folk nods, and “DJ Reprise” exits the listen vocally strong, musically brief and highly memorable in a nostalgic sort of way.

Coats does take a bit of help from friends on a couple instruments, but the bulk of this debut is all his doing, and let’s hope it’s just the start of much more to come, cause Low Level Clouds represents all that we love about the past and fuses it with modern indie-rock.

Travels well with: Willard Overstreet And The Highborn Kinsmen- All We Are; The Kinks- Lola Versus Powerman And The Moneygoround Part One

Penny & Sparrow

Olly Olly

Thirty Tigers, 2022

9/10

Listen to Olly Olly

Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke, i.e. Penny & Sparrow, sure have come a long way since their inception in 2011, and this 7th album sees the pair further exploring their gentle song craft as Jahnke was holed up in his new home in Waco, Texas playing with ideas, while Baxter was working on songs in Alabama.

“Adeline” starts the listen with much warmth and intimacy, as strong attention to mood unfolds amid the expressive singing and precise acoustic guitar, and “Alabama Haint” follows with a very poetic approach that emits much beauty amid the dreamy climate.

Further into the listen, “Cheyenne” offers a soulful and elegant display of stirring song craft, while “Lacuna” makes great use of piano and strings in the gorgeous landscape. “Voodoo”, one of the album’s best, then showcases soaring falsetto alongside radiant pedal steel and strategic drumming.

Nearing the end, the fuller “Gogogo” is suited for the dance floor with its unique pop energy, and “Get Along” exits the listen with an emotive and orchestral backdrop that is quite cathartic while also retreating to vulnerable ebbs, too.

As always, the songwriting and lyricism present is just so well thought out and articulate. The chemistry between the pair is nothing short of sublime, and the themes of doubt, desire and regret are met with rich, groove filled, chamber moments that just might be Penny & Sparrow’s best work to date.

Travels well with: Lowland Hum- At Home; Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors- Good Light

Carrier

When New York Is Drowning

Self-Released, 2021

10/10

Listen to When New York Is Drowning

A Brooklyn outfit spearheaded by Adam Downer, Carrier also includes bassist Skye Matlock, guitarist Bart Mol and Greg Russo behind the drum kit. Together, they sure do make When New York Is Drowning a substantial listen that’s somewhere between indie, alt and punk rock.

“Bitter Child” starts the listen and makes an immediate impression with its powerful guitars and thumping drums that align perfectly with the driving melodies and gritty buzzing that’s part garage rock, part alt-rock and even has some punk flavor, and “Parade” follows with a calmer pace of playful bass lines amid swift drumming and smooth singing that’s got plenty of range.

“You, Underwater” lands in the middle and showcases a very dynamic rhythm section that wouldn’t be out of place in the mid 2000’s emo scene, while “Incinerator” offers a stylish delivery of swirling ‘90s influenced rock. “Little Fish” then steers into more pop fueled territory that would give Weezer a run for their money during their best days.

Near the end, “Orchard” recruits some post-punk nods in an anthemic sort of way that’s layered with precision, and “Stops” exits the listen with a blistering and angular intensity that could make you both get on the dance floor and search for the nearest pit to leap into.

A record that might bring to names like The Killers, The Front Bottoms or even pop-punk bands from two decades ago, When New York Is Drowning would flow seamlessly into Jawbreaker’s “P.S. New York Is Burning”, which is about the highest praise you’ll hear from me.

Travels well with: The Lawrence Arms- Skeleton Coast; The Menzingers- On The Impossible Past

Donner

Hesitant Light

Apollon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Hesitant Light

Perhaps best known as the frontman for the Norwegian prog-rock outfit White Willow, Jacob Holm-Lupo is no stranger to experimenting with his craft in quite exciting ways, and here he steers right into synthwave waters as Donner.

“Melancholy City” starts the listen with warm, buzzing synth, as plenty of atmosphere enters the introspective electronica, and “Hesitant Light” follows with a soothing, playful demeanor where agile bass playing and dreamy moments of synth arrive in spades.

In the middle, “ Floating World” takes on an almost sci-fi appeal as strategic flute adds even more mystery to the equation, while “Street Heat” finds plenty of grooves amid the bouncy bass and crisp drumming that complements the adventurous keys. “Escape From Plague City” then takes on a very textured demeanor that’s charmingly cinematic.

“Devil’s Highway”, the album’s best, then leads with a calm haze before turning ominous with meticulous attention to detail, and “Coda: Street Heathaze” exits the listen with swirling guitar work surrounding the spacey synth stabs.

Inspired largely from Berlin School electronica, Holm-Lupo also embraces a John Carpenter like haunting quality, and it makes for another creative chapter in his long list of exceptional bands.

Travels well with: Sordal- Juno & Jupiter; Dang!!!- Sociopathfinder

Sordal

Juno & Jupiter

Apollon, 2021

8/10

Listen to Juno & Jupiter

The pandemic project of Stein Roger Sordal, of Green Carnation fame, as Sordal he channels his early days immersed in ‘80s sounds, where he brings machines from the late ‘70s and ‘80s to help add a genuine spirit to the throwback affair.

“You Make It So Damn Easy To Love You” starts the listen with vibrant synth and a beat friendly demeanor that’s destined for the dance floor, and “Moral Police” follows with soulful backing vocals and soaring guitar work as the bright and thumping climate moves with a contagious energy.

Halfway through, “Transartic Lover” welcomes female vocals as a very modern version of electro-pop unfolds, while “I Don’t Believe In Science” shimmers amid a playful pop quality that’s full of dreamy backing vocals and ‘80s fueled synth. “Into The Ocean”, one of the album’s best, then flows with driving melodies and punchy, buzzing synth-rock.

Arriving near the end, “Granit” recruits a darker quality as post-punk nods enter a sax fueled instrumental, and “Mother Receive, Mother Return” exits the listen with a warm, nearly soothing display of tuneful, agile alt-rock.

The production here is incredible and truly brings us back to much earlier times, which again showcases just how versatile Sordal is with his craft. A record that began as a need to fill a void during the inability to play live as the world sheltered in, let’s hope he’ll keep this project alive, cause the ‘80s influences present are superbly executed.

Travels well with: Dang!!!- Sociopathfinder; Vestamaran- Bungalow Rex

Dang!!!

Sociopathfinder

Apollon, 2021

9/10

Listen to Sociopathfinder

The debut album from the Norwegian rockers Dang!!!, the 7 members of the band bring a wealth of talent to these dozen varied tunes that run the gamut of rock’n’roll, where roaring guitars, precise drumming and even a harp make an appearance.

“Preludium Desperado” starts the listen with soaring guitar and warm keys, as the brief opener bursts into the rowdy garage rock spirit of the retro tinted “Long Gone Misery”.

Not long after, “Manic Possessive” thumps with an anthemic rock’n’roll appeal that welcomes power-pop, while “Black Vultures” is heavy on the synth, where a fuzzy version of alt-rock unfolds. The title track, which is one of the best, then rages full speed ahead with plenty of grit, power and tunefulness that you could dance to, leap into a pit to, or just bob your head and tap your toe to.

Nearing the end, “Nomad’s Land” showcases well timed organ amid the psychedelic tendencies and driving melody, and “Eight Minutes Till Doomsday” spend 8 minutes mesmerizing us with a darker quality that’s got some prog-rock fun and even some goth rock moments.

Dang!!! collects artists from bands like Nashville Pussy, The Cosmic Dropouts, Motorpsycho, and El Cuero, among many others, and they’re making a hell of an impression in a very musically fertile part of the world, and certainly do stand out against the myriad of other bands.

Travels well with: Mythopoeic Mind- Hatchling; Vestamaran- Bungalow Rex

Lizzie & The Makers

Dear Onda Wahl

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Dear Onda Wahl

The Brooklyn outfit Lizzie & The Makers return with this sophomore album, where front woman Lizzie Edwards (songwriter), Greg McMullen (guitars, songwriting), Brett Bass (bass), Steven Williams (drums), and Rob Clores (keys) bring much skill and creativity to a superbly layered 9 tracks.

‘Lover By Proxy” stars the listen with some low buzzing before thick guitars and thumping drums enter, and it isn’t long until Edwards’ powerful vocals fill the bluesy climate, and “Mermaid” follows with some southern rock nods that are both rugged yet melodic amid the spirited guitar work and versatile singing.

In the middle, “Bottle” soars high with both souful and psychedelic ideas meshing with gritty energy, while the meticulous guitar playing of “Les Idiots” along with Edwards’ stunning, expressive pipes makes this the album’s best. “Waiting For The Teeth”, another very notable tune, then enters calmer territory with its dreamy, poetic demeanor and hazy backdrop.

Later in the listen, “Tell Her” lands in romantic areas where the atmosphere swirls with blurry beauty and eloquent singing, and “Mojo Hand” exits the listen with a theremin in attendance thanks to Reeves Gabrels that complements the diverse landscape that’s both gentle and loud, where the scene alternates from ebbs of intimacy to bouts of thick, pounding rock.

An outfit who find a very unique place to reside, you’re as likely to hear blues and roots moments just as you are shoegaze and psychedelic stabs, and it’s pretty likely that Edwards’ voice alone will make you a fan instantly.

Travels well with: Deb Ryder- Memphis Moonlight; Casey Hensley- Good As Gone

Lilli Lewis

Americana

Red Hot, 2021

8/10

Listen to Americana

The New Orleans artist Lilli Lewis brings much diversity to this return to form album that places folk and roots ideas at the forefront and comes with a large ensemble of musicians to help flesh out the very articulate affair.

“My American Heart (Prelude)” starts the listen, and offers a quick a cappella moment that’s steeped in gospel nods, and “Copper John” follows with warm guitar and well timed keys adding much grace to Lewis’ soulful singing in the country-friendly climate.

There’s 13 tracks present, and each one retains its own identity, including the expressive and eloquent “If It Were You”, which flows with a poetic quality, while “Wednesday’s Child” lands in piano balladry with Lewis’ powerful pipes illuminating the sublime setting. “A Healing Inside” then brings us back to the church with the many vocals that don’t need instruments to highlight the immense beauty and spirituality present.

“The Great Divide” arrives near the end showcasing crisp drumming amid some very radiant R&B influences, and “My American Heart (Benediction)” finishes the listen with a lengthier version that brings soothing strings and a dreamy demeanor into the stunning singing.

Certainly a pandemic record, Lewis states that ‘these stories were meant to reflect the humanity of the forgotten, because in times like these, it feels like dignity can be really hard to come by”, and her blues, folk, jazz, funk, soul and roots flavor makes for a very creative, enlightening and memorable listen.

Travels well with: Abby Bryant & The Echoes- Not Your Little Girl; Single Girl, Married Girl- Three Generations Of Leaving

Hushdrops

The Static

Pravda, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Static

The Chicago trio Hushdrops have been plugging away for many years now, and this 3rd album sees John San Juan, Joe Camarillo and Jim Shapiro bringing guests like Nora O’Connor, John Perrin and Carolyn Engelman to a raw but very tuneful 14 tracks that were recorded on a first take with a ‘live band energy’.

“Monday” gets the album off to a fuzzy start with thumping drums from Camarillo and Shapiro’s firm bass acrobatics that resonate very much in a ‘90s college-rock sort of way, and this energy continues to the thick and melodic “Psychic Space”, as well as the spacey and more reserved haze of “One Of The Guys”.

Elsewhere, “The Sweetest Plum” is indeed a very sugary, pop influenced rocker that drips in swirling guitar and smooth singing, while “The Moment” offers a jangly, acoustic fueled strummer that might make you think of Evan Dando. “Carrie’s Got Acid” then brings some folk-rock tendencies with female vocals complementing the brief but warm minute of psychedelic nods.

Moving towards the end, “Secrets” flows with a swift and particularly rugged yet tuneful version of their diverse indie-rock, and “I Had A Room” exits the listen with the rhythm section working together with incredible precision amid the spirited guitar work and playful singing from San Juan.

Very tragically, Camarillo passed way unexpectedly as the band were finishing up this album. Considered the heart and soul of the trio, this last body of work from Camarillo highlights his creativity and unparalleled timing and attention to detail, traits that he brought to the many other bands he played in, including Waco Brothers, Kelly Hogan and many others.

Although Hushdrops can never be the same with Camirallo’s presence, let’s hope they still continue, cause these are great pop/psyche/indie tunes that the world needs to hear more of.

Travels well with: Josh Caterer- The Hideout Sessions; Steve Almaas- Everywhere You’ve Been

Wild Blue Herons

You & I

Self-Released, 2021

9/10

Listen to You & I

The long running collaborators Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper, i.e. Wild Blue Herons, return with a batch of standards inspired by legends in the area of jazz, where the now married couple put their inimitable and heartfelt spin on songs most of us are familiar with.

“I Wish I’d Met You” starts the listen with warm keys alongside Cooper’s rich, stunning vocals, where every note is delivered flawlessly, and “The Nearness Of You” follows with Sample’s meticulous key work alongside the agile singing that speaks directly to the soul.

Further down the line, “An Older Man Is Like An Elegant Wine” enters dreamy territory as the pair balance beauty and cautiousness splendidly, while “Don’t Know How To Love You” has Cooper hitting some pretty high notes in the elegant, gorgeous climate. “Save Your Love For Me” then brings a wealth of atmosphere to the very soulful landscape.

Deeper still, “The Way You Look Tonight”, the album’s best, puts a sublime tweak on the classic as the pair bring so much beauty to the formula, and “I’ll Be Seeing You” exits the listen with a flawless finish that illustrates the pair’s unique and timeless chemistry that illuminates these time honored songs so well.

These songs may exist in many other forms, but they’ve never sounded like this, and you’ll want to spend quality time with these gems, especially if you gravitate towards vocal jazz.

Travels well with: Al Hammerman- Just A Dance; Erin Propp & Larry Roy- We Want All The Same Things

The Wandering Hearts

The Wandering Hearts

Cooking Vinyl, 2021

9/10

Listen to The Wandering Hearts

The UK outfit The Wandering Hearts made quite an impression with their debut album, Wild Silence, and this self-titled follow up is certainly likely to make a dent, too, as their 3 part harmonies and very articulate wordplay guide these folk/Americana gems.

“Hammer Falls” starts the listen with warm, thumping Americana, where dreamy backing vocals are quite pretty but also a bit rugged, and it isn’t long until the more firm approach of “Over Your Body” offers rich vocal harmonies amid the highly melodic backdrop of lovely folksy sounds.

Further into the affair, “Gold” offers a soulful glimpse into the trio’s vision, which quickly builds into a lively, rootsy rocker, while “Dolores”, a song about Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, trims the pace back with gorgeous electric guitar and soft, stirring singing that unfolds with a poetic demeanor. “Never Too Late”, another excellent track, then brings dual gender vocals into a pop friendly, folk-rock album highlight.

“Stardust” arrives near the end and finds itself in a lush and very dynamic display of sublime singing and rhythmic musicianship that soars high, and “Lullaby” exits the listen calm, agile and eloquent with the hushed vocals complementing the mesmerizing acoustic guitar.

An extremely well done sophomore album that embraces the timelessness of, say, Fleetwood Mac, but also runs parallel to the greatness of current bands like The Lumineers, The Wandering Hearts’ stunning melodies, occasional haunting moments and strong attention to detail will make a fan out of anyone willing to listen.

Travels well with: Wildwood Kin- Wildwood Kin; Andrea Von Kampen- Old Country

Fella Cederbaum

Truth And Destiny

Mahni Verse, 2021

8/10

Listen to Truth And Destiny

An artist with a wealth of talent, the poet, composer, former psychotherapist and filmmaker Fella Cederbaum offers us a very atypical debut album penned during the difficult times of Covid, where she explores themes of self-discovery, love and loyalty.

“When Thoughts Stick To Your Mind” opens the listen with Cederbaum’s flowing poetry alongside a soft, atmospheric mood, and “The Orchid And The Daisy” follows with graceful keys amid the dreamy prose that’s quite soothing in its nature.

Elsewhere, “Unlived The Lived” unfolds with a sage like presence alongside the emotive piano, while “Desires” make the most out of the introspective climate that’s full of graceful keys. “Sprinkled Bubbles”, the best track on the album, then uses the instruments with a more prominent appeal that’s even a bit mysterious.

“Will You Hold Me” arrives near the end, and is a bit darker in scope, as a more dramatic setting develops, and “Destiny” exits the listen with plaintive keys and gently plucked bass sounds accenting an almost New Age friendly landscape.

It’s pretty clear that Cederbaum has lived a very thorough and examined life, and her wisdom and creative drive is quite striking as the spoken and music portion of her art makes quite an impression on this first record.

Travels well with: Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst;

Beauty Pill

Instant Night

Northern Spy, 2021

8/10

Listen to Instant Night

A long running D.C. outfit spearheaded by Chad Clark (who was also in Smart Went Crazy), Beauty Pill have never done anything conventional in their illustrious career, and this 4 song EP continues that trend with some election themed tunes.

The title track starts the listen with a dreamy playfulness, where Erin Nelson’s soft and smooth vocals are met with gliding woodwinds thanks to Aaron Harman as well as well timed electronic organs, and “Common Chokecherry” follows with versatile drumming from Devin Ocampo in the brief, stylish, indie-rock instrumental that’s full of atypical chord progressions.

On the back half, “You Need A Better Mind” welcomes brass from Victoria Banos, Sarah Hughes and Don Godwin, as Clark’s flowing vocals complement the old Japanese synthesizer that’s also in attendance, and the Brown Eno Remix of the same song continues the creativity with skittering electronica and vocals used in wordless ways amid a radiant buzzing that even flirts with techno and funk.

This current version of Beauty Pill also includes Basla Andolsun (bass) and Drew Doucette (guitar), and under Clark’s highly creative vision they’re still defying boundaries in the area of indie-rock, effectively cultivating some version of chamber art-rock that you can’t avoid being intrigued with.

Travels well with: Springtime- Springtime; Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog- Hope

Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet

Fools For Yule

HouseKat, 2021

8/10

Listen to Fools For Yule

The singing foursome Uptown Vocal Jazz Quartet return with a very alluring holiday album, where plenty of esteemed musicians support the fantastic singing from Ginny Carr, Robert McBride, Holly Shockey and Lane Stowe.

“I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” starts the listen with a very harmonic and upbeat climate that bounces with a warm jazz energy and benefits from Chuck Redd’s vibes, and “Fool For Yule” follows with Frank Russo’s frisky drumming guiding the flowing 4 part harmonies.

Elsewhere, “Winter Wonderland” displays Donato Soviero’s spirited guitar work amid the playful vocal scatting and gorgeous harmonies as the outfit put a glorious spin on the classic, while “Whisper”, an original, showcases elegant keys from Alan Blackman in an extremely lovely landscape. “The Christmas Song”, one of the album’s best, then puts much focus on the flawless singing in the a cappella execution.

“St. Ita’s Vision” lands near the end and touches on operatic ideas with a very expressive and timeless personality, and a very cozy version of “Silent Night” exits the listen full of the sublime voices meshing alongside Keith Carr’s Irish bouzouki.

A charming selection of originals and songs we’re all familiar with, UVJQ turn in a very unique and diverse effort that suits the season, the mood and the spirit splendidly.

Travels well with: Roseanna Vitro- Sing A Song Of Bird; Steve Million- Jazz Words

Hadley Kennary

Crooked Roots

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Crooked Roots

A rising Nashville artist who navigates her way around a pop influenced song that brings us back to the early 2000’s, Hadley Kennary knows how to have a good time with her craft, but also reaches out on an emotional level, too, with this quick, diverse listen.

“Orbit” starts the listen with some warm atmosphere before Kennary’s expressive and pretty pipes enter the melodic, soulful and rootsy feel that deserves to be played loud, and “Crooked Roots” follows with a calm approach of sublime beauty amid a poetic delivery as Kennary addresses the tribulations of growing up.

Halfway through, “Possession Of Pain” makes great use of synthetic drums alongside soaring vocals and a bit more grit but with no shortage of harmony, also, while “Everything Hurts” makes precise use of keys with a charming ‘80s feel.

“Love Like That”, the last track, then exits with a breezy, heartfelt demeanor that’s a bit dreamy and immediately absorbing in its cozy appeal.

Kennary doesn’t waste a second here, and meshes pop, soul, country and singer-songwriter ideas into a very sincere and timeless listen. She’s already got an impressive body of work, and also pens songs for others, too, and the comparisons to Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow and Bre Kennedy are certainly warranted and appreciated.

Travels well with: Lydia Luce- Dark River; Dori Freeman- Ten Thousand Roses

Jennifer O'Connor

Born At The Disco

Kiam, 2021

9/10

Listen to Born At The Disco

The veteran singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jennifer O’Connor switches gears on this 7th album, where she recorded most of the songs on her own and played all the instruments.

Perhaps most notable, however, is a far more experimental approach that blurs her past in indie and alt-rock with electronic and experimental ideas.

“Born At The Disco” starts the listen with a soft buzzing as O’Connor’s pipes glide across the alt-pop opener, and “Who Can You Kiss” follows with a soft and dreamy folk appeal that’s minimal but quite impactful in a psyche-friendly sort of way.

Close to the middle, “Less And Less” offers a jangly strummer that showcases O’Connor’s poetic pipes in a breezy climate that’s guitar focused, while “Carrying You” burns slow with a drum machine and atmospheric keys alongside the eloquent singing. “Pretty Girls” is then a bit more firm with strong attention to mood as some version of alt-rock unfolds amid a cinematic quality.

Moving along, “Your Job Is Gone” presents warbly synth and playful beats as electro-pop enters O’Connor’s inimitable formula, and “Real Chance” exits the listen with a reflective tone, gentle melody and agile warmth.

Certainly more pop oriented than her previous work, it’s still just as heartfelt, introspective and creative as anything she’s done in her esteemed career. Now two decades into making records and closing in on 50 years old, O’Connor clearly hasn’t run out of ideas in her craft, as evidenced this daring and humble record.

Travels well with: Claire Cronin- Bloodless; Ana Egge- Between Us

Logan Lynn

New Money

Kill Rock Stars, 2022

8/10

Listen to New Money

An artist with a wealth of talent, Logan Lynn spent 2020 crafting this album in his home, and it truly illustrates ideas that are most important to him, i.e. queer power, gay joy, and all the fun that comes with shows, clubs and dance floors.

‘It’s Been Forever” leads the listen with a firm beat and Lynn’s smooth vocals guiding the club friendly version of indie-rock that comes with a contagious energy, and “Eat&Drink&Smoke&Shop&Fuck” follows with ‘80s fueled synth that buzzes amid a playful, nearly New Wave-ish climate.

“Fight Or Flight” lands in the middle and moves with a very modern electro-pop feel that certainly would sound right at home on the FM dial, while “Sit And Spin” steers right towards the dance floor with its sleek and shiny pop influences. “Fuck And Run”, a Liz Phair cover, then bounces and glides with a very adventurous spirit that does justice to the original.

The other cover, close to the end, is Elliott Smith’s “Baby Britain”, which is transformed into a vibrant synth-pop affair, and “Here’s To Us” exits the listen calm, dreamy and very eloquent in its cautious nature.

Seeing as how the last 2 years were a bit of a lost cause for most in the area of live music, Lynn seems primed and ready to go with this batch of new songs that sure will strike a chord with those with an ear for contemporary, synth fueled pop and beats that will keep your body in motion.

Travels well with: Teke::Teke- Shirushi; Tele Novella- Merlynn Belle

Fleur Seule

Standards And Sweet Things

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Standards And Sweet Things

A Manhattan based jazz outfit very much indebted to the ‘40s, Fleur Seule is led by Allyson Briggs who sings in 7 different languages across bossanova, swing, and salsa, among other sounds.

“Taking A Chance” starts the album with vivid horns and keys in the danceable, bouncy, swing fun, and “Piel Canela” follows with elegant, Latin rhythm amid the Spanish singing from Seule that’s both expressive and melodic.

Further on, “Sabor A Mi” is a calm, groove friendly affair of sophistication, while “Them There Eyes” will get you on the dance floor with its upbeat shuffling and piano acrobatics.

The back half highlights include “Manuelo”, which flows with a stylish delivery of timeless jazz appeal, the crisp percussion of “Almost Like Being In Love”, and the glorious “Sweet Happy Life”. “S’Wonderful” exits the listen swift and memorable with dancing keys and brushed drums.

Ranging anywhere from 2-13 players, Fleur Seule can easily soundtrack an intimate lounge just as they can a lively street party, and these 16 tracks prove that you’ll have a great time from beginning to end no matter how cautious or wild the execution gets.

Travels well with: Peggy Lee- I’m A Woman; Anita O’ Day- This Is Anita