From Newman Street
Fluff & Gravy, 2025
9/10
The recently transplanted New Orleans artist, Kassi Valazza, has been making quite a name for herself in modern folk circles, and these new tracks continue her thoughtful vision that recruits plenty of players for the diverse sounds.
“Better Highways” opens with firm acoustic guitar and Valazza’s rich voice alongside Ned Folkerth’s scrappy drumming and Erik Clampitt’s warm pedal steel, and “Birds Fly” follows with much intimacy, where a hazy mood is met with psychedelic flavor.
The middle spot belongs to the folk friendly “Roll On”, where pretty singing is complemented by mesmerizing guitar, while “Your Heart’s A Tin Box” carries rhythm and sing-alongs thanks to lively percussion and Sydney Nash’s strategic bass.
“The Weight Of The Wheel” and title track exit the listen. The former lands in country territory via the heartfelt singing and cozy demeanor, and the latter is a bare but impactful moment of soulful vocals and meticulous guitar progressions.
A songwriter from a very young age, this is Valazza’s 3rd album and it’s a poetic, raw and honest peek into folk rock that doesn’t shy away from many influences.
Travels well with: Liv Greene- Deep Feeler; Anna Tivel- Living Thing