Graham Bramblett

The Great Inbetween

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Great Inbetween

A Texas native who now resides in Nashville, Graham Bramblett isn’t a name most of us will recognize, but after spending time with this exceptional EP, it’s one we won’t forget anytime soon.

“Tom T. Hall T-Shirt” starts the listen with a tambourine and acoustic guitar as Bramblett’s soaring, rugged pipes guide the folkish, Americana opener, and “Rain On The Roof” follows with timeless strumming amid a gorgeous setting as female vocals complement the eloquent landscape.

The back half of the EP, thankfully, follows a similar path with the upbeat and rhythmic “The One That I Want”, which even brings in a Spanish trumpet, while “What Do You Do” moves cautiously with keys alongside expressive singing. “You Can’t Dance” ends the listen with some country flavor as warm melodies surround the rural fun that parallels the best of the genre.

A listen where there’s no bass, drums or electric guitar, this stripped down effort illustrates Bramblett’s strong storytelling ability and impressive delivery, where help on steel guitar, Rhodes and backing vocals make this an exceptional 20 minutes of your time.

Travels well with: Sarah Morris- All Mine; G.F. Patrick- One Town Over

Evicshen

Hair Birth

American Dreams, 2020

8/10

Listen to Hair Birth

A very iconoclastic debut album, Victoria Shen, aka Evicshen, blends a unique vision on this experimental listen where furious synth is unleashed in a calculated. unpredictable environment as dissonant noise is turned into refined art.

“Current Affair” starts the listen with aberrant noises and spacey ideas as the artistic approach to her experimental prowess is immediately striking with unorthodox layers, and “Under The Stall Door” continues this skill with an intimidating and abrasive delivery of swirling sci-fi in its calculated chaos.

Of the quieter moments, “Classical Mechanics” is two minutes of soft buzzing that’s actually soothing, while “Lissajous” sounds like the soundtrack to the apocalypse in another dimension. “Fever Pitch” exits the listen and is one of the best tracks, as it pushes and pulls with precise tension, jagged rhythm and an execution that few, if anyone, could replicate.

Certainly an unclassifiable listen, industrial and art-damaged noise punk are two genres that come to mind, and although Evicshen doesn’t stay in one place very long, her formula is one that both fascinates and perplexes. If you’re lucky enough to snag the LP version of this, it comes with a record jacket that functions as a speaker, which allows you to listen to the music through the cover art.

Travels well with: Subduxtion- The Black Point; VvvV- The Wreck

Anthony Garcia

Acres Of Diamonds

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Acres Of Diamonds

Originally from Lubbock but now residing in Austin, Anthony Garcia is yet another Texas troubadour with a knack for timeless songwriting, as the classically trained pianist, guitarist and vocalist births a very unique brand of varied Americana here.

“Santa Rosa” starts the listen with a warm acoustic guitar paired with orchestral strings as Garcia guides a dark yet rhythmic opener that’s quite cinematic, and “Fire Song” continues the elegance with a quicker pace of shuffling percussion and lush musicianship where a fiddle from Lleana Nina makes a grand appearance.

Garcia makes the most the 9 selections, as “The Wind” flows with a breezy intimacy as intricate guitar picking mesmerizes in the ballad, while “Haunted Hotel” moves with much soul in the classical inspired atmosphere that’s electronica-friendly, too. “For Your Love”, the album highlight, then combines country, folk and orchestral ideas amid very compelling and fascinating song craft.

Garcia finishes out the listen with “Jane” and the title track, where the former resides almost in spiritual territory, and the latter sits firmly in Americana with an introspective quality to its slow burning nature.

A very eclectic effort where surprises appear within each track, Garcia and company don’t make music that’s quite so easy to classify on Acres Of Diamonds, but is absolutely easy to enjoy and resonates with much sincerity and creativity.

Travels well with: Salim Nourallah- Somewhere South Of Sane; Julian Taylor- The Ridge

The Aces

Under My Influence

Red Bull, 2020

8/10

Listen to Under My Influence

The Utah outfit The Aces (formerly The Blue Aces) return with a sophomore album, where their keen sense of guitar and synth-pop unfolds with dynamic chemistry between the sisters Cristal and Alisa Rameriz, as well as Katie Henderson and McKenna Petty, as all women contribute to vocals to this very polished affair.

“Daydream” starts the album fully immersed in modern pop-rock, where precise musicianship and bright vocals guide a very dance friendly opener, and “New Emotion” follows with a firm beat alongside a more introspective climate that’s still quite upbeat.

Closer to the middle, “All Mean Nothing” moves playfully with some of the best singing amid a very graceful backdrop, while “801” recruits a darker quality of cautious, soulful song craft. “Not Enough”, the album highlight, then pairs dance-rock with frisky pop that seems destined for the FM dial.

Near the end, “Thought Of You” displays vocal acrobatics in a dreamy setting, and “Zillionaire” finishes out the listen made for the dance floor with some subtle R&B flavor to the strong exit.

Even though all members of The Aces are under the age of 25, they play like seasoned vets on this very thorough second album that touches on reggae, synth-pop, New Wave, funk and indie-pop. Often sounding like it could soundtrack a party, there’s also moments that would make you want to mull things over, as these youngsters continue to impress.

Travels well with: PVRIS- All We Know Of Heaven All We Need Of Hell; Tegan And Sara- Hey, I’m Just Like You

Too Slim And The Taildraggers

The Remedy

VizzTone, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Remedy

A long running outfit spearheaded by Tim ‘Too Slim’ Langford, The Remedy is the 15th studio album from Too Slim And The Taildraggers, and much like all their work it shines with blues rock flavor while offering a cover and some guest appearances, too.

After the rich guitar work and bluesy fun of the soulful “Last Last Chance”, “She’s Got The Remedy” buzzes with rugged restraint and gritty melodies, while “Devil’s Hostage” gets a bit more raw vocally and musically cultivates plenty of grooves you won’t forget anytime soon.

Further along, the appropriately titled “Keep The Party Rollin’” recruits spirited harmonica from Sheldon Ziro in the bouncy, playful setting, and “Sunnyland Train”, an Elmore James tune, continues the theme with thumping percussion and frisky rhythm as slide guitar steals the show. “Platinum Junkie”, one of the album’s best, then offers smooth vocals and a stylish swagger of funk ideas.

Deeper into the listen, “Think About That” glides with plenty of melody, dynamic musicianship and timelessness where Richard Rosenblatt’s harp prowess is in attendance, and “Half A World Away” exits the listen with much grace and dreaminess, where a hushed quality and plenty of emotion punctuate the mood.

This fine album peaked at #3 on the Blues Album Charts, and whether you’ve been following all along or are new to Too Slim And The Taildraggers, The Remedy will be the cure for anyone going through blues withdrawal.

Travels well with: Swingadelic-Bluesville; Johnny Burgin- No Border Blues

Rebel Rampage

Divided We Fall

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Divided We Fall

A very politically/socially aware trio consisting of Punky Balfour (drums), Dylan McGee Jones (guitar), and Graham Czach (bass/vocals), though this album came out in 2018, lyrically it couldn’t be more relevant as the veteran musicians tackle immigration, feminism, and government corruption.

“Hymn To Freedom” starts the listen with a loud and busy display of hard rock swagger in the impressive instrumental, and “Resistance March” follows with powerful vocals from Czach as the music thunders with a heavy quality but still retains melody amid some funk nods, too.

There’s some great cameos to be found here, including Fishbone legend Angelo Moore’s vocals, sax and theremin on the anthemic and adventurous “Red Star”, while “Women In White” benefits greatly from group vocals in the emotive, feminist protest song that touches on the blues. “I Am The Power” then recruits Emily Armstrong’s smooth pipes for a soaring, passionate album highlight that borders on cathartic.

Near the exit, “Scorched Earth” uses both loud and quiet dynamics in the metallic and intense climate that parallels the greatness achieved by fellow Los Angeles residents Rage Against The Machine, the title track finishes the well thought out record with some of the best singing as alt-rock and punk rock collide in intriguing ways.

Considering today’s highly political environment, these guys should have plenty of fodder for a brilliant sophomore album, and their powerful approach that recruits each member’s varied background will likely have it trumping(!) this exceptional debut.

Travels well with: Danko Jones- A Rock Supreme; Dead Sara- Pleasure To Meet You

Eliyahu & The Qadim Ensemble

Eastern Wind

Self-Released, 2009

8/10

Listen to Eastern Wind

A World Music album that landed at #7 on the Billboard Charts, this very cultured record includes traditional songs in Arabic, Hebrew, Armenian and Turkish, and takes the listener on an adventure through Armenia, Yemen, Egypt, Turkey and North Africa.

“Im Nin’alu” starts the listen with strong, soaring vocals before strings enter the textured rhythm and detailed musicianship that displays percussion acrobatics alongside incredible vocal harmonies, and “Die Yaman” follows with a quick display of cautious, bare song craft that’s immediately stirring.

Near the middle, “Yedidi Hashachachta” flows with a spiritual angle where upbeat instrumentation meets breezy melodies, while “Maghrebi” recruits some of the most playful ideas amid timeless grooves. “Desert Dub”, one of the standout tunes, then utilizes strategic woodwinds in a hypnotic and soothing landscape that alone is worth the price of admission.

“Oh Yeah” and “Til ‘et Ya Mahia Nurha” bookend the listen, where the former uses repetition with great results, and the latter offers a duet where there’s plenty of soul and emotion in the gripping exit.

An exceptional listen with top notch interplay between the musicians, each track here births a new beauty and flows with grace, adventurousness and dynamic interplay as Eliyahu Sills brings his multi-instrumental talent and leadership skill to devotional music, love songs and folk tunes rooted in the Middle East.

Travels well with: Rachel & Eliyahu- Open The Gates; Yasmin Levy- Sentir

Jonathan Something

Outlandish Poetica

Solitaire, 2018

8/10

Listen to Outlandish Poetica

The songwriting moniker of Jonathan Searles, on Outlandish Poetica the multi-instrumentalist defies convention with a mashing of genres to produce an eccentric yet charming pop and rock experience that’s difficult to forget.

The title track starts the listen bare and atmospheric before bursting into a very lively version of chamber ideas where a busy display of blues rock soars high in a story about Larry Bird, and “Tell Me” follows with a warm and spirited delivery of mature indie-rock that shows much diversity early on in the album.

Elsewhere, “Out On Death Row” hints at the sounds of earlier decades with its jangly guitar approach, while “Thank You For The Violets” strums hard with interplay that’s reminiscent of the ‘60s. “Fine”, one of the album’s best, then takes less than 2 minutes to impress us with its vintage rock’n’roll appeal and self-deprecating wordplay.

Close to the end, “For All My Life” impresses us with its intricate guitar work and unpredictable landscape, and “Naked & Lonely” exits the listen with strong singing alongside a baroque pop display that illustrates massive skill.

Searles doesn’t stay in one place for very long, and while he sometimes brings to mind Bob Dylan or John Mellencamp, his self-described ‘goth-folk’ is all at once amusing, exciting and sometimes a bit perplexing on this fascinating debut.

Travels well with: The Dig- Moonlight Baby/Afternoon With Caroline; Ages And Ages- Me You They We

Caracol

Symbolism

Indica, 2018

8/10

Listen to Symbolism

A multi-talented and bilingual artist who’s played in reggae bands and worked in film music as an engineer, this indie-pop and electro-pop flavored album has Caracol cultivating strong melodies, rhythmic singing and some tribal percussion on the adventurous Symbolism.

“The Way i Wanted” starts the listen with ambience before moving into a pop friendly display of danceable melodies and youthful rhythm, and “Scars” continues the setting with warm keys as playful percussion guides the subdued, tuneful atmosphere.

Further along, “Silver Girl” displays plenty of electronic manipulation as soulful vocals enter the frisky climate, while “Hacker” moves with a firm pulse and strong beat as retro ideas invade a smooth energy. “Flooded Field”, with Illa J, then takes nods to reggae in the breezy and spirited execution that was the first single, which only makes sense since it is the album standout.

Near the end, “Hide” offers sublime balladry in a dreamy setting, and “Ally” exits the listen dance friendly, and shimmers bright with modern pop melodica that puts a firm exclamation point on this accomplished record.

Caracol was nominated as Canada’s Electronic Artist of the Year, and it’s easy to see why with this ambitious and exciting effort where producer Joey Waronker (Beck’s drummer) really highlighted the many strengths of Caracol’s boundless talent.

Travels well with: Milk & Bone- Deception Bay; Santigold- Master Of My Make-Believe

Satellītes

Love And Disaster

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Love And Disaster

Formerly of the Montreal outfit Ladies Of The Canyon, Satellītes is the solo debut of Jasmine Bleile, and the songstress steers clear from the Americana of her full band career with a soul, funk and R&B hybrid instead.

The title track starts the listen with strong, soulful vocals as a tambourine and funk friendly guitars complement the fun, and “Breathless”, with Martha Wainwright, follows where a quick pace of retro melodies, expressive singing and imaginative bass work leaves an impression.

Further on, “Take Me” makes great use of an organ as lively percussion enters the playful display, while “We Get Lost” takes a turn into throwback disco territory that’s as fun as it is frisky. “The Butcher” then burns slower with no shortage of backing vocals on the emotive and memorable album highlight.

Deeper into the listen, “Just A Trace” injects some pop ideas into the guitar friendly rocker where strategic riffs are present, and “Love Sweet Love” exits the listen with a warm groove that builds into a rich, multifaceted exit of timeless sound.

Bleile built all these songs from poems, and her strong musical background helps flesh them out into a genre defying listen that’s mature, adventurous and beaming with a soulful radiance that you won’t forget anytime soon.

Travels well with: Braxton Cook- No Doubt; Maceo Parker- Soul Food

Carrington MacDuffie

Crush On You

Pointy Head, 2016

8/10

Listen to Crush On You

The unconventional Americana artist Carrington MacDuffie describes her music as ‘electronic folk’, and on this 5 song EP there’s certainly plenty of those ideas, as well as ‘80s nods and eccentric pop moments.

“I Call You” starts the listen soft and evolves into a soaring, electronica filled affair that’s quite soothing, and “My Little Guitar” continues the playfulness with a quirky feel as psyche-rock moments enter the unclassifiable setting.

“Sweet Pea” resides in the middle and is indeed a sweet folk tune where marching band style drumming helps cultivate a unique lullaby appeal, while the title track moves with a frisky pace of buzzing synth, clever rhythm and strategic repetition. “Precious Kisses” exits the listen with MacDuffie’s atypical formula that’s a bit theatric, quite expressive and resonates with timeless balladry.

MacDuffie also keeps busy as a voice over artist in commercials and audiobooks and a poet, and she found the time to release her first album in 2018. Let’s hope she still makes plenty of room for songwriting, cause this Austin, Texas talent breathes fresh air into pop and rock sounds with her creative vision.

Travels well with: Easy Love- Wander Feeler; Jill Barber- Metaphora

The City And Horses

Strange Range

Paper Garden, 2013

8/10

Listen to Strange Range

A Brooklyn outfit fronted by Marc Cantone, The City And Horses released this 2nd album in 2013, where Cantone’s influences of The Smiths, The Beatles and Lou Barlow are present as help from flute, synth, trumpet, cello and saxophone helped him cultivate a very unique spot in indie-rock during this time.

“Whip” starts the listen busy and buzzing with guitars before retreating to calm, expressive indie-rock as louder moments enter the cautious and adventurous opener, and “17” continues the unpredictable landscape with a quirky pop delivery you can’t help but adore.

Later on, the calm, romantic quality of the title track displays much diversity from the ensemble, while “Re-Inking” enters darker areas as dance-friendly, electro-pop enters the equation. “My Strange Ways”, one of the best tunes, then jangles with a folksy approach in the very eclectic environment that sure seems ahead of its time for 2013.

Near the end, “Slave” finds a dreamy place to reside with minimal instrumentation, and “Kawali Dance” exits the listen rhythmic and hypnotic, where experimental ideas are present and used excessively, thankfully.

The City And Horses have been fairly quiet the last couple of years, but let’s hope that more music is on the horizon, as Cantone and company breathe a lot of novel ideas into their curious brand of indie-rock that rarely stays in one place very long, except, of course, the forefront of your mind should you spend quality time with Strange Range.

Travels well with: Salim Nourallah- Somewhere South Of Sane; Hayden- Us Alone

Cardiknox

Portrait

Warner Bros, 2016

6/10

Listen to Portrait

A short lived pop duo consisting of Lonnie Angle and Thomas Dutton, though Cardiknox only released this one album, it’s pretty clear they put a lot of work into the beat friendly and often retro sounding Portrait.

“Earthquake” starts the listen fully immersed in dance-pop sounds, where soaring vocals, polished melodies and very precise instrumentation sounds destined for the FM dial, and “Souvenirs” continues the formula with a calmer setting and plenty of synthetic drumming amid ‘80s nods that hint at top 40.

Halfway through, “Into The Night” uses artificial hand clapping and plenty of backing vocals as glam-pop is showcased with plenty of studio manipulation, while “Bloodlust”, the best tune present, offers an anthemic chorus that is met with plenty of energy. “What Do i Do Know” then awkwardly places processed vocals against Angle’s very capable pipes that really does ruin an otherwise perfectly fine pop tune that’s got plenty of soul.

Near the end, “Perfect Storm” seems like an ‘80s soundtrack tune to a John Hughes flick, and “Shadowboxing” exits the listen dreamy and both delicate and adventurous, as both Angle and Dutton display their respective talents well.

Though Cardiknox dissolved in 2019, they did tour with Carly Rae Jepsen and this album did see plenty of praise. While Portrait does contain some very well written songs, the massive amount of production and overall length really does out welcome its stay. Had you plucked the best 5 tunes here for an EP, I think Cardiknox would have had an impressive debut instead of an average effort.

Travels well with: Atlas Genius- When It Was Now; Forgive Durden- Wonderland

Charlie Daniels

Memories, Memoirs & Miles: Songs Of A Lifetime

BFD, 2017

8/10

Listen to Memories, Memoirs & Miles: Songs Of A Lifetime

On his last compilation album before his death this year, the legendary Charlie Daniels dug deep into this 60+ year career where he played several genres and made millions of fans across the globe.

“Keep On The Sunny Side” starts the listen with banjo acrobatics alongside the signature vocals from Daniels that are both gritty and melodic, as plenty of harmonizing enters the bluegrass filled setting, and “Jaguar” follows with a blurry instrumental of textured, playful sounds.

Near the middle, Daniels offers a live track with the bright and expressive singing of “Saddle Tramp” as the music flows with spirited keys, breezy melodies and a timeless appeal, while his most well known song, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, roars with a brisk pace of precise instrumentation and plenty of power. “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” then rocks and rolls with a rowdy enthusiasm that won’t let you sit still as Daniels and company pen a furious bar rocker.

Deep into the listen, “Simple Man” resides closer to country rock as Daniels gets a bit more reserved yet still rugged, and “Let ‘Em Win Or Bring ‘Em Home” recruits some gospel in the soulful delivery that turns into an patriotic anthem that tips it hat to our soldiers. Of the two bonus tracks, “Still In Saigon” is particularly memorable, where strong guitar work aligns with vivid storytelling as Daniels pays tribute to Russell Palmer, who taught him his first guitar chord.

If you’re a diehard fan of Daniels, you’ve heard these songs in other recordings and will certainly appreciate these modern renditions of them, and if you’re new to his song craft this is a great place to start to peruse a sampling of the enormous body of work from one of the biggest talents to ever do it.

Travels well with: Charley Pride- Music In My Heart; Randy Travis- Precious Memories

Cajsa Siik

Domino

Birds, 2017

8/10

Listen to Domino

The Swedish artist Cajsa Siik returns with a 3rd album here, where her atmospheric and pop friendly approach that isn’t afraid of avant-garde ideas sometimes parallels the greatness achieved by Kate Bush.

“White Noise” starts the listen with a very modern approach of electro-pop meets indie-rock as the mesmerizing landscape pushes and pulls with beauty and tension, and “Sad Celebration” follows with a soothing beat as Siik’s playful vocals suit the upbeat pop setting.

Halfway through, “Solar Still” trims the climate back to bare, where a dreamy quality invades the introspective tune, while “Empire Mine” enters melodic pop territory that glides with a very smooth delivery. “Frozen Tongue”, the album highlight, then moves slowly, with much grace amid the soft layers of sublime song craft.

At the end, “Minute Road” shimmers with a folksy quality in the flawless delivery, and “Shallow Light” exits the listen with warm keys alongside Siik’s expressive singing that is both wise and thoughtful.

A superbly textured affair, Siik’s songwriting shines in rich environments just as well as it does in sparse situations, and her artistic sensibilities add much to this very cautious and often moving effort.

Travels well with: Big Fox- See How The Light Falls; Fox Stevenson- Killjoy

Colt.22

Freedom/Freewill

Elite Frequency Group, 2017

8/10

Listen to Freedom/Freewill

A very unique outfit from Los Angeles, Colt.22, i.e. John Stary and Travis Pavur, bridges the timeless quality of blues rock with a very modern approach of electronica, where there’s no shortage of harmonies to be found on this impressive debut.

“The Strong” starts out the listen and makes an immediate impression with hypnotic melody as strong singing from Stary and bluesy musicianship steer a very soulful ship, and “Call To Action” follows with a firm beat as electronica enters the pop friendly atmosphere that’s not lacking any energy.

In the middle, “Freedom” brings an initially subdued display that builds into a giant, swirling execution of varied skill, while “The Man” illustrates much power and restraint in the R&B flavored climate. “Redline”, the album highlight, then gets groovy with smooth vocals, and, near the end, some psychedelic fun.

Close to the end, “Evil” is a slow burner with dynamic interplay between the precise instruments, and “Get It” exits the listen with a club friendly anthem of sing-alongs and a thumping enthusiasm that lingers long after the track ends.

Both members of Colt.22 have impressive resumes, with Stary producing hip-hop records, while Pavur has worked on the rock side of the equation, primarily as an engineer these days. Together, they bring their immense skills behind the scenes to a very gritty and playful first album that quite innovative and exciting.

Travels well with: Backtrack Blues Band- Your Baby Has Left; Phantom Blues Band- Still Cookin’

Alias Wayne

Firebrand

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Firebrand

The Texas native Ranzel X Kendrick sure is prolific, as he offers the 2nd EP of the year under the Alias Wayne moniker- a side project that seems like it’s been as much fun to make as it has been to listen to.

“Radiation Town” starts the listen with a bright and full display of soulful organs, rhythmic guitars and playful brass as Kendrick delivers with plenty of retro-ideas, and “Joan Of Ottawa” continues the setting with warm acoustic guitar alongside some classic rock ideas that sticks out well in Kendrick’s very capable hands.

The 2nd half of the listen offers the frisky, hand clapping good time of “Fixin’ To Die Rag”, which flirts with country rock, while “Give Me My Freedom” brings in female vocals on an upbeat duet that approaches jam band territory with slide guitar acrobatics. “Real World” exits the listen with a hint of prog-rock initially, as grooves and melody are laid out with a timeless approach that, just like his last EP, leaves us wanting more.

It’s pretty easy to spot ‘60s influences in Alias Wayne, but there’s always surprises, too, as each track here easily warrants repeated listens. If Alias Wayne is going to release even more work this year, you won’t hear me complaining.

Travels well with: Blind Uncle Harry- The Gospel According To Blind Uncle Harry; Todd Snider- Cash Cabin Sessions, Vol. 3

Kylie Odetta

Under The Sun

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Under The Sun

A 7 track EP that collects several singles from the 22 year old future pop star Kylie Odetta, Under The Sun displays the youngsters enormous talent with some adventurous and varied song craft.

The quick listen starts with the title track, where Odetta’s soulful and expressive vocals guide a very melodic pop filled journey of energetic, playful sounds, and “Never Letting Go” continues the landscape with finger snapping fun alongside a dance friendly environment.

Deeper in the record, “I Am Here” soars high with Odetta’s strong vocals in the upbeat climate, and “Like Literally” appears twice, once very pop focused with synthetic percussion, while the acoustic version strips the environment bare with keys and soothing singing as Odetta proves she shines in sparse situations, too.

Odetta’s songs come from life experience, and her relatable wordplay runs parallel to the universally enjoyable songwriting that’s right in line with today’s modern pop on this polished and sleek collection.

Travels well with: Mat Kearney- Just Kids; Gina Sicilia- Love Me Madly

Dallas Remington

Huntin’ Season

RoadWarrior, 2019

8/10

Listen to Huntin’ Season

A rising country songstress from Kentucky who has been gigging in Nashville since the age of 11, Dallas Remington is certainly coming into her own with her timeless song craft as well as spirited covers.

Here, the youngster offers an original, as the well fleshed out tune starts cautiously with Remington’s strong, soulful vocals sounding wiser than her years as firm percussion and country flavored melodies highlight the setting. Later in the tune the atmosphere erupts into a powerful, anthemic rocker, but then retreats back to calm, and tinted with a bit of melancholy.

Remington’s classic formula points at the legends who inspired her like Loretta Lynn and Garth Brooks, but she injects a modern feel to her songwriting that is quickly making her an artist with the potential to become a household name.

Travels well with: Lindsay Ell- The Project; Maren Morris- Hero

Moody Little Sister

Great Big Mama Sunshine

Enchantment, 2019

8/10

Listen to Great Big Mama Sunshine

This sophomore album from Moody Little Sister has the duo expanding from the piano-pop sensibilities of their early days into Americana ideas, as Naomi Sparrow and Rob Stroup bring in a small arsenal of musicians to help flesh out these cautious and dynamic 13 tracks.

The title track starts the listen with warm guitars alongside Sparrow’s pretty, smooth vocals as the instrumentation touches on all the things we love about Americana, and “711 Lucky Street” follows with a calmer but no less exciting setting of blues influenced fun.

Near the middle, “Tumbleweed” displays powerful and restrained rootsy rock, while “Nothing But No Good” relies heavily on soulful vocals in the breezy melodies of the heartfelt delivery. “I Let You Go”, one of the album’s best, then flows with lovely balladry that’s as timeless as it is poetic.

Near the end, “Tell Somebody” recruits a gospel feeling with plenty of backing vocal help from Flagship Romance and Skybound Blue, and “Northern Highway” ends the listen with a soothing jangle and busy delivery of lush and playful exploration.

Now based in New Mexico, these former Portland artists are starting over in a rural setting, and their music reflects that transition with extremely detailed, rich and often delicate song craft that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Flagship Romance- Concentric; Calexico- Algiers