Ronny Morris

Sweet Silence

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Sweet Silence

A debut album from a Danish artist with an affinity for classic rock sounds as well as ‘80s electronic music, Ronny Morris pens a timeless pop-rock album here, where melody flows in spades as a heartfelt delivery aligns with sharp, precise songwriting.

“I’ll Survive” starts the listen soulful and melodic with strong singing from Morris as an infectious chorus brings sing-along qualities,, and “All About Love” continues the warm setting with keys and strings adding much to the pop-rock template.

In the middle, “Purge” finds ballad territory to reside in before building into a lush display of soaring song craft, while “Hey” offers strong guitar work and intricate drumming in the emotive album highlight. “Built To Last”, another standout tune, has Morris hitting some pretty high notes on a playful and rhythmic effort with lasting power.

Close to the end, “Every Time It Gets Real” uses strategic piano while flowing with a smooth, thoughtful climate, and “So Young” exits the affair with soothing dynamics between the crisp musicianship.

A record that will be relevant for decades to come, if legends like The Beatles, David Gray or Fleetwood Mac are anywhere near your interest, Sweet Silence will strike a cord, too.

Travels well with: The Tristones- Camaro; Mark Oblinger- High Water Line

The Great Dying

Bloody Noses & Roses

Dial Back Sound, 2018

9/10

Listen to Bloody Noses & Roses

A very unique outfit spearheaded by Mississippi resident Will Griffith, The Great Dying bridges his interest in Americana and country with garage and punk rock on a very unpredictable listen that could soundtrack a bar fight, just as it could a romantic evening.

The albums starts with the warm strumming of “Nobody Arrives”, where raw, expressive vocals from Griffith add much emotion to the stunning opener, and “Cellar Below” continues the rugged atmosphere with slinky guitar work and a turbulent setting that tips it hat to punk rock.

Halfway though, “Magnolia” brings a timeless folk quality to the pedal steel friendly and bare delivery, while “Lips And Pistols” cranks up the intensity into a blistering and forceful moment of busy, fuzzed out rock. “Beer By The Bed”, the longest and best tune, then moves with a sad beauty that displays incredible songwriting skill from Griffith.

At the end, “Junkiesque Skull” builds into a psychedelic adventure of crashing percussion and thick bouts of noisey rock, and “Water The Horses” strips the landscape back with Griffith’s pipes guiding the Americana exit that tugs on the heartstrings.

To say that Bloody Noses & Roses is a bit varied would be an understatement, just as saying this is a decent listen would be doing Griffith and company a disservice. It’s more accurate to say that this is one of the best records in recent history that brings grit and fury into southern, rural sounds.

Travels well with: Cory Branan- Adios; Drive-By Truckers- American Band

Xuan

Have Some Fun

Palo Santo, 2018

8/10

Listen to Have Some Fun

Though this is Xuan’s debut album (pronounced ‘Swan’), the songstress delivers like a seasoned vet on a seemingly autobiographical venture into hook friendly indie-rock.

“Not The Man” gets the listen off to a highly melodic start where charming bedroom pop is present as is garage rock as Xuan’s playful vocals detail heartbreak, and “I Wanna Know You” follows with an infectious beat of snappy, warm indie-rock.

At the halfway point, “The Panties Song” brings rock and pop together with a punchy feel, while “We Were Just Talking” is guitar and synth fueled indie-pop that’s immediately contagious. “Break This Heart Again”, one of the album’s best, then displays Xuan’s strong songwriting skill well on a reserved and tuneful adventure that uses repetition strategically.

The listen ends with “Shut It Down” and “Night Drive”, where the former is a more forceful excursion into nearly alt-rock territory, and the latter uses piano and some of the best singing on the album in an introspective environment.

An artist with Vietnamese heritage who was raised in Dallas and began her songwriting life in Ireland, Xuan possesses a wealth of talent, and it will interesting to see where she moves from here. if your interests revolve around the lighter side of the Polyvinyl Records catalog, Have Some Fun should be essential listening.

Travels well with: Moving Panoramas- In Two; K. Campbell- Heads Up

Daniel Kahn & The Painted Bird

The Butcher’s Share

Riente, 2018

8/10

Listen to The Butcher’s Share

The Berlin yiddish luminaries Daniel Kahn & The Painted Bird return with an exceptional listen where fiddles, clarinet, saxophone, accordion and several other noisemakers are on hand for plenty of relevant songwriting that embraces Klezmer punk ideas.

“Shimke Khazer” starts the listen with accordion acrobatics from Kahn as soulful and playful vocals briefly sets the scene for the festive “The Butcher’s “Share”, as well as the topical wordplay of the political/social “Freedom Is A Verb” that just might be the most suited anthem for these turbulent times.

In the middle, “The Ballad Of How The Jews Got To Europe” presents a busy and accomplished setting, while “Children In The Woods” calms things down with low clarinet and soft vocals on the stirring ballad. One of the album’s best, “99% - Nayn- Un-Nayntsik”, then finds warm melodies amid strong vocals and cultured song craft that leaves a lasting impression.

Deeper into the listen, “No One Survives” offers a slow burning display of gentle songwriting, and “Avrom Ovinu Sharft Dos Meser” is equally quaint, where expressive singing from multiple genders aids the sublime environment.

A poetic and yet still firm effort that brings in several guest vocalists, The Butcher’s Share is an enlightening, wise and highly articulate record that makes an indelible mark.

Travels well with: The Klezmetics- Apikorsim; Brave Old World- Blood Oranges

The Ocean Collective

Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic

Metal Blade, 2018

8/10

Listen to Phanerozoic I: Palaeozoic

A long running prog-metal outfit from Berlin who clearly have no interest in doing anything conventional, The Ocean Collective return with a 7th album, where each track references a period of the Paleozoic era.

“The Cambrian Explosion” starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere as mood is key during the ominous, almost dirge like setting that’s piano and synth driven, and leads straight into the intense, thundering “Cambrian II: Eternal Recurrence” which pounds with a thick presence as harrowing, gravelly vocals enter along with more tuneful backing vocals for a post-hardcore explosion that’s not short on guitars.

Further on, “Silurian: Age Of Sea Scorpions” brings both melody and abrasiveness to a dynamic, bristling album highlight which benefits greatly from calmer moments before the calculated fury that even recruits horns, while “Devonian: Nascent” spends 11 minutes with strings where elegance builds into more forceful ideas that embrace post-rock, as well as metallic flourishes that’s guided by vocals from Jonas Renkse.

“Permian: The Great Dying” exits the listen with precise interplay between the instruments- including a cello- as the song thematically surrounds 95% of life on earth ending, as clean vocals and a chunky execution of prog sensibilities highlights the heaviness.

A very innovative listen that’s both pretty yet intimidating, the exceptional layering and very stern approach to detail make this a standout in the area of post-metal with progressive songwriting that few could replicate.

Travels well with: Katatonia- City Burials; Neurosis- Souls At Zero

Jake Ehrenreich With The Roger Kellaway Trio

A Treasure Of Jewish Christmas Songs (A Cool Jazz Tribute To The Jewish Songwriters)

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to A Treasure Of Jewish Christmas Songs (A Cool Jazz Tribute To The Jewish Songwriters)

An esteemed playwright, author and musicians, Jake Ehrenreich takes up company with Grammy Winner and Oscar nominee Roger Kellaway here, as the pair flesh out holiday songs that pay homage to Jewish Songwriters.

“A Holly Jolly Christmas” starts the listen with dancing keys as Ehrenreich’s rich vocals guide the frisky opener, and “The Christmas Waltz” continues the sophisticated setting with spirited guitar work alongside graceful keys.

Near the middle, “Home For The Holidays” offers an upbeat display of rhythmic, timeless sounds, while “White Christmas” trims the pace back with sublime balladry as Ehrenreich’s vocals display much warmth. The album highlight, the adventurous version of “Let It Snow!” puts a frisky spin on the classic that just might be the best version of this tune to date.

Near the end, “Silver Bells” tugs on the heartstrings with plenty of emotion and “The Christmas Song” exits the listen with light jazz prowess that’s beaming with skill and playfulness.

Kellaway and Ehrenreich take help from Bruce Forman on guitar, Dan Lutz on bass and Kevin Winard holding down percussion, and together they put a fun, rich and extremely memorable twist on song craft that reminds us of all the things we love about Christmas.

Travels well with: Roger Kellaway- The Many Open Minds Of Roger Kellaway; Dave Miller Trio- Just Imagine

Mother Feather

Constellation Baby

Metal Blade/Blacklight, 2018

8/10

Listen to Constellation Baby

A glam-rock outfit spearheaded by Ann Courtney and Elizabeth Carena, with Chris Foley and Gunnar Olsen on guitar and drums respectively, as well as some contributors, this sophomore album brings punk and hard rock ideas into a very feminine formula of their self-described ‘pop cock rock’.

The listen opens with “Red Hot Metal”, where driving guitar work, crashing percussion and soaring female vocals are on excellent display, and “Man, I Wish You Were Here” complements the setting with a calmer delivery of still powerful instrumentation in its subdued nature.

At the halfway point, “Desert Island” moves into a more pop friendly setting where plenty of melody and flashes of alt-rock are present, while “Constellation Baby” offers a vocally heavy, initially musically bare peek into flowing indie-rock. The aptly titled “Totally Awesome” is one of the album’s best, as fuzzy guitars lead into a heavier execution that certainly is still very tuneful.

Near the end, “Supernatural” showcases the impressive range from the singers as flashes of synth from Joshua Valleau highlight the dynamic landscape, and “I Blow A Kiss” exits the listen atmospheric and sparse, where spirited guitar aid the soft, expressive vocals.

A listen with something for everyone, whether you’re more partial to strong riffs and crunchy rock or harmonic, soothing, timeless songwriting, Mother Feather will likely make you a fan pretty quickly with Constellation Baby.

Travels well with: Danko Jones- A Rock Supreme; Filthy Friends- Invitation

Sweet Spirit

Trinidad

Merge, 2020

8/10

Listen to Trinidad

A sextet from Austin who have an impressive resume as they collective play in 12 other bands, as Sweet Spirit the Texans deliver plenty of dance friendly rock that's never predictable and always enjoyable.

'Behold” starts the listen and wastes no time drawing us in with hazy vocals against playful indie-pop that's syrupy sweet, and “Fear Is A Lie” continues the inviting atmosphere with plenty of rhythm and grooves, as does the '80s pop and reggae fueled fun of “No Dancing”.

Elsewhere, “Liorando” leads with piano before a swift pace of post-punk nods invade the soaring multi-lingual vocals from Sabrina Ellis that even recruits violin and cello, and “Only Love” flows like a romantic prom song from 1986. “Empty Bottle” bookends the listen with one of the stand out tunes, as Jake Baldwin's trumpet helps cultivate a festive mood with plenty of bright, diverse instrumentation.

Ultimately the result of punks who like to play pop music and move their bodies, this 3rd album from Sweet Spirit is ideal for those who can't deny their love for legends like Prince and ABBA, and don't mind some glitter in their sonic pleasure.

Travels well with: Jade Hairpins- Harmony Avenue; Sneaks- Highway Hypnosis

Jade Hairpins

Harmony Avenue

Merge, 2020

8/10

Listen to Harmony Avenue

An outfit spearheaded by Jonah Falco and Mike Hallechuk of hardcore giants Fucked Up, this debut album as Jade Hairpins reels in plenty of post-punk influences as they flirt with pop amid brilliantly crafted analog acoustic and electronic manipulation.

After an almost gospel opening of “J Terrapin”, the band burst into buzzing garage-rock that's not short on driving guitars and bright keys, and “(Don't Break My) Devotion” follows with some spacey ideas alongside '80s post-punk stabs that rub elbows with dance-rock, too.

Deeper cuts like “Post No Bill” tip their hat to the early days of alt-rock, when things bordered on weird, while the jagged “Dolly Dream” brings plenty of pop appeal via the contagious melodies and punk spirit. Near the end, the electro-pop influences are largely present on the New Order nods of “Truth Like A Mirage” as well as the album closer, the “Motherman”, where their inventive synth-pop is as quirky as it is charming.

Certainly a less abrasive effort than their work in Fucked Up, Jade Hairpins is no less exciting, and is absolutely a side project worth a listen for fans of LCD Soundsystem, Scritti Politti or Talking Heads.

Travels well with: Sneaks- Highway Hypnosis; Sweet Spirit- Trinidad

Crooked Ghost

Skeleton House

Palomino, 2018

8/10

Listen to Skeleton House

An Asheville, North Carolina outfit who have probably worn out the grooves out on their copies of Hatful Of Hollow, this sophomore album from Crooked Ghost brings us back to the early days of post-punk that left an indelible mark on music being made today.

“Body In Stars” starts the album with mystery and mood being key in the hazy, dream punk setting, where wordless vocals blend well into the shoegazey delivery, and “Sleepwalker” continues the creative landscape with post-punk nods radiating from the intricate and busy instrumentation that takes heavy nods to the ‘80s.

In the middle, “Catch Fire” builds into a textured album highlight where there’s no shortage of melody as it steers closer to pop territor, while “Witch Heart” displays incredible drumming amid a dynamic execution of playful yet somewhat intimidating song craft.

“Roadkill” and “Skeleton House” finish off the listen, as the former brings a darker spirit with some goth tendencies, and the latter uses keyboards strategically alongside layered vocals for a mesmerizing exit to a very well thought out record.

A listen that certainly isn’t afraid of coloring outside the lines and is perfectly fine leaving an impression with its nostalgic gloom, if names like Robert Smith, Morrissey and Ian McCulloch mean anything to you, you simply should be immersing yourself in the ominous beauty that is Crooked Ghost.

Travels well with: The Smiths- God Save The Queen; The Cure- The Head On The Door

Rodney Crowell

Christmas Everywhere

New West, 2018

8/10

Listen to Christmas Everywhere

A legend most known for his work in country music, Rodney Crowell is also well versed in folk, Americana and rock sounds, and, as evidenced by this effort, holiday music, too.

“Clement’s Lament (We’ll See You In The Mall)” starts the listen with gorgeous vocal harmonies on the brief display of dreamy elegance, and “Christmas Everywhere” follows with help from Lera Lynn on the punchy, finger pickin’ fun.

Near the middle, “Merry Christmas From An Empty Bed” brings Brennen Leigh’s incredible pipes for a pedal steel fueled moment of beauty, while “Very Merry Christmas” picks up the pace and volume with rollicking retro rocker that’s full of swift melodies and upbeat piano work in its rockabilly prowess. One of the album’s best, “Christmas For The Blues”, then showcases Crowell’s smooth pipes on a flowing track of intricate guitar work and crisp percussion.

Near the end, “Let’s Skip Christmas This Year” plants the listen firmly in good old fashioned rock’n’roll with some comical wordplay and “All For Little Girls & Boys”, with Daddy Cool & The Yule, lets Crowell’s kids do the signing on the raw and playful exit.

While there’s no shortage of Christmas albums out there, Crowell’s contribution comes with humor, grace and his always timeless approach that deserves to be played all year round.

Travels well with: Dwight Yoakam- 21st Century Hits; Buddy & Julie Miller- Breakdown On 20th Ave South

Lowray

Friends And The Fakers

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to Friends And The Fakers

There’s been a whole lot of great music coming out the Twin Cities in recent years, and the supergroup LowRay is certainly at the top of that list. Spearheaded by Daniel Fowlds and James Irving, Jeff Victor (Honeydogs), Ian Allison (Eric Hutchinson), Jacques Wait (Twilight Hours) and Blair Krivanek (Sonny Knight and the Lakers) are also on hand to help flesh out the power pop, New Wave, country and R&B sounds of this striking debut album.

The title track starts the listen with a punchy rock’n’roll spirit as plenty of soul enters the highly melodic setting, and “Western Song” continues the fun with a shuffling country pace of Americana beauty.

Elsewhere, “8 Track Tapes” is full of summery pop playfulness, while “Palisade” offers a beat friendly shift into electro-influenced indie-rock that gets a bit ominous, too. “Lonely Tuesday Night”, one of the album’s best, then recruits gritty melodies in its lush delivery of soaring alt-country.

Near the end, “Sooner Or Later” benefits greatly from a snappy rhythm section in its energetic and easily embraceable formula and “There’s A Place” exits the listen with heartfelt singing and a warm quality that parallels the greatness achieved by The Jayhawks or Golden Smog.

An exceptional listen that’s as diverse as it is timeless, put LowRay on a list with Porcupine, The Persian Leaps and Bad Bad Hats as bands from Minnesota that deserve your attention right now.

Travels well with: The Persian Leaps- Electrical Living; Bob Mould- Sunshine Rock

Parker Gispert

Sunlight Tonight

Normaltown, 2018

8/10

Listen to Sunlight Tonight

Parker Gispert might best be known as the frontman for The Whigs, who enjoyed an impressive career from 2002-2017 that included 5 albums, worldwide touring and several TV appearances. On his own, Gispert abandons the garage rock sounds of his full band work, and dips into calmer areas where bare landscapes are fueled by acoustic guitar, gentle strings and occasionally some brass.

“Through The Canvas” wastes no time drawing us into his reflective, thoughtful version of indie-rock as he hits some pretty high notes alongside acoustic guitar and strings, and “Too Dumb To Love Anyone” follows with both energetic rock as well as orchestral ideas in the creative track.

In the middle, “Volcano” brings a swift pace of groove filled sounds to a charming album highlight, while “Life In The Goldilocks Zone” trims the pace back to ambient balladry as Gispert’s vocal range illustrates much range as psychedelia influences seep in.

At the end, “Is It 9?” brings a fuzzy display of more forceful, lo-fi sounds that’s about as close as he’ll get to similarities of The Whigs, and “Caught In The Moonlight” exits with hazy strings in a dreamy like state of elegant yet playful songwriting.

Gispert spent a year residing on a farm while making this album, and that living situation certainly influenced the tone of the record. An artist who has been a full time musician since his teens, Sunlight Tonight shows us another, more intimate side of his immense skill, and it’s just as exciting as anything The Whigs did.

Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Ronnie Fauss- Last Of The True

Daniel Romano

Finally Free

New West, 2018

8/10

Listen to Finally Free

One of the most prolific and eclectic artists in today’s indie-rock scene, when you listen to a Daniel Romano album you’re as likely to hear punk rock as you are country, and Finally Free, his 8th album in 8 years, lands somewhere in the middle with folk ideas coming through in his always very literate delivery.

“Empty Husk” starts the listen with gentle acoustic guitar as Romano’s soft and expressive vocals are complemented by an orchestral backdrop, and “All The Reaching Trims” continues the thoughtfulness with intricate guitar work as a dreamy quality enters the bare, folky atmosphere.

In the middle, “Between The Blades Of Grass” benefits greatly from playful percussion as retro pop ideas enter the highly melodic setting, while “Rhythmic Blood” indeed offers firm rhythm and some classic rock nods, too.

At the end, “Gleaming Sects Of Aniram” shows the depth of Romano’s vocal prowess as he covers much nostalgic territory, and “There’s Beauty In The Vibrant Form” exits the listen with some retro psychedelia ideas tossed in the unclassifiable formula.

Romano wrote everything here and played the majority of it, even recording it himself on a four track cassette tape. Often pointing towards the British Invasion, his jangly approach here is far more basic than the other 2 records he released in 2018, but it’s no less interesting and, as per usual, a bit perplexing. Best to try and not decipher Romano’s eccentric vision and just enjoy the psyche-folk creativity of Finally Free.

Travels well with: Corb Lund- Cover Your Tracks; Aaron Lee Tasjan- Karma For Cheap

Ted Piltzecker

Brindica

Zoho, 2018

9/10

Listen to Brindica

Although he originally aspired to be a trumpet player, turns out Ted Plitzecker is most comfortable navigating a vibraphone, and together with an all star cast he brings us a worldwide adventure where the cultured sounds of Brazil, India, Africa, New Orleans and many others are created on his 5th album as band leader.

“Great Idea! Who Pays?” starts the listen with much emphasis on percussion as Afro-Cuban influences shine on the alto sax friendly setting, and the groove friendly “Uncle Peck” follows where contributions from Jon Faddis on trumpet are well placed.

At the halfway point, “Look At It Like This” benefits greatly from flutes and clarinets as Piltzecker’s vibraphone illuminates the jazz atmosphere, while “Ogoh, Ogoh” brings a frenzied pace of dynamic instrumentation as congas and bongos accent the playful climate that’s full of Balinese gamelan influences.

Deeper cuts bring us the gentle “What Happens To A Dream Deferred?”, where soft, sultry, poetic vocals from Taylor Burgess make this an album standout, and the reprise version of “Uncle Peck” exits the listen with a frisky yet fleeting delivery of outstanding interplay between the many players.

An extremely varied effort that’s never short on surprises and is constantly shifting in tone, pace and mood, Brindica brings a wealth of talent and adventurousness to a world music listen that’s unlike anything else out there.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker With Bob Mintzer And The WDR Big Band- Blue Soul; Ernie Watts Quartet- Home Light

Donna Singer

Set Your Heart Free

Emerald Baby, 2020

8/10

Listen to Set Your Heart Free

An artist with a very appropriate name, Donna Singer has already traveled the globe with her exceptional singing prowess and vibrant energy. Here, Singer is aligned with Roy Singer and Mitchell Uscher, who handle songwriting duties on the bulk of these rich and timeless songs.

“Destination Jazz” gets the album off to a playful start where frisky keys from Brad Keller, soulful brass and punchy percussion complement Singer’s flawless and expressive pipes, and this continues to the rhythmic and swift classic jazz of “When You Have A Dream”, as well as the gentle and moving spirit of “Donna’s Lullaby”.

The back half of the listen glows, too, with the percussively strong “Spread Your Wings”, where Adolfo Herrera’s skills behind the drum kit shine, while “My Dear” benefit from bare instrumentation as Singer’s vocals shine bright while Ranses Colon’s bass and finger snapping support her. Singer ends the listen with “We Can Make A Stand”, where a punchy, full setting unfolds with plenty of melody entering the dance friendly setting.

A record with a very thoughtful approach that embraces independence, empathy and love, Singer and company have crafted an exceptional effort that is as relative today as it will be 20 years from now, and will musically age just as well.

Travels well with: Linda Purl- Taking A Chance On Love; Jenny Davis- Rearranged

Mojomama

Red White And Blues

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Red White And Blues

A Denver outfit spearheaded by Jessica Rogalski’s impressive set of pipes that can parallel the greatness achieved by Aretha Franklin or Donna Summer, Mojomama recruit blues, funk and plenty of retro rhythm in this impressive album.

“Blues Sister” starts the listen with plenty of rhythmic, bluesy guitars from Bob Murnahan as the tune unfolds with spirited, soaring singing, and “Sing You The Blues” follows with a handful of grooves as precise drumming by Taylor Edwards anchors the swift paced fun.

Deeper tracks bring us the soulful, emotive “Rise Above”, while the shuffling rock’n’roll prowess of “Lazy River” makes this one of the album’s best. The listen remains strong until the end, with the bouncy quality and backing vocals of “Let’s Go Out”, which displays bassist Paul Rogalski’s immense skill and will get you searching for your dancing shoes, and “Red White And Blue” finishes the listen with some playful funk amid stronger guitars that leave an indelible impression.

Mojomama have already picked up several awards with their timeless song craft, and with well built and instantly memorable records like this it won’t be long until they’re going to be the new favorite band to legions of fresh ears.

Travels well with: Janiva Magness- Change In The Weather; Gina Sicilia- Love Me Madly

Jeff Reed

Look For The Light

Stricker Street, 2020

8/10

Listen to Look For The Light

An acoustic and electric bassist and also an educator, Jeff Reed is a very highly sought after sideman, having traveled the world with his talents. Here, Reed is aligned with Sean Jones, Todd Marcus, Jonathan Epley and Eric Kennedy for his first album as leader, where his vast skill glows across standards and originals.

“Segment”, a Charlie Parker tune, starts the listen with lively trumpets interacting playfully with Reed’s bass as light percussion adds much to the jazz setting, and “Waltz New”, a Jim Hall original, continues the rich atmosphere with attentive melodies and warm guitar playing.

Elsewhere, “Paragon” brings acrobatic drumming alongside slow brass and proficient bass clarinet for 8 minutes of unpredictable song craft, while “Conversion” puts Reed’s bass front and center amid flowing, breezy instrumentation that recruits hard bop influences.

Deeper cuts bring us the spellbinding clarinet of the busy “A Look Inside”, and “Your Name Never Came Up” finishes the affair with a swift pace of dynamic musicianship where be-bop and free jazz are displayed superbly.

Reed has played on an astonishing 50 albums so far, including working alongside David Sanchez, Dave Liebmann and Tom Morello, among others, though this bright spot in his catalog might be his most luminous as he guides the band through timeless song craft that allows each of their respective instruments to shine just as bright as his deft bass work.

Travels well with: David Sanchez- Carib; Eddie Palmieri- Mi Luz Mayor

Twins

Dream On

Bunk Bed, 2020

9/10

Listen to Dream On

The Iowa outfit Twins returns with a more mature angle of their power-pop meets Americana formula, where new members bring new dimensions to their hook and riff heavy version of rock.

“The Laws Of Love” starts the album piano focused before carefully strummed guitars enter the Americana tinted setting, and “Hearts” continues the warm atmosphere with an upbeat folk-rocker where strong, playful vocals make an impression.

In the middle, “Passenger” flows with breezy, roots rock melodies that certainly points to their earlier, power-pop days, while “In Yer Dreams” leads with harmonica before building into a punchy, garage-rock influenced album highlight that you can’t help but sing-along to.

Closer to the end, “So Far Gone” resides in softer territory where gentle rhythm and hushed vocals are used strategically, and “Living Proof” exits the listen with no shortage of emotion on the reflective finish to a very well thought out record.

A heartfelt and adventurous listen that settles in quite nicely on the first spin, if names like Garcia, Tweedy, Petty, Springsteen and Westerberg mean anything to you, Dream On absolutely deserves a healthy amount of your time.

Travels well with: King Ropes- Go Back Where They Came From; Terry Ohms- Cold Cold Shoulder

Parker Longbough

Green And Gold/Drink The Hemlock

Wildhood, 2019

9/10

Listen to Green And Gold/Drink The Hemlock

This 4th LP from Anchorage artist Matthew Witthoeft, aka Parker Longbough, brings us back to the early days of college rock, where names like Malkmus and Barlow come to mind in the best ways.

“The Statement Is The Answer” gets the listen off to a fuzzy, ‘90s influenced start as Longbough’s vocals complement the lo-fi setting, and “Avalanche Beacon” continues the mood with a post-punk quality amid the pretty, yet gritty delivery.

In the middle, “Rising Black” offers a giant display of fuller, charged alt-rock, while “Governor’s (Butter) Cup” offers a chunky delivery that hints at post-hardcore influences amid the rawness.

Some of the best tunes reside near the end, including the dirty garage rock of “Bad Attitude” and the bristling “We Go Golfing”, which will have you seeking the nearest mosh pit to leap into. “Sleep Comfortably” exits the listen with acoustic guitars and a calmer execution of hazy, rhythmic, bare beauty.

An album about growing up with a sense of humor, Parker Longbough should be required listening for anyone who spent hours watching 120 Minutes in the ‘90s, or who identifies on any level with punk, alternative or indie-rock.

Travels well with: Dinosaur Jr.- Green Mind; Pavement- Slanted And Enchanted