Dedicated Men Of Zion

Can’t Turn Me Around

Bible & Tire, 2020

8/10

Listen to Can’t Turn Me Around

An Eastern North Carolina outfit where 4 vocalists are on hand, Dedicated Men Of Zion is actually a family band through blood and marriage, where Anthony Daniels, Antwan Daniels, Dexter Weaver and Marcus Sugg bring their respective backgrounds in R&B and gospel that comes through on a very soulful and expressive effort.

“Father, Guide Me, Teach Me” starts the listen with rhythmic, soulful, retro rock’n’roll with a gospel feel, and “A Leak In This Old Building” follows with cautious organ as the strong vocals are filled with emotion in the slow burning setting.

Further along, “Can’t Turn Me Around” brings a bare but powerful landscape of soaring vocals, while “You Don’t Know” picks up the pace into an upbeat display of spirited song craft that will certainly get your body moving. “Leaning On The Lord”, one of the album’s best, then offers call and response singing with a bluesy quality amid the gospel climate.

“It’s A Shame” and “Work Until My Days Are Done” finish the listen, where the former recruits plenty of melodies and strong chemistry between the members and the latter offers playful brass in an exciting atmosphere of timelessness.

Amazingly, this is only the 2nd album from Dedicated Men Of Zion, but it’s clear that their past experience has helped shape the proficient song craft, that, even though it uses keys, guitars and drums, the 4 sets of pipes in attendance are truly the focus of this authentic and stirring gospel album.

Travels well with: Bebe Winans- America America; R.J.& The Assignment- Hybrid Harmony

Tj George

Fragmented Soul Vol. 2

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Fragmented Soul Vol. 2

The Ohio resident TJ George returns with a well done 4th album, where his folk, pop, R&B and soul influences are very apparent across his self-described ‘melodic groove’ that’s as unpredictable as it is enjoyable.

George starts the listen with the warm keys and inviting vocals of “Can’t Move Fast Enough”, where elegant pop-rock unfolds with a charming rhythmic quality, and “Clayton Jones Is Gonna Be Big” follows with jangly acoustic strumming amid flowing Americana that’s immediately memorable.

The back half of the 6 song effort is equally strong, and includes the cautious “Gonna Be Good”, where precise guitar work illuminates the spoken word moments, while the flowing keys and subtle blues nods of “Cookie Jar” makes this the best selection, largely due to female backing vocals and an infectious chorus. “Call Of The Wild” finishes the listen softer, with George’s falsetto making an appearance in a slightly darker setting that’s no less impactful in its dynamic delivery.

George handles keys and the bulk of the vocals here, while Byron House (bass), Ric Hordinski (guitar), Joshua Seurkamp (drums) and Shiloh Hawkins (backing vocals) add their respective talents to a timeless and varied outing that settles in quite nicely on the first listen and warrants many more.

Travels well with: This Time- Two; Birdtalker- One

Céu

APKÁ!

Six Degrees, 2020

9/10

Listen to APKÁ!

The Latin Grammy Winner Céu returns with her 5th album, and this time the Sao Paulo artist offers a minimalist adventure, where esteemed contributors like Hervé Salters, Pedro Sá, and Lucas Martins, among others, contribute to the soulful, dance friendly environment.

“Off (Sad Siri)” starts the listen with mesmerizing percussion as soulful and expressive vocal harmonies guide the bare but still rich landscape of guitars and synth, and “Coreto” continues the creativeness with a snappy delivery and electronic quality that embraces beats and grooves as Ceu’s strong vocals show much range.

Further along, “Pardo” is not short on melody as the sophisticated yet playful climate draws us in with Seu Jorge’s deep pipes, while “Nada Irreal” moves gently with warm keys and bright instrumentation including staccato guitar. “Make Sure Your Head Is Above”, an English sung tune, is one of the best selections, and offers both elegant and sweet textures that builds into a more tense display of unparalleled skill.

At the end, “Ocitocina (Charged)” is a downtempo track with much attention to mood in its soaring, groove friendly execution, and “Eye Contact”, with Tropkillaz, exits the listen with a healthy amount of electronica in the glitchy, throwback climate.

A very diverse record that spans many different ideas related to Céu’s Brazilian heritage, whether she’s playing loud and rock influenced or delicate with pop textures, APKÁ! is a listen beaming with innovation and radiance.

Travels well with: Bossacucanova And Roberto Menescal- Bossa Got The Blues; Meklit- When The People Move The Music Moves Too

Jodi Essex

Irreverent

Self-Released, 2020

7/10

Listen to Irreverent

The Christian vocalist and artist Jodi Essex aligns herself with an impressive band here, as, Sean Hill, Jadan Sorenson, Pablo Melgar, Josh Smith, and Jon-Paul Keller help her flesh out this guitar driven and lyrically uplifting album.

“Stand Up” starts the listen with charged arena rock loudness before retreating to a more soulful place as Essex’s expressive vocals guide the turbulent rocker, and the appropriately titled “Soar” follows with cautious restraint, before building into an emotive and cathartic setting where Essex’s vocal prowess is on full display.

At the midpoint, “Symphony” brings the album into quieter areas where the religious ballad offers sublime beauty as Smith’s strings make an impression, while “Weightless” offers a strong pop-rock tune where Melgar’s vivid keys make a big impression. “All Right”, the album highlight, then recruits thumping percussion from Hill as the pretty singing is met with strategic backing vocals that complements the busy climate.

Near the end, “Someone Somewhere”, enters a lush setting of charged riffs and careful song craft and “Rearview Mirror” exits the listen with some grit and rugged melody in the anthemic finish.

I get the feeling that many people feel that Christian rock is a bit tame, but Essex and company play with much energy and volume here, where an incendiary execution and thoughtful approach makes for a strong start to Essex’s musical career.

Travels well with: Switchfoot- Native Tongue; Flyleaf- New Horizons

Corb Lund

Agricultural Tragic

New West, 2020

9/10

Listen to Agricultural Tragic

Though Corb Lund released an exceptional covers album last year, Agricultural Tragic is his first record of original material in half a decade, and he makes it worth the wait with 12 of his best tunes to date.

“90 Seconds Of Your Time” starts the listen and takes nearly 3 minutes of your time to drive home that Lund is well versed in rhythmic country sounds where rugged melodies aren’t in short supply, and “Old Men” follows with a shift into quieter territory as honky tonk swagger enters the atmosphere.

Halfway through, “Grizzly Bear Blues” moves and shifts with a bouncy, gritty spirit, while “Dance With Your Spurs On” is an aptly titled rural rocker that could get you two-steppin to the twang. “Never Had Horses” then finds itself covered in breezy melodies with a folk-rock angle that display superb song craft.

Lund ends the listen strong, with the rock’n’roll guitars of the rockabilly “Rat Patrol”, and “Tattoo Blues” exits the listen indeed knee deep in blues where poetic storytelling falls between the moments of spirited songwriting.

Lund is nothing if not consistent, and having reportedly spent much more time fleshing out this album, much like the 9 albums before this one, you can expect his hybrid Americana/country/folk/roots rock formula to remind you of all the rural rock legends, while still being quite original in its execution.

Travels well with: Reckless Kelly- American Jackpot/American Girls; Bobby Bare- Great American Saturday Night

Steve Fidyk

Battle Lines

Blue Canteen, 2020

9/10

Listen to Battle Lines

A drummer extraordinaire whose power and meticulousness have been hallmarks of his work, Steve Fidyk is in exceptional company here as Joe Magnarelli holds down trumpet/flugelhorn, Xavier Perez handles tenor saxophones, and Peter Zak and Michael Karn contribute piano and bass respectively.

“Ignominy” starts the listen with precise drumming from Fidyk before Perez’s incredible sax prowess leads the frisky jazz opener, and the title track follows with a more forceful approach as dancing keys from Zak flow with an intricate and playful delivery as the tunes weaves its way around unending melodies.

In the middle, “Bebop Operations” displays Magnerelli’s trumpet acrobatics amid the breezy yet frisky bebop atmosphere, while “Lullaby For Lori And John” trims the pace back to balladry as graceful keys and gentle brass highlight the reflective climate that was penned for Fidyk’s parents. “Churn”, one of the album’s best, then finds an ultra-smooth, classic jazz place to reside, where all players interact with a dizzying execution of superb chemistry.

Deeper into the journey, “#Social Loafing” bounces with a swinging, warm spirit, and “Sir John” finishes out the listen lively with a radiant quality of blues ideas where each member gets their own solo.

Battle Lines is Fidyk’s 3rd outing as leader, and like everything he’s touched, it’s exceptional, robust and never short on the sort of rhythm and melody that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Shawn Purcell- Symmetricity; Ernie Watts Quartet- Home Light

Killer Workout

Four:Three

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Four:Three

A Seattle outfit who are well versed in the disco sounds of the ‘70s but who also take much influence from the punk and New Wave spirit of the ‘80s, though Killer Workout may derive their name from a slasher flick, their music is nothing short of shiny and bright on this quick EP.

“Too Late” starts the listen with plenty of pop energy as ‘80s synth work and a strong beat provide the backbone to the infectious melodies and soaring moments, and “Figure It Out” continues the setting with a bit more restraint as post-punk nods (think New Order on prozac) enter the dance friendly atmosphere that’s not short on New Wave moments, too.

“Loser” exits the listen with a swift delivery of dance punk fun where Devo nods and the strong rhythm section of Bob Husak and Jon Swihart leave an indelible mark, that, inevitably, leaves the listener wanting more.

Self-described as ‘Exploitation Rock’, Killer Workout don’t hang around for a long time here, but it sure is a good time, and one that takes the best pieces of sounds from the ‘70s forward and builds feisty yet playful anthems you won’t forget anytime soon. Each track also has an accompanying video, which is just as fun to watch as this is to listen to.

Travels well with: Pyjamarama- Simple Living; K. Campbell- Chords Come Easy

David Lombard

Looking For A Dream

Home, 2019

8/10

Listen to Looking For A Dream

A Belgian singer-songwriter who’s well versed in alt-country and folk sensibilities, David Lombard brings some literary influences into his timeless songs, where he references Henry David Thoreau while drawing musical parallels to Springsteen or Isbell.

The title track starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and elegant violin surrounded by spoken word before shifting into expressive singing in a thoughtful Americana setting, and “Walden” continues the graceful atmosphere with gentle vocals amid piano, light percussion and a banjo.

Halfway through, the country influenced “The Range Of Life” makes exceptional use of pedal steel as swift drumming complements the strong vocal prowess, while the acoustic version of the title track recruits a gritty folk-rock quality that we could never tire of.

The remainder of the tracks are also acoustic versions of earlier tunes, including the powerful and emotive “Stay”, as well as the album highlight, the harmonica friendly and melodic strumming of “Happening Somehow”.

Lombard also brings a mandolin and a cello to this half electric, half acoustic listen, and his strong songwriting should certainly garner him global attention as he parallels the greatness of many of the current country-rock, indie-folk stars that exist today.

Travels well with: Mark Bumgarner- Just Above The Waterline; John Baumann- Country Shade

The Bangs

Last Of The Big Shots

Nub, 2020

9/10

Listen to Last Of The Big Shots

I had never heard of the UK outfit The Bangs before, and I doubt you probably have either, but a decade ago they recorded this debut album and here it is remastered and ready for all fans of rowdy rock’n’roll where throwback punk ideas are sprinkled in amid the hedonism.

“Hazy View” starts the listen with quick guitars in the swift, garage rock influenced rocker that bristles with fury, and “Original Sin” follows with some surf-pop melodies amid the playful and upbeat rocker that sounds like The Beach Boys mixed with an early Replacements record.

Near the middle, “Say You Will” trims the pace back with softer singing as some mid ‘90s college rock hints are present (remember The Lemonheads?), while “Livin’ In Hope” recruits an anthemic approach where crashing percussion and fuzzed out guitars make this one of the album’s best.

The deep tracks are nothing to spit at either, including the more cautious, even jangly “The Liar”, and “Our Sun Has Set” finishes out the listen with no shortage of melody in its dynamic and tuneful execution.

The Bangs do much with three chords on these 9 tunes, and even if this is the only release they’ll ever give us, it’s a damn good one that fans of big guitars, raw energy and inviting choruses should consume immediately.

Travels well with: They Might Be Giants- My Murdered Remains; Big Loser- Love You, Barely Living

Kylie Odetta

Roots & Petals

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Roots & Petals

A rising songstress with a penchant for soulful and pop friendly song craft, though Kylie Odetta is still a youngster, she’s already got a large library of songs, and here she offers us 5 very well executed and lyrically thoughtful tunes.

The appropriately titled “Happy” starts the album with a raw recording of soulful singing alongside a bare acoustic guitar, and “Cry Out” follows with warm keys guiding the pop friendly melodies that builds into a soaring display of incredible singing that could make Odetta a household name.

The back half of the EP offers the intimate and rich title track, where strings leave a very mature mark as Odetta tells the story of some very personal struggles, while “Look At Us Now” exits the listen with percussion accenting the playful setting of flowing pop that could easily slide onto the FM dial.

Though she’s just 22, Odetta plays like an old soul, and her skills are superbly developed for someone her age. Whatever she’s looking for in the music world she’ll likely find as she possesses the talent, sincerity and ability to touch on the human experience in a very relatable way.

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

Forrest Hill

River Of Stars

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to River Of Stars

Formerly of the ‘80s funk outfit Judy’s Tiny Head, these days Forrest Hill is holding down the show on his own, and bringing folk, pop and alt-rock ideas into his varied and accomplished form of indie-rock song craft. On this 3rd solo outing, Hill takes nods to the legends that inspired him- Dylan, The Beatles, Cohen, and Simon, among others, and meshes it with his many decades of experience for a very well executed listen.

“Million Miles” starts the listen with plenty of rhythm as the horn friendly landscape suits the soulful delivery and harmonic backing vocals, and “New Horizon” follows with a snappy presence of modern folk-rock where a slew of melodies are on hand.

Elsewhere, the timeless rock spirt of “Nomad In Love” recruits a breezy folk-like quality that’s not short on grooves, while “Floats Away”makes great use of a cello in its sophisticated, dreamy landscape. “Guardian Angel”, a late album highlight, then recruits some rootsy ideas amid its sunny melodies and spirited guitar work.

Near the end, “Kiss Goodnight” displays all the classic characteristics of rock’n’roll in its meticulous nature, and “River Of Stars” finishes out the listen with precise acoustic picking and sublime intimacy with an orchestral backdrop that leaves an indelible mark.

Hill carves out a unique spot for himself in today’s independent rock scene here, where he embraces the spirit of Motown, but is still very much in tune with the current indie sensibilities, making his formula very appealing to fans of Talking Heads as well as Mumford & Sons, and just about everywhere in between, too.

Travels well with: Ronny Morris- Sweet Silence; Lowray- Friends And The Fakers

Byenow

Byenow

Out Stack/Fooltribe, 2020

8/10

Listen to Byenow

A duo comprised of Andrea Dellapiana and Nicholas Remondino, as Byenow the pair bring an experimental quality to their folk prowess, where noises of non-instrument origin are on hand, alongside the strong guitar and drum work where most of the tunes were tracked live.

“Window” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar as soulful folk inspired sounds flow with both grace and playfulness, and “Stay Away” continues the formula with energetic percussion and plenty of rhythm entering the artistic landscape.

Halfway through, “Crackling Leaves” stays bare with a soft intimacy guided by a careful guitar line, while “Rooted” is a busier affair that puts a well done spin on indie-folk with plenty of gritty melody. “Playground”, one of the best tracks, then recruits a lot of background noises as expressive vocals suit the experimental ideas that embrace electronics.

Near the end, “EYEsUN” burns slowly with an almost cathartic approach of emotive sparseness, and the busier “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” exits the listen with plenty of careful interplay between the guitars and drums, and a trombone even makes an appearance to complement the colorful setting.

This Italian pair are really onto something here, as they put a clever spin on the current state of indie-rock, where they make quite a large impression with just a few basic noisemakers on this carefully crafted first album.

Travels well with: Tweeedo- We All Think We’re Good People; Paolo Spaccamonti- Volume Quattro

Swingadelic

Bluesville

Zoho, 2020

8/10

Listen to Bluesville

The long running blues/jazz ensemble Swingadelic return another batch of their esteemed big band delivery, where they cover legends like Ray Charles, Willie Dixon and Duke Ellington, while also tossing in a couple of originals, too.

“The Late, Late Show” starts the album with bright horns and energetic percussion as smooth vocals from Neal Pawley glide the frisky jazz opener, and this continues to the playful “I Love This Life I Live”, where Colby Inzer’s crisp drumming is highlighted as is John Bauers’ strong vocals that steer the bluesy grooves, as well as the rhythmic brass of “Harlem Nocturne”.

Closer to the middle, “Parchman Farm” displays the strong piano prowess and expressive vocals of Mitch Woods on the hopping effort, while Kyle Koehler’s organ skills shine on the John Bauers led blues tune, “Lonely Avenue”. “I Don’t Know”, one of the album’s best, then recruits soaring female vocals on the romantic album highlight that benefits greatly from Andy Riedel’s precise guitar work.

Deeper cuts bring us the clarinet friendly “The Mooche”, where dynamic trumpet work from Bryan Davis and John Martin leaves an impression, and the instrumental version of the first track finishes out the listen with snappy yet elegant interplay between the many players on hand.

With more than 20 musicians in attendance, including several vocalists, Swingadelic are still doing what they’ve always done best, and now 20+ years into their existence, their chemistry and execution is still as exciting, captivating and timeless as ever.

Travels well with: Ted Piltzecker- Brindica; Dave Stryker With Bob Mintzer And The WDR Big Band- Blue Soul

Nicole Mercedes

Look Out Where You’re Going

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Look Out Where You’re Going

The Brooklyn songstress Nicole Mercedes returns with a sophomore album, and much like her first record and full band work, it’s a charming display of synth and guitar fueled melodies that’s never short on beauty and doesn’t shy away from melancholy, too.

“Last Hike” starts the album with an ethereal quality as synth and backing vocals complement the hazy opener, and “Filters” continues the dreamy quality with light percussion that approaches a chamber-pop approach.

In the middle, “Motel” offers a vocally strong track that’s on the softer side of indie-pop, while “Watering” moves with a bare quality of cautious elegance before building into an album highlight of soaring musicianship that’s nothing short of captivating.

“At Ease” and “Mediterranean” bookend the listen, where the former glides with a warm beat and playful instrumentation, and the latter exits with a gentle pop quality that’s a bit haunting, too.

A very personal album that’s full of intimate song craft, the multi-instrumentalist moves delicately here, and from a lush and very self-aware position that should bring her legions of new fans on this very well executed 2nd album.

Travels well with: Flocke- Bye Polar Bear; Rachael Sage- Character

Jangling Sparrows

Bootstraps And Other American Fables

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Bootstraps And Other American Fables

An outfit spearheaded by the singer-songwriter and guitarist Paul Edelman, together with Louis Stein and Joe Grey the trio pen an album with strong storytelling that flows with a gritty alt-country appeal that doesn’t shy away from the blues, either.

“Estuaries” starts the listen with a bristling display of southern influenced rock where melody and ruggedness are present in spades, and “All That I Was Never Afraid” continues the energy with a powerful delivery of strong vocals amid soaring guitar work.

Further along, “Highway Jawn” recruits some country spirit with a swift execution of intricate musicianship, while “Violynne” parallels an intensity usually reserved for arena rock as Jangling Sparrows balance rowdy roots rock and anthemic hard rock. “True, Fine Now”, one of the best of the best, then invites some garage rock tendencies into the highly melodic affair.

At the end, “Label’s All Mine” is a swampy effort where a darker spirit enters the well thought out setting, and “Bootstraps” exits the listen with some of the best vocal work amid the acoustic guitar fueled country rock that’s as timeless as it is memorable.

A listen that’s packed with incredible guitar playing, there’s certainly no shortage of rhythm, grooves and strong lyrical work to be found here. If legends like John Prine and Townes Van Zandt mean anything to you and folk, country and roots rock are in your interest, Jangling Sparrows should occupy much of your listening time.

Travels well with: The Bottle Rockets- Bit Logic; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia

Julian Taylor

The Ridge

Howling Turtle, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Ridge

A Canadian troubadour with a penchant for intimacy in his stirring song craft, Julian Taylor delivers with a rich, heartfelt ability where a fiddle, cello and pedal steel are used meticulously and effectively.

Taylor starts the album strong with the rhythmic and organic title track, where keys, percussion and guitar make an impression as backing female vocals accent the alt-country setting, and the strong song craft continues to the emotive “Human Race” as his expressive vocals suit the rootsy, fiddle friendly environment well.

Even though there’s just 8 tracks, Taylor makes each one count, including the warm piano and fuller percussion of “Over The Moon”, while “Ballad Of A Young Troubadour” finds a busier place to reside amid some tribal ideas. “Be With You”, a late listen highlight, then offers a romantic and moving peek into timeless folk sounds.

Late in the listen, “Love Enough” recruits a festive spirit with its playful delivery where Taylor offers Tex-Mex influences, and the beat friendly “Ola, Let’s Dance” takes a turn into spoken word, alongside bright percussion and precise guitar work in the poetic exit to a very positive record.

Though he’s kept busy in recent years playing R&B, The Ridge is a firm leap into folk territory, where a soulfulness and nods to the ‘60s and ‘70s help cultivate a very introspective and strong storytelling effort as Taylor forges his own brand of Americana.

Travels well with: Greg Hawks- I Think It’s Time; Wyatt Edmondson- If I Don’t Try

Jenny Reynolds

Any Kind Of Angel

Pretty Okay, 2020

9/10

Listen to Any Kind Of Angel

A New England native who now resides in Austin, Texas, this 4th album from the sublime songstress Jenny Reynolds has her in great company as Jaimee Harris, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Warren Hood, BettySoo, Jennifer Jackson and Nate Rowe are all on hand to flesh out these organic and thoughtful gems.

“There Is A Road” starts the listen with intricate acoustic guitar as soft and expressive vocals from Reynolds and glowing harmonies from her contributors are immediately gripping in the folk and Americana landscape, and the title track follows with flowing melodies that are nothing short of captivating as Hood’s fiddle prowess adds much to the formula.

At the halfway point, “The Trouble I’m In” brings in some rootsy flavor as Reynolds display incredible depth in the gospel influenced tune, while “The Way We Say Goodbye” recruits strings for an orchestral angle to the gorgeous singer-songwriter template. ‘Love And Gasoline”, an album highlight, then finds a darker place to reside where pop ideas are present, as is fantastic guitar work from Reynolds.

Near the end, “Before I Know You’re Gone” finds an introspective place to reside, where a heartfelt delivery tugs on the heartstrings, and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” finishes out the listen with a gorgeous interpretation of the classic that is so well done it alone is worth the price of admission.

Reynolds tosses in some minor jazz and blues moments here, as well as Spanish guitar, and her self-described formula of a three-way love child between Gillian Welch, John Mayer and James Taylor is quite accurate, only it actually sounds better than you might expect, which basically means that if your musical interests rest anywhere near folk and Americana, you’re going to be floored.

Travels well with: Rachael Sage- Character; Teghan Devon- Little Lion

Darlin' Brando

Also, Too…

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Also, Too…

The recording moniker of Brandon Goldstein, the veteran songwriter and musician has also dabbled in folk-pop and hardcore, but on this debut as Darlin’ Brando he’s knee deep in country sounds, that sort that emanates from honky tonk bars and that you could and should two-step to all night.

“When You Don’t Fight” starts the album with a classic country approach where Edith Freni contributes her pretty pipes on the rugged melodies and pedal steel friendly opener, and “Those Old Demons” continues the setting with some folk ideas present alongside Spanish strings.

Halfway through, “Weeds & Flowers” trims the pace back with the sort of warm acoustic strumming we will never tire of, while “Crumbling Marriages” adds some Americana into the breezy approach on the album highlight that tackles turbulent subject matter while being aglow with beauty.

“Year One” and “The Old Man And The Kid” bookend the listen, where the former offers a bouncy, playful spirit that tips it hat to ‘70s country, and the latter recruits strong storytelling and brushed percussion with no shortage of timeless acoustic guitar prowess.

The Streise Bar Band handle all guitars and backing vocals here, while Goldstein sits behind the drum kit and sings, and he does a hell of a job convincing us he’s a full time rural resident despite living in Los Angeles (to be fair, he has spent time in Nashville, too). Now remarried and having moved past his demons, don’t let some of these song titles fool you, cause Also, Too… is largely an upbeat country-rock affair that requires dancing shoes and an ear to ear grin.

Travels well with: Brent Amaker Deathsquard- Hello; Mark Bumgarner- Just Above The Waterline

Kidsmoke

A Vision In The Dark

Libertino, 2020

8/10

Listen to A Vision In The Dark

A Welsh 4 piece who have been causing quite a stir in their part of the world, here Kidsmoke come through with an exceptional debut album that highlights their keen sense of melody as well as their energetic brand of music that’s somewhere between indie-pop and alt-rock.

“Passenger” starts the listen with bright and rhythmic indie-pop that flows with both sophistication and playfulness that takes nods to the ‘90s, and “Layla’s Love” continues the setting with dual gender vocals alongside excellent guitar work and a flawless delivery.

Close to the middle, “She Takes You Under” glides with post-punk ideas in the highly melodic landscape, while “Kaleidoscope” makes quite an impression in its 1 minute running time with a hazy, soft delivery. “Rising Sun”, one of the album’s best, then seems tailor made for summer fun with its contagious harmony and anthemic quality that could fill arenas.

Close to the end, the acoustic guitar of “Little Easy” add much to its folksy underpinnings, and “The Bluest You” finishes out the listen with a busy display of intricate indie-rock where atmosphere is key amid the precise rhythm section.

An album with no filler, every tune here could be a single, and the variety of dreamy, jangly, driving and always tuneful song craft will hopefully bring the global attention that Kidsmoke deserves.

Travels well with: Moving Panaromas- In Two; Sea Wolf- Through A Dark Wood

Nice Nace

Wrestling With The Mystery

Flour Sack Cape, 2019

8/10

Listen to Wrestling With The Mystery

Now a Nashville resident after spending time in New York City, Canada native Nick Nace’s mix of country and folk sounds sure fits in well in Music City U.S.A., and his intimate and personal song craft shine bright on this thoughtful album.

“One More Song” starts the listen with warm acoustic strumming as Nace’s cozy vocals guide us through the country influenced tune, and “Back On The Radio” follows with a rugged spirit of Americana melodica that brings us back several decades.

Towards the middle, “Her Favourite Dirty Joke” steers the listen into calmer areas of rural beauty, while “Old Records” flows with breezy melodies in a classic country inspired album highlight.

Deeper into the listen, “Arkansas Traveler” recruits strategic strings for a playful, folk friendly atmosphere and “Clarksdale Katie” continues the theme with timeless acoustic prowess and expressive singing. “Grandpas Old Guitar” ends the listen with some of Nace’s best storytelling amid bare but impactful instrumentation on the cautious exit.

Though his name might be a bit obscure right now, Nace has a knack for songwriting and his execution is flawless; I imagine we’ll all be hearing more about him very soon.

Travels well with: Justin Townes Earle- Kids In The Street; Randy Lewis Brown- Red Crow