Eric Johnson

EJ Vol. II

Vortexan, 2020

8/10

Listen to EJ Vol. II

In 2016 the Austin, Texas artist Eric Johnson released a collection of acoustic based tunes titled EJ, and here the multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer returns with some plugged in help, where he offers 2 well done covers, too.

“Waterwheel” starts the listen with spirited guitar work and breezy melodies in the soft rock setting, and this continues to the agile and reflective “Gifts Of Love”, where Johnson’s expressive vocals draw us in immediately.

Near the middle, “Let A Friend Find You” shows us what Johnson is capable of with just his strong guitar prowess and melodic pipes, while “Lake Travis” offers precise and acrobatic picking in the instrumental setting. “Different Folks”, one of the best tunes present, then injects piano into the calm and moving landscape.

Close to the end, the piano balladry of “For The Stars” leaves a warm impression, and Johnson’s interpretation of Bert Jansch’s “Black Waterslide” exits the listen with a guitar focused instrumental that certainly does justice to the classic.

A listen that’s not short on guitar solos and even occasionally brings in strings and lap steel, if you have an inclination towards guitar music, you won’t be disappointed here.

Travels well with: Joe Bonnamassa- Live At The Sydney Opera House; Reese Wynans- Sweet Release

Randy Travis

Precious Memories

Gaither, 2020

8/10

Listen to Precious Memories Worship & Faith

The seven-time Grammy winner Randy Travis returns with a collection of gospel tunes, where worship songs and hymns are culled from his many decades of worldwide embraced song craft.

“Blessed Assurance” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar paired with the inimitable drawl that Travis is known for as backing female vocals and light percussion are also in attendance, and “How Great Thou Art” follows with a hushed delivery of country influenced gospel.

The remainder of the album follows suit lyrically, of course, as Travis shifts in tempo with the upbeat, pickin’ fun of the snappy “I’ll Fly Away”, while also being no stranger to sublime balladry such as the agile “Peace In The Valley”, where a lazy harmonica adds much to the equation.

Travis keeps the album strong all the way though, as deep cuts like the folk tinted “Sweet By And By” flow with breezy melodies, and “Are You Washed In The Blood?” glides with banjo acrobatics amid a bluegrass friendly atmosphere. “Three Wooden Crosses” ends the listen with soft harmonies and vivid storytelling in a timeless delivery that he’s built his career on.

Travis is nothing if not reliable, and again he proves just why he’s sold 25+ million albums, and is still securing new fans well into his 60s. The guy just seemingly can’t write a bad tune.

Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Dwight Yoakam- 21st Century Hits

Grant Earl LaValley

A Brighter Day

Exit Stencil, 2020

8/10

Listen to A Brighter Day

A songwriter who embraces gothic folk and Americana ideas, the desert dwelling Grant Earl LaValley may have waited until his 20s to start writing songs, but he’s making up for it with a wise, haunting and pretty formula that’s never short on grit and atypical ideas, too.

“The Train” starts the album with a soft folk tune where LaValley’s comforting pipes guide the introspective, almost meditative setting, and “Summers Angels” continues the wispy atmosphere where a dreamy quality leaves an impression amid electro-folk sensibilities.

In the middle, “Talk Dirty To Me” builds into a lo-fi rocker where backing vocals add much to the jangly equation, while “All Gone Away” turns darker with simmering instrumentation that flows with cautious, rugged melody that approaches gospel music.

Close to the end, “Wicked Witch” unfolds amid a slow burning, bare beauty that draws comparisons to Nick Cave, and “Ballad Of Carlo” exits the listen with spoken word, as LaValley’s inimitable baritone has us hanging on every word.

LaValley lives in the Joshua Tree in a cabin, and his art is molded by that existence where an eerie, gritty and sometimes psychedelic delivery enters his desert rock prowess. Interestingly enough, a cassette as a physical version was chosen cause of the high temperatures during the summer that make his cabin inhospitable, so he heads north with his dog in a van with a tape deck.

Travels well with: David Newbould- Sin & Redemption; Cave Flowers- Cave Flowers

E Scott Lindner

In Flowers Through Space

Infinity Gritty/Ropeadope, 2020

8/10

Listen to In Flowers Through Space

The New York producer, composer and audio engineer E Scott Lindner returns with a concept record based in Fibonacci numbers, where a recording studio acts as an instrument in the highly creative vision that is In Flowers Through Space.

After the brief and empty intro of “0”, “1n1” follows with a dirge like approach before keys circle in and out amid a heavy atmosphere of exploration that gets spacey.

Elsewhere, “2” relies heavily on strings to cultivate a mysterious mood of orchestral skill, while “3” plucks and blows with atypical rhythm and sonic adventurousness. “5”, one of the standout tunes, then recruits free jazz tendencies that flows with both beauty and playfulness.

Close to the end, “13” offers a soothing display of soft horns, gentle keys and calculated rhythm, and “21” ends the listen with a soaring quality where wordless vocals add much to the fusion of brass, strings and beats.

A record so intricate that few others- if anyone- could replicate it, plenty of jazz and classical ideas are present, as are cinematic qualities that leave the listener in awe of the innovative texturing and chamber-esque acrobatics.

Travels well with: Johnny Greenwood- Junun; Xiu Xiu- Forget

AC Sapphire

Omni Present

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Omni Present

A Portland resident who cut her teeth playing in the family band Sisters3 while living in Pennsylvania, AC Sapphire is slated to release a pair of EPs this year, Omni Present being the first.

A listen that’s as colorful as the cover art, “Red Sands” starts the album with warm ambience before soaring vocals enter the soothing and agile atmosphere, and “Rock And Roll Van” follows with melodic indie-pop fun that’s syrupy sweet.

The back half of the EP offers the percussively strong “Picture Of Yourself”, which jangles with head bobbin’ toe tappin’ memorableness, while “Thirsty Pillow” trims the pace back to a surreal setting and soulful delivery. “Desert Stars” ends the listen dreamy and full of blurry pop, which bookends the playful and adventurous effort perfectly.

Sapphire takes help from Ryan Erskine on drums, Robert Harder on various noisemakers, and Matt Adams handling bass, and together they deliver an impressive debut that draws parallels to Jeff Buckley and Neko Case.

Travels well with: Post Animal- When I Think Of You In A Castle; K. Campbell- Heads Up

Wood River

More Than I Can See

Yellowbird, 2020

8/10

Listen to More Than I Can See

Spearheaded by the multi-instrumentalist Charlotte Greve, the quartet Wood River offers us innovative, experimental pop sounds on More Than I Can See, where each track brings new identities, textures and ideas.

The album leads with “Future Fun”, where Greve’s expressive and soft vocals complement the quirky and soulful pop ideas, and “The Procrastinator” follows with skilled guitar work as the setting offers an atypical dance friendly atmosphere that’s not void of grooves.

Closer to the middle, “Pete Vinegar Likes It Sweet” floats with a hazy, yet elegant approach where Greve’s pipes soar as a saxophone helps set the mood, while “Shifter” finds a dreamy, trippy place to reside amid adventurous percussion.

Near the end, “Jammz” uses wordless vocals in the unconventional and irresistible track, and “Returners” ends the listen surreal, where a hypnotic ambience that’s pop friendly enters the equation.

The German songstress certainly defies classification here, as jazz, trance and dance traces linger throughout the record, where playfulness and dynamic interplay are never in short supply.

Travels well with: Grey McMurray- Stay Up; Colin Stetson- Hereditary

Ásgeir

Bury The Moon

One Little Indian, 2020

8/10

Listen to Bury The Moon

An Iceland artist, Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson returns with a 3rd album, where a return to form has the long running musician bringing in folk sounds to a highly atmospheric record that he recorded by himself with just a guitar, keyboard and bare recording equipment.

“Pictures” starts the listen with soft keys and high vocals in the cautious, artist approach to indie-rock, and “Youth” continues that lead with plenty ambience amid hypnotic melodies that build into an emotive setting.

Elsewhere, “Overlay” flows with layered vocals and a stirring atmosphere of indie-folk beauty that even brings some electronica in, while “Rattled Snow” recruits a cinematic quality where moody strings and a darker approach unfolds with electronic manipulation. “Living Water”, one of the most intriguing tunes, then takes a simpler approach with piano, agile percussion and a calming delivery.

Near the end, “Until Daybreak”, one of the most adventurous selections, then finds a firm groove amid busy instrumentation, and “Bury The Moon” ends the listen with horns and a danceable tempo that’s unexpected but settles in nicely.

Though the record was made with a minimalist vision, Bury The Moon is subtly powerful, extremely moving and full of exceptional introspection under a folk-tronica template. Put Ásgeir on a list next to Bjork and Sigur Rós as Icelandic artists you should be familiar with, cause his atypical formula certainly warrants it.

Travels well with: Sóley- Ask The Deep; Roo Panes- Paperweights

Bradley & Adair

Oh Darlin

Pinecastle, 2020

8/10

Listen to Oh Darlin

An all star collaboration, Dale Ann Bradley and Tina Adair come together here, where 10 duets unfold with their inimitable vocals working together alongside their bluegrass influenced song craft that has already gained both of them millions of fans worldwide.

The title track starts the listen and immediately dives into the glorious harmonies from the pair as the acoustic instrumentation flows with rural melody, and “Mommy Please Stay Home With Me” follows with subdued beauty as the pair’s vocals soar.

Further along, the waltz friendly “Apartment #9” is tailor made for slow dancing, while “The Log Train” delivers intricate picking where their bluegrass backgrounds highlight the tuneful atmosphere.

Closer to the end, “Singing Waterfall” recruits gospel ideas into the gentle strummer, and “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand” continues that theme lyrically with soothing instrumentation. “Rockin’ Alone In An Old Rocking Chair” ends the listen with country music sensibilities, and illustrates the varied talent present.

The duo have already been Grammy nominated with their work in the band Sister Sadie, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this effort sees similar praise, as Bradley & Adair bring their always impressive skills to a very enjoyable listen.

Travels well with: Dale Ann Bradley- The Hard Way; Sister Sadie- II

Wyatt Edmondson

If I Don’t Try

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to If I Don’t Try

The Nashville resident Wyatt Edmondson returns with a 3rd EP of his Americana and roots rock song craft, where the youngster sounds wise beyond his years on a mature listen that’s intimate, eloquent and easily relatable.

The quick listen opens with the title track, where Edmondson’s agile and soothing vocals guiding the glowing Americana melodies, and “Amber” follows with strong acoustic prowess that flows with a timeless quality as folk ideas are recruited, too.

The back half of the listen offers the intricate guitar work of the EP highlight, “You Said It, I Meant It”, where Edmondson’s vocals shine bright, and “Lovers Lake” exits the listen with harmonicas amid a more rugged approach to his rootsy rock formula.

Edmondson is largely inspired by legends like Bob Marley and Dave Matthews, and he takes a similar approach to his own art with vivid storytelling and a precise delivery that hardly seems like it could emanate from someone who is just 25 years old. Keep an eye on this guy- he’s got a glowing career ahead of him.

Travels well with: Brian Johannesen- Holster Your Silver; David Newbould- Sin & Redemption

Chris Maxwell

New Store No. 2

Max, 2020

8/10

Listen to New Store No. 2

Formerly of the New York City ‘90s rockers Skeleton Key, these days the guitar, singer, songwriter and arranger Chris Maxwell is playing softer music. On this sophomore solo album, Maxwell is in great company with Rachel Yamagata, Amy Helm, and his lifelong collaborator, Ambrosia Parsley, among many others, on a varied and personal effort.

“Birdhouse” gets the album started with hazy pop sensibilities in the elegant singer-songwriter setting, and “Walking Through The Water” follows with a lush approach where expressive vocals and strategic horns leave an impression.

In the middle, “Eloise” benefits greatly from backing vocals in the dreamy delivery, while “Cause And Effect”, one of the gentler moments, uses piano and cautious melodies with sublime song craft. “Most Of What I Know”, an album highlight, then finds a louder place to reside with gritty rock’n’roll as female voices complement the energetic atmosphere.

Near the end, “Jack Lee’s Dead” retreats to soft balladry, as elegant brass contributes greatly, and “The Song Turns Blue” ends the listen with an emotive and rhythmic exit of timeless skill that’s culled from much experience and talent.

Maxwell sprinkles in a few ‘pop songs’, as he puts it, but the entire listen is universally accessible and never short on eclectic landscapes where nods to ‘70s rock, jazz and R&B are used sparingly but effectively.

Travels well with: Grant Peeples- Bad Wife; Terry Ohms- Cold Cold Shoulder

Mighty Oaks

All Things Go

BMG, 2020

8/10

Listen to All Things Go

An indie-folk outfit from Berlin, the trio of Mighty Oaks, Ian Hooper, Claudio Donzelli, and Craig Saunders, return with another batch of their well thought out and cautious song craft.

“All Things Go” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitars and calm vocals on the rootsy flavored indie-rock setting, and “I Need You Now” follows with elegant melodies and fluid percussion in the soothing atmosphere that recruits pop sensibilities.

Further along, “Lost Again” finds the outfit getting dreamy in a sparse delivery with plenty of ambience, while “Aileen” resides closer to folk territory where strings make a big impact, as does Hooper’s strong vocal prowess. “What You Got”, one of the standout tunes, then employs hand clapping as quick instrumentation and flowing melodies leave an indelible mark.

Near the end, “Fly To You” illustrates skilled guitar picking in a bare but impactful moment where some of the album’s best harmonies reside and “Kids” ends the listen with spirited guitars and graceful keys in a slightly darker but no less charming exit.

All Things Go, their 3rd LP, shows the multi-instrumentalists growing steadily with their art, as this new effort combines direct lyricism with much attention to detail and fluid songwriting.

Travels well with: Agnes Obel- Myopia; Animal Years- Far From Home

Revolution, I Love You

Black Feathers

Self-Released, 2020

9/10

Listen to Black Feathers

Another outstanding outfit from the always thriving Philadelphia scene, Rob Lindgren, Jason Reynolds, and Jeff Ormsby, aka Revolution, I Love You, return with a sophomore album where organic and synthetic instruments all collide in very creative and instantly memorable ways.

After the ambient and sleekly textured “( )” opens the disc, “Black Feathers” follows with bristling percussion as soulful vocals guide the electro-rock affair that’s immediately gripping.

A record where each song brings new ideas, “Magnets And Dust” offers precise rhythm with buzzing grooves, while “Pennsylvania And North” enters alt-rock territory with melodic yet noisey moments. “Vicious Vicious”, one of the most intriguing tunes, then finds a dreamy place to reside in a highly innovative expanse of indie-tronica sensibilities.

Near the end, the grunge friendly “Clairvoyance” even hints a shoegaze in its thumping execution, and “Wait” ends the listen with the trio’s flourishing brand of swirling dream-pop where each member contributes inimitable skill.

A listen with no shortage of fuzzed out guitars, inviting choruses and vivid synth work, Revolution, I Love You could easily be your new favorite indie adventure, as Black Feathers is an effort worthy of repeated spins.

Travels well with: VvvV- The Wreck; Pyjamarama- Simple Living

Tim Rushlow & His Big Band

Date Nite

Trac, 2020

8/0

Listen to Date Nite

An aptly titled album and cover art for a Valentine’s Day release, the country music star Tim Rushlow and jazz and symphony musicians from Nashville bring us 12 interpretations of songs surrounding passion, romance and courtship.

“Let’s Fall In Love” starts the album with much energy in the horn friendly and snappy melodies of the jazz fueled fun, and “Unforgettable” follows with a soothing and orchestral spirt in the moving classic that’s been covered countless times, but never quite like this.

Closer to the middle, “Something Stupid”, with Emily West’s pipes, offers sweeping strings and elegant melodies that are immediately memorable, while “You And I’ trims the volume down for an ultra romantic ballad with plenty of emotion. “The Way You Look Tonight”, one of the album’s best selections, then brings both sophistication and playfulness in spades on the busy and lush display of beauty.

Towards the end, “For Once In My Life” moves with a fluid pace that you can’t help but dance to, and “The Best Of Me” soars with majestic beauty as Rushlow’s sturdy vocals shine. “God Blessed Texas” exits the listen with finger snapping and a big band approach on the full and anthemic finisher that’s entirely fun.

Rushlow is no stranger to timeless music, and was actually the frontman of the ‘90s stars Little Texas, while maintaining a strong solo career since. An ideal date night record, or for anyone who appreciates the Big Band orchestral ideas with themes around love, this is a glorious and inspiring effort.

Travels well with: Ryan Shupe- We Rode On; Jon Mclaughlin- Promising Promises 

Denise Mangiardi

Brown Book

Alice’s Loft, 2020

8/10

Listen to Brown Book

The singer-songwriter and arranger Denise Mangiardi offers us 10 new jazz centered tunes, where all but 1 cover originate from the London resident’s artistic vision that brings in the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra as well as a small handful of esteemed musicians to the affair.

“Soundscapes 1” starts the listen with dreamy formula which sets the mood for the remainder of the album, and “The Exchange” follows with sublime balladry as Mangiardi’s strong vocals soar amid soprano saxophone and elegant strings.

In the middle, “Day Time Kind Of Girl” proves that Mangiardi is friendly with the blues, while “Horn Song” indeed brings plenty of horns to the festive and fun setting where Latin influences are on hand, too.

Closer the end, one of the most upbeat tunes, “Red Bouquet”, is a delightful, guitar/bass focused highlight, and “Waves” finds a calmer place to reside with much emphasis on strings alongside Mangiardi’s engaging singing. The record ends much like how it started- instrumental, and flowing with focused precision from the ensemble.

Mangiardi, a professional musician since the age of 14, has a lengthy, luminous career so far, including plenty of stage time in both New York and New Orleans, and with Brown Book, the luminary adds another exciting and varied installment to her already impressive catalog of jazz oriented music.

Travels well with: Ellen Edwards- A New York Session; Sarah Elgeti Quartet With Friends- Dawn Comes Quietly

Agnes Obel

Myopia

Blue Note, 2020

8/10

Listen to Myopia

The Danish singer-songwriter Agnes Obel returns with a 4th album, and much like her previous work, the esteemed artist mixes vocals, strings and piano, among other noisemakers, in her inimitable and often ethereal formula.

“Camera’s Rolling” starts the listen with soft instrumentation and soothing vocals in the dreamy, bare opener, and “Broken Sleep” follows with an expressive and string friendly peek into textured beauty.

Further along, the title track brings orchestral and classical ideas to the hazy affair as cellos and violins add much to the equation, while “Drosera” recruits keys and moody strings for a cinematic and darker look into her song craft that even offers flues. “Can’t Be”, one of the most alluring selections, then flows with a hypnotic quality amid a blurry, expansive approach.

Towards the end, “Promise Keeper” relies heavily on vocals and sparse keys as shades of folk music enter the equation, and “Won’t You Call Me” ends the listen with ambient melodies in a highly intriguing exit.

A dark listen that’s got plenty of goth appeal, Obel plays with pop and folk sensibilities, too, on an album she recorded in her Berlin home while playing many instruments while expertly layering a journey that’s best taken as a whole and absorbed with the most open of minds.

Travels well with: Yann Tiersen- Infinity; Shannon Wright- In Film Sound

Funk Shui NYC

Shark NATO On A Plane

Zoho, 2020

8/10

Listen to Shark NATO On A Plane

A New York ensemble who embrace funk, jazz, classic rock and cinematic sounds, with Shark NATO On A Plane, the esteemed outfit Funk Shui NYC interpret songs by George Harrison, Cream, Gershwin and Allen Toussaint as well as offering 5 originals, too.

“Sharknato On A Plane” starts the listen with lively percussion and bright horns on the rowdy yet precise opener where Latin influences are in attendance, and “July Groove/September Funk” follows with a firm groove amid spirited guitar work as the horns work together dynamically and memorably.

Elsewhere, “Summertime” finds plenty of energetic rhythm in its cautious execution, while “Into The Fourth Dimension” uses free jazz strategically in the full, lush atmosphere where a trumpet solo by Seneca Black shines bright.

Back half highlights include the rock’n’roll fueled “Rock Bottom”, as well as the snappy and infectious doo-wop of “I Feel Free”, which is playfully addictive. “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky” ends the listen with plenty of funk amid their classic rock nods where intricate percussion highlights the finisher.

Spearheaded by Dave Morgan and Rob Susman, the pair capture the energy of New York City well with their all star musicians pulling off an incredible performance. It’s quite clear that they all had a lot of fun making this record, and we’re all going to have just as much fun listening to it.

Travels well with: Sarah Elgeti Quartet And Friends- Dawn Comes Quietly; Four- There You Go Thinking Again

Camilla Sparksss

Brutal Remix

On The Camper, 2020

8/10

Listen to Brutal Remix

The Ontario songstress Camilla Sparksss sees her 2019 album, Brutal, remixed by 15 different artists, where the sounds shift from dance to noise and just about everywhere in between.

Fakear starts the listen with chilling house beats on “Are You Ok?”, and Rebeka Warrior follows with bright electro-pop fun on the club friendly “Womanized”.

Elsewhere, “Messing With You”, by Mike Mare (Dalek), relies heavily on ambience in the ominous setting, while Vadim Vernay tweaks “Sorry” with clever manipulation amid a mysterious landscape. A listen where each track offers surprises, Kevin Shea’s “Walt Deathney” is particularly atypical with plenty of spacey sounds alongside throbbing gestures that converge into a cosmic dance track.

Deep into the listen, "She’s A Dream” indeed gets blurry with Tam Bor’s artistic trip-hop textures guiding the journey, and Bitter Moon’s “So What” turns restraint into a highly refined art form. IUEKE finishes the album with their version of “She’s A Dream”, which follows a darker path that’s no less creative in its droning appeal.

A record with something for everyone, various aspects of trip-hop, electro-pop and techno influences are explored here, as are dirge like moments of noisey song craft, all of which are delivered with precision and intrigue.

Travels well with: VvvV- The Wreck; Massimo Silverio- Ø

Pyjamarama

Simple Living

À Tant Rêver du Roi, 2020

9/10

Listen to Simple Living

I love it when great band names align with equally fantastic music.

Now a trio, France’s Pyjamarama may have lost a member, but their lively rhythms and infectious harmonies sound bigger than ever with Simple Living, their sophomore album.

After the buzzing opener “Signals”, where bright indie-pop flows with grace and playfulness, “Flatland” continues the setting with a more experimental base, as dual gender vocals and a busy delivery settle in nicely.

Further on, “Pitfall” moves with jagged rhythm that shifts from quick and aberrant to calm and soulful, while “The Zone” is a jangly strummer with a punky spirit and radiant landscape that approaches song of the year contention. “Heat Beam”, another strong tune, then builds from a memorable synth line into an ‘80s influenced New Wave rocker.

Near the end, “Palatability” starts as a slow burner but escalates into a soaring atmosphere of chunky bass lines, spirited guitars and crisp percussion, and “S.L.C. (Smart Lads Committee)” exits the record fuzzy, loud and anthemic with an off kilter approach that’s searing with melody and unpredictable patterns.

One of the most interesting albums in recent history under the indie-rock umbrella, expect some psychedelia, a smattering of funk, and a barrage of melodies in Pyjamarama’s infectious formula that could surely be the antidote to any Cruel Summer with its gloriousness.

Travels well with: Mount Sharp- That Shadow; K. Campbell- Chords Come Easy

Sotomayor

Origenes

Wonder Wheel, 2020

8/10

Listen to Origenes

A sibling duo with an affinity for electronica and Afro-Latin influenced sounds, Raul and Paulina Sotomayor use cumbia, afro beat, dancehall, Peruvian ‘chicha’ and merengue with strategic skill on this 3rd album

“Nunca es tarde” starts the listen with snappy rhythm and cultured fun in the upbeat opener, and “Lo que tu quieres de mi” follows with adventurous percussion in a more subdued, highly elegant display of pop prowess as Paulina’s vocals shine bright.

In the middle, “Quema” glides with a firm beat and a danceable quality where horn samples leave an impression, while “Despierta” recruits synth and glowing melodies in a swirling delivery of Latin influenced pop. “Esta vez”, one of the most interesting tunes, then finds a soulful place to reside amid a hypnotic approach that’s as memorable as it is playful.

Near the end, “Latin History Month” is tailor made for the club with its sleek execution, and “Ella” ends the listen with no shortage of grooves in an exit that will compel you to hit repeat.

Recorded between Mexico and Puerto Rico and with 28 time Grammy Winner Eduardo Cabra handling production, Origenes captures a lively energy and showcases the duo’s infectious song craft with a perfect balance between gritty and glossy.

Travels well with: Bossacucanova & Roberto Menescal- Bossa Got The Blues; Eme Alfonso- Voy

Speedealer

Blue Days Black Nights

Rise Up And Fall, 2019

9/10

Listen to Blue Days Black Nights

If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Speedealer yet (formerly known as REO Speedealer), here’s the gist: they’re loud, they’re upfront, and they are essentially the soundtrack to any misfit, outcast and iconoclast walking the planet.

“Never New” starts this comeback album with a fury of guitars and percussion as the yelping vocals complement the chaotic setting that still retains plenty of gritty melody, and “Rheumatism” follows with a throbbing pulse of turbulent rock.

Further along, “Nothing Left To Say” brings a darker, metal spirit with a raw atmosphere, while “Sold Out” howls with an almost bluesy spirit amid the biting delivery of stadium friendly rock. “Losing My Shit”, the album highlight, then recruits punk rock sensibilities with an incendiary rhythm section that few could replicate.

Near the end, “Shut Up” is an abrasive and forthright execution of timeless rock’n’roll with soaring guitar solos, and the title exits the listen with a blistering conclusion of thrash tendencies infiltrating the reported nods to ELO.

Though this is their first record in 15 years (the early 2000’s were quite prolific for the Texans), it really sounds like not a day has passed. Whether you’re into hardcore, arena rock or some form of metal, you’ll definitely be a fan of Speedealer, as these guys know how to have a good time that’s fiercely inviting and flowing with intensity.

Travels well with: Motorhead- Bad Magic; Supersuckers- The Smoke Of Hell