Roswell Rudd & Duck Baker

Live

Dot Time, 2021

8/10

Listen to Live

The legendary trombonist Roswell Rudd and esteemed guitarist Duck Baker join forces here for a very interesting and cozy live record that embraces folk and blues into their jazz focused formula.

“The Happenings” opens the listen with meticulous acoustic guitar before the soulful and lively trombone enters the equation, and “Buddy Bolden’s Blues” continues this approach with both grit and melody present and appreciated.

Halfway through, “Well, You Needn’t” displays a very cautious approach as the pair work together in an intimate setting, while “Bemshaw Swing” places much beauty on the guitar amid the bright and expressive brass.

Nearing the end, “Light Blue” emits folk nods into the timeless jazz climate that’s also quite playful, and “Church” finishes the listen with both players showcasing their respective talents with precise fingerstyle guitar playing and vivid horn prowess.

The tracks here were recorded during two sessions, but flow together seamlessly, and the sound quality is top notch. A very enticing platform for Rudd and Baker’s immense talent, you might not feel that a duet record between guitar and trombone could yield such a result, but in these very capable hands it’s to be expected.

Travels well with: Cecil Taylor- The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert; The Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun

Mafalda Minnozzi

Cinema City

MPI, 2021

8/10

Listen to Cinema City

The revered vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi brings her stunning skills to this timeless jazz listen, where Tiago Costa (piano), Sidiel Vieira (acoustic bass), Ricardo Mosca (drums) and Paul Ricci (guitars) are in attendance, and there’s some special guests for the occasion, too.

“La Dolce Vita” opens the listen with warm keys and soulful brass complementing Minnozzi’s very sweet and unique pipes that scat in a very interesting fashion, and even whistle, too, and “Loss Of Love” follows with cozy guitar lines alongside expressive and romantic singing.

Further along, “Love Theme- Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” welcomes Dave Liebman on soprano sax in the dreamy climate, while Graham Haynes makes an appearance with electronic FX on the more dramatic and emotive “Amici Miei”. “Nella Fantasia”, the album’s best, then showcases Luca Aquino’s flugelhorn amid the gentle keys and delicate singing.

Inching towards the end, Jorginho Neto’s trombone adds much to the rich and poetic demeanor of “Arrivederci Roma”, and “Maturity- Nuovo Cinema Paradiso” exits the listen with a rare intimacy that illustrates Minnozzi’s gorgeous singing alongside twinkling keys and graceful piano.

Recorded in Brazil during the Covid lockdown, this is a very personal effort for Minnozzi, where her powerful, sublime and stylish delivery makes each track worthy of repeated listens.

Travels well with: Elena Maque- Feel Again; June Bisantz- 7 Shades Of Snow

Asaf Yuria

Exorcisms

Jojo, 2021

8/10

Listen to Exorcisms

A sophomore effort that’s packed with plenty of solos and strong horn interaction, Asaf Yuria is joined by Josh Evans (trumpet), Jonathan Voltzok (trombone), Jeremy Manasia (piano), Ben Meigners (bass) and Jason Brown (drums) for this exciting jazz listen.

“The Bell Ringers” starts the listen with warm sax and graceful keys complementing the frisky drumming as a playful jazz climate unfolds, and “Lotus Moon” follows with a calmer approach of soulful horns and plenty of beauty in the textured landscape.

The title track lands in the middle and emits a rich and soaring appeal, while “Out From The Mist” possesses incredible dynamics between the brass and is executed flawlessly.

“Bright Night, Light Flight” and “Mindful Breath” exit the listen, where the former is a cautious yet adventurous moment, and the latter finishes on a swift and meticulous chemistry between the 6 that’s anchored by Yuria’s diverse vision of song craft.

Yuria was born and raised in Israel, but made his way to New York City to pursue his love of music. Now back in Tel Aviv, he brings a wealth of experience and skill to his music, as these 7 tracks end entirely too soon.

Travels well with: Adam Glaser- Excursions; Jeff Reed- Look For The Light

Cecil Taylor

The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert

Oblivion, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Complete, Legendary, Live Return Concert

The inimitable Cecil Taylor returned to live music in 1973, and this performance documents that evening with Jimmy Lyons (alto sax), Andrew Cyrille (percussion) and Sirone (bass) for this complete release with a full display of his improvisational talents.

Disc 1 is the lengthy track “Autumn/Parade”, where an atypical rawness flows with a rare spontaneity that has the brass pairing with Taylor’s keys in a very unpredictable fashion.

Disc 2 opens with the fade in version of “Autumn/Parade”, where the firm and playful keys radiate much skill, while “Spring of Two Blue- J’s” comes in both solo and quartet versions. The former is a dizzying display of unreal key prowess that no one is going to ever be able to replicate, and the latter welcomes bright brass and frisky drumming to the charming, inviting formula.

A truly exceptional release that captures Taylor at his best, this comes with a 23 page booklet to accompany the profoundly exceptional and timeless free jazz that Taylor will always be known for.

Travels well with: Art Ensemble Of Chicago- Tutankhamun; Cecil Taylor- Silent Tongues Live At Montreux '74

Jesse Correll

Inner Shibori

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Inner Shibori

The veteran musician Jesse Correll returns with his 4th album and his 2nd after a 15 year break from music, and he’s got a large bag of influences that illustrates his diverse skill set and strong attention to songwriting.

“Go Deeper” starts the listen with a very warm spirit of retro soft-rock and gospel nods, where Correll’s expressive singing guides the very soulful climate, and “One More Time” follows with frisky drumming and spirited guitar as a cozy rhythm unfolds with grace.

Further on, the intimate “Backyard Thursday” displays a very poetic appeal in a dreamy landscape, while “Fetch The Water” continues the mature song craft with atmosphere and emotive singing. “Dusty Sweetness”, one of the album’s best, then showcases elegant piano alongside brushed drums and a nearly lounge feel.

Moving towards the end, the jazz influenced “Slow Accepting” burns slow amid the very cautious delivery, and “Worst Of Both Worlds” exits the listen upbeat, textured playfully and with powerful guitar work and world music sensibilities.

It’s not hard to think of names like Ray LaMontagne, Andy Shauf or Jacob Collier when listening to Inner Shibori, and Correll’s strong lyrical imagery and very mature vision make for a meshing of R&B, folk, Americana and soul you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Ben Cosgrove- The Trouble With Wilderness; Ryanhood- Under The Leaves

Tania Gill Quartet

Disappearing Curiosities

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Disappearing Curiosities

An artist with a significant presence in the Toronto jazz scene, Tania Gill brings her piano and synth prowess to 9 very flexible and exciting tracks, where Lina Allemano (trumpet), Rob Clutton (bass), and Nico Dann (drums) join her.

“Marsh Music” opens the listen with bare keys before soft brass enters the very cautious jazz climate, and “To Montreal” follows with a swift and highly melodic display of frisky drumming, bright trumpet and very unpredictable but inviting song craft.

In the middle, “Tangled Branches (For Geri Allen)” moves with a soulfulness that emith much beauty, while “Climate Striker” offers an upbeat and busy landscape of firm keys, squealing horns and intricate bass work.

Moving towards the end, “Frisbee” is a snappy and fascinating execution of free jazz fun, and “Knocked Over” exits the listen with all 4 players contributing their respective talents to a dynamic album highlight.

Gill’s history includes playing in outfits like Brodie West Quintet and the Titillators, and though it’s been 10+ years between releases of projects of her own, she turns in a very imaginative listen that’s quite complicated, but easy to digest in an improvisational and jazz fueled sort of way.

Travels well with: Noah Bierstone- Mountains Move Like Clouds; Samam Shahi- Microlocking

1st Base Runner

Ellis

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Ellis

A new project from the veteran musician Tim Husmann, as 1st Base Runner he brings along Bryan Ellis for a small handful of very stylish and diverse songs that are all heavy on atmosphere.

The 5 track listen opens with the beat driven electro-pop of “Near Me”, where a dreamy quality and subtle post-punk nods enter the mesmerizing climate, and “Flux” follows with a low buzzing that’s a bit darker in scope and fits in quite well with today’s indie-rock but still points towards the early days of alt-rock, too.

Halfway through, “Numbers” moves a bit slower with a textured presence that’s New Wave influenced, while “WXW” offers calm melodies under a haze of warmth. “Man Overboard” exits the listen and might be the best track, as charming keys, trip-hop, and gothic ideas unfold with a hypnotic appeal.

An eclectic outing that’s likely to bring to mind names as wide as Radiohead, Nine Inch Nails, and Aphex Twin, this quick listen is a great way to introduce yourself to a very talented mind.

Travels well with: Daydream Three- The Lazy Revolution; Pulsar Ensemble- Bizarre City

Ellen Gibling

The Bend In The Light

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Bend In The Light

A Canadian artist with a penchant for the harp, Ellen Gibling makes some very enchanting folk music here, where both traditionals and originals are present and appreciated.

“Hop Jigs: Cucanandy/Coleman’s/The Boys Of Ballisodare” opens the listen with Gibling’s proficient harp front and center in the dreamy, melodic and warm introduction, and “Polkas: The Glin Cottage n1/The Glin Cottage n2/Enjoy Your Stay” follows with fascinating string manipulation across a very meticulous landscape.

Further into the listen, “Reels: The Cribbies/Vice Versa/Louise’s Reel” flows with much beauty that resonates with a heartfelt, emotive quality, while “Hornpipes: Maggie Finnegan’s/One Across/The Garden of Daises” emits an energy you could dance to.

Near to the end, “Wendel’s Wedding/An Seanduine Doite” is a more bare selection that’s quite graceful, and “Giddy’s Hornpipe” exits the listen highlighting the incredible harp skill that Gibling possesses and delivers with incredible sophistication.

A listen that’s full of harmony and switches from waltzes to polka to jigs, you might think a solo harp record would out welcome its stay, but in these very capable hands there’s just not a dull moment to be found.

Travels well with: Elisabeth Remy Johnson- Quest; Dave Walther- Distance

Jeff Tweedy

Chelsea Walls

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to Chelsea Walls

The multi-talented renaissance man Jeff Tweedy soundtracks Ethan Hawke’s 2001 directorial debut here, where 14 tracks revolve around a highly improvised listen that welcomes some very special guests.

The focused and haunting “Opening Titles” opens the listen, and it isn’t long until the balladry of “Promising” has Wilco tugging on the heartstrings with its dreamy folk nods.

In the middle, the strategic trumpet from Jimmy Scott really makes John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” an album standout as the listen approaches jazz, while “The Lonely 1” features Robert Sean Leonard and Steve Zahn both on guitar.

Nearing the end, Leonard returns on “Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling”, where he handles guitar and vocals with much care, and the folksy instrumental “End Credits” arrives with some of the best guitar playing found on the record.

Glenn Kotche, also of Wilco, accompanies Tweedy here, and the many guests help make each track a bit different in scope. There’s a pair of bonus tracks on this reissue, as well as new liner notes and a conversation between Tweedy and the Grammy winning set producer Cheryl Pawelski.

For fans of anything Tweedy, this is certainly a must, and again illustrates just how versatile he is.

Travels well with: Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art; Gary Louris- Jump For Joy

Darren Nicholson

Man On A Mission

Mountain Home, 2021

8/10

Listen to Man On A Mission

A singer-songwriter and mandolin player, Darren Nicholson blends country, bluegrass, roots and rock’n’roll into a very appealing formula on this impressive EP.

“Love Is War” opens the listen with flowing strings that emit much beauty from the banjo and fiddle before a firm country-rock approach enters, and “Southern Ground” follows with Nicholson’s smooth pipes guiding the intricate keys

At the halfway point, “Them Hateful Woman Blues” is full of melodic keys and strings, thumping drums and Nicholson’s rugged yet tuneful pipes, while “The Fool For You Is Me” offers a twang friendly and heartfelt album highlight.

Further still, “All Night Long” offers a warm ballad of poetic song craft, and “Man On A Mission” exits the listen with harmonies from Leeda Lyric Jones as a R&B spirit enters the thoughtful exit.

If you’re familiar with Balsam Range, you’ve already heard Nicholson’s work, and his festive, rockabilly nods are certainly appreciated here, just as the more intimate moments are, on this universally enjoyable listen that spans the breadth of human emotion.

Travels well with: The Grascals- Up All Night; Chuck Wagon Gang- Radio Days

Timmy Brown

A Very Timmy Brown Christmas

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to A Very Timmy Brown Christmas

The country singer Timmy Brown puts a fresh coat of paint on some timeless holiday tunes, and even delivers a couple of originals, too, on this very festive and enjoyable Christmas record.

“Rudolph Drank All The Rumple Minze” opens the listen with Brown’s smooth pipes guiding the cozy country rock, and “Let It Snow” follows with Brown’s soulful singing complemented by elegant piano and warm strings.

In the middle, the upbeat and melodic “Mistletoe” contains plenty of rhythm, while “Miss You Most At Christmas” emits much beauty in its emotive and eloquent delivery.

“Winter Wonderland” and “Amazing Grace” exit the listen, where the former is quite playful and the latter finishes with as much prettiness as the original, where Brown puts his inimitable stamp on the classic.

For those with an ear for country music in their holiday soundtracks, you won’t be disappointed in Brown’s interpretations and really well done originals.

Travels well with: Lilly Winwood- Time Well Spent; Terry McBride- Rebels & Angels

Danilo Brito - João Luiz

Esquina de Sao Paulo

Zoho, 2021

8/10

Listen to Esquina de Sao Paulo

A collaboration of 2 very respected and accomplished artists, Danilo Brito brings his mandolin and João Luiz brings his guitar to these romantic and heartfelt compositions.

“Gargalhada” opens the listen with fascinating guitar playing as the warm mandolin injects plenty of allure into the dynamic formula, and the title track follows with a calmer pace of gorgeous and light textures.

In the middle, “Salsito no Choro” unfolds with bare beauty that plucks strategically amid the grooves, while “Benzinho” flows with much culture and sophisication. “Despertar da Montanha”, the album’s best, then displays meticulous progression as the pair mix their string prowess with incredible dexterity in a tango friendly setting.

The final 2 tracks, “Perigoso” and “Chovia”, continue the strong song craft, where the former is swift and complicated, and the latter exits with much grace in a worldly sort of way.

A very inviting effort that welcomes Brazilian ideas, classical influences and a whole lot of agility, there’s both intimacy and adventurousness to be found here, as Brito and Luiz make the most of every second.

Travels well with: Arturo O’Farrill And The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra- Virtual Birdland; Nelson Riveros- The Latin Side Of Wes Montgomery

The Whitmore Sisters

Ghost Stories

Red House, 2022

9/10

Listen to Ghost Stories

The sisters Bonnie and Eleanor Whitmore have quite accomplished careers under their belts, and here they pen their first album together, where themes of loss of family, friends, ex-boyfriends and police violence are fleshed out with the help of Chris Masterson, Jamie Douglass and many more.

“Learn To Fly” opens the listen with a very warm, rich version of Americana, where the siblings harmonize with much beauty amid the mandolin, mellotron and Chris Masterson’s electric guitar, and “The Ballad Of Sissy & Porter” follows with Eleanor’s fiddle and Tyler Chester’s organ making for an upbeat take on country-rock.

Deeper into the listen, “Superficial World Of Love” showcases Eleanor’s piano prowess alongside Bonnie’s well done bass in the emotive balladry, while “Big Heart Sick Mind”, an Aaron Lee Tasjan song, is a loud and playful album highlight that comes with hand clapping, thumping drums from Douglass and no shortage of melody.

Close to the end, the poetic “By Design” welcomes Jon Graboff’s moody pedal steel as the sisters sing with much grace, and “Greek Tragedy” exits the listen with a dreamy display of soft keys, gorgeous singing and Hattie Webb’s impactful harp.

Eleanor has made some great music as The Mastersons with her husband, Chris, and Bonnie has several esteemed solo albums to her credit. Their collective strengths are certainly much appreciated on this very harmonic and careful collaboration that just might be the first great record of 2022.

Travels well with: Lilly Hiatt- Walking Proof; Sad Daddy- Way Up In The Hills

Dave Flynn

Irish Minimalism

First Hand, 2021

8/10

Listen to Irish Minimalism

The composer Dave Flynn brings a pair of ensembles with him here, as he explores minimalism with much creativity and poise.

“The Cranning” opens the listen with flowing, sometimes tense and very complicated strings from the ConTempo Quartet that soar and glide with a triumphant spirit of incredible musicianship.

“The Cutting” follows with IMO Quartet’s very cautious and skilled handling that puts forth a very timeless, classical feel to the dynamic strings, while “The Keening” brings back ConTempo Quartet for 19 minutes of sublime and hazy song craft that carries a dramatic, cinematic quality.

The album exits with “Stories From The Old World”, where Breanndán Begley’s vocals are met with Mick O’Brien’s uilleann pipes amid the IMO Quartet’s Irish nods that unfold with much beauty and adventurousness.

Flynn has enjoyed a lengthy and esteemed career for not only his work as leader but as a guitarist, and Irish Minimalism showcases his inimitable version of harmony, rhythm and power.

Travels well with: Eight Strings And A Whistle- … and nothing remains the same…; The Lowell Chamber Orchestra- The Suite

Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion

Veneta

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen Veneta

A Denver outfit spearheaded by the guitarist Miguel Espinoza, this 6 track effort illustrate the players working together with much skill and agility, where their unique brand of world music is quite alluring.

“Gnossienne” opens the the listen with a very calm melody that transitions into a very rhythmic, jazz and world music flavored landscape, and “Bulerias Barrocas” follows with dizzying guitar acrobatics and moody cello meshing with incredible flow.

Halfway through, “Sad” showcases the incredible cello prowess in a very spirited, dreamy delivery, while “Veneta” is a bit darker in scope, but possesses no less beauty in its mesmerizing and fascinating execution.

“Cayendo” resides near the end of the listen with warm, meticulous guitar from Espinoza, as graceful strings and fluent saxophone enter the very inviting climate, and “Happy” exits the listen with the well timed percussion alongside rich and precisely layered guitars.

Espinoza is joined by Lynn Baker (saxophone), Dianne Betkowski (cello), Randy Hoepker (bass), Andy Skellenger (tabla, cajon) and Mario Moreno (percussion on “Sad”), and together they inject jazz, flamenco, and plenty of global influences into a fusion effort you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Raul E Blanco & Jazz Wires- Brutal Fairytale; Cortez/Williams Project- Hermanos

Raul E Blanco & Jazz Wires

Brutal Fairytale

Self-Released, 2021

8/10

Listen to Brutal Fairytale

The Cuban artist Raul Eduardo Blanco Legra is fine here company here, where Brandt Fisher’s tenor sax, Noah Austin’s trumpet, Gabriella Aragon’s trombone/vocals, Joseph Ballestrasse’s bass and Anthony Channita’s drums are present and appreciated across the worldly listen.

The title track opens the listen with a quick burst of dense energy before very pretty singing enters alongside warm brass and agile drumming, and “Spanish Tale In Arabia” follows with playful keys from Blanco that are met with elegant melodies and soulful trumpet from Austin.

Deeper into the listen, “Origins” displays dancing keys amid the cultured drumming from Channita, while “Wooden House” flows with incredible and precise musicianship that’s both mature and adventurous.

“Traces Of You” arrives deeper into the affair and showcases sublime singing in the gorgeous balladry, and “Ska-Monk (For Air Guitar And Jazz Combo)” exits the listen with 8 minutes of fusion ideas that are rhythmic, upbeat and dance-friendly.

Despite being rooted in firm jazz sounds, you’ll enjoy Afro-Cuban nods, reggae, ska and pop-rock to name a few, and it makes for one of the most creative endeavors in recent history.

Travels well with: Randal Clark- Imaginary World; David Larsen- Deviate From Standards

Cortez/Williams Project

Hermanos

Blue Bamboo, 2020

8/10

Listen to Hermanos

The guitarist Chris Cortez and trumpeter Larry Williams have enjoyed a musical journey and friendship that goes back many decades, and here they’re in the company of Dan Jordan, Bob Thornton, Walt Hubbard, Marco Bojorquez, Jeremy Katalenic, Jeff Sipe, and Doug Mathews for a very well thought out batch of expressive jazz tunes.

The title track opens the listen with no lack of rhythm as the lively drumming is met with Dan Jordan’s dreamy flute and the warm brass, and “Melody Makes It Happen” follows with a very soulful and cozy spirit to the soothing jazz spirit.

“Ask Me No Questions” arrives in the middle and showcases Cortez’s intricate guitar work amid Bob Thornton’s fluent keys and strategically plucked bass, while “Silhouette” makes precise use of flute, keys and drums in a superbly textured album highlight.

Landing near the end, “Territorial Imperative” glides with a festive appeal that showcases a dynamic, timeless jazz execution, and “Building On A Dream” exits the listen with emotive brass that leads into a stylish and alluring finish.

Williams actually retired from the trumpet in 2012, but a set of very specific circumstances led him back to the horn, thankfully, and here he employs it with much agility and poise alongside the esteemed players for an inimitable performance.

Travels well with: Thomas Heflin- Morning Star; Adam Glaser- Excursions

Yaron Gershovsky

Transitions

Dorron, 2022

8/10

Listen to Transitions

Yaron Gershovsky is a man of many talents, and here he brings his skills witih piano, arranging, composing and producing to the originals and covers that traverse jazz, rock and samba, among others.

“Northern Lights” starts the listen with frisky and intricate keys alongside the swift drumming of Cliff Almond and Boris Kozlov’s well timed bass, and “Transitions” follows with a much calmer approach that benefits from Will Lee’s electric bass and David Mann’s alto flute in the dreamy climate.

Entering the middle, “Show Me The Way” burns slow with Alex Sipiagin’s soulful trumpet complementing Gershovsky’s graceful keys, while “So Danco Samba” offers a playful and upbeat energy that’s certainly danceable and showcases Aubrey Johnson’s charming vocal acrobatics in the Jobim original. “I’ll Be Seeing You”, one of the album’s best, then spotlights Gershovsky’s inimitable piano prowess as much beauty radiates.

Inching towards the end, “The Lonely Tree” is Gershovsky’s interpretation of the folk traditional with much cautiousness amid a poetic demeanor, and “I Got Plenty O’ Nuttin’” exits the listen with Johnson’s rich vocals returning with a busy execution that includes pretty backing vocals, crisp drumming, dazzling keys and meticulous bass work.

An aptly titled effort, Gershovsky and company weave in and out of tunes that put a fresh coat of paint on classics as well as displaying his very versatile and exciting brand of song craft.

Travels well with: Billy Test Trio- Coming Down Roses; David Janeway- Distant Voices

Thomas Heflin

Morning Star

Blue Canoe, 2022

8/10

Listen to Morning Star

The trumpet wizard Thomas Heflin brings his Tennesse roots to these very diverse jazz tunes that welcome a handful of esteemed players to the equation.

After the brief and unpredictable “Radio Intro”, which recruits Mavis ‘Swan’ Poole on vocals and Peter Stoltzman’s keys mixed into Heflin’s well timed trumpet, the title track follows with a pair of soulful saxophones guiding the cozy jazz spirit.

Advancing towards the middle, the playful “Interlude” flows with a rich and romantic mood, while “Haiku” benefits from Steve Haines’ bass and Xavier Ware’s drums for the highly melodic and groove friendly climate. “The Moon Singer”, one of the album’s best, then blends Heflin’s trumpet, Gregory Tardy’s sax and Aaron Matson’s guitar into the dreamy landscape that offers subtle vocals from Ariel Pocock.

Landing near the end, “Anna Breschline” burns slow with acrobatic bass plucking from Haines in the very mature atmosphere, and “Radio Outro” exits the listen with a hint of R&B and neo-soul populating the timeless jazz demeanor.

There’s just one song present that isn’t an original, as Heflin and company place thriving melodies and gospel stabs into their fusion brand of jazz, and it makes for a very charming and infectious listen.

Travels well with: Adam Glaser- Excursions; Randal Clark- Imaginary World

Grade 2

Graveyard Island

Hellcat, 2019

8/10

Listen to Graveyard Island

A young outfit from the UK who started in 2013 by playing covers during lunch break in school, these days Grade 2 are putting out records on the Hellcat label where Tim Armstrong is handling recording and producing duties.

“Tired Of It” starts the listen with a hard hitting yet ruggedly melodic approach that punk rock was built on, as sing-alongs and a kinetic rhythm section illuminate the anthem, and “Reality Is Calling” follows with thumping bass and crisp percussion in the blistering setting.

In the middle, “Murdertown” finds a memorable place to ride in the punk’n’roll vein with an infectious chorus, while “Don’t Look Back” plows ahead full throttle with fist pumpin’, pit friendly old school punk rock flavor.

Near the end, “Dover Street” brings the trio’s Oi! influences to the surface with some fine guitar solos, and “Monsters” continues the classic punk style with strong song craft. “On The Radar” finishes the listen with attitude and style in the gang vocal friendly and raw delivery.

Though Sid Ryan, Jack Chatfield, Jacob ‘Stix’ Hull may just be in their 20s, they play like seasoned vets on this 3rd album that’s full of political themes and raging, fluid, tuneful punk rock.

Travels well with: Harrington Saints- 1000 Pounds Of Oi!; Cock Sparrer- Forever