Kissing Other Ppl
Peacedale, 2025
8/10
A Nashville outfit made up of Vivian Leva, Riley Calcagno and Rachel Baiman, as Kissing Other Ppl they treat us to 8 atypical covers that were recorded in places like living rooms and bomb shelters.
“Kissing Other People”, by Lennon Stella, opens with playful fiddle and expressive singing that’s harmonic and emotive, and “Ashes Of American Flags” follows with warm guitar and strong attention to mood via the Wilco interpretation.
Halfway through, Dr. Dog’s “Where’d All The Time Go” uses Leva’s subtle drums for the intimate and pretty delivery, while “Woncha Come On Home” allows for Calcagno’s pipes to guide the folk appeal of the Joan Armatrading song.
“Born To Lose” and “Ain’t No Easy Rider” exit the listen. The former, by Waylon Payne, is a heartfelt album highlight that’s eloquent and dreamy, and the latter benefits from a hint of grit in the authentic and timeless take on the Dan Parsons’ tune.
A largely calm effort, the bare use of banjo, fiddle, guitar, drums and keys complement all 3 member’s vocals that make for a touching and collaborative version of modern folk.
Travels well with: Anne Harris- I Feel It Once Again; Vanessa Collier- Do It My Own Way