Marti Epstein

Rumpelstiltskin

Navona, 2021

8/10

Listen to Rumpelstiltskin

The exceptional composer Marti Epstein turns this classic fairytale into a sympathetic opera, where 6 scenes unfold with Aliana de la Guardia (soprano) as Rumpelstiltskin, Britt Brown (mezzo soprano) as Gretchen, Emily Thorner (soprano) as Miller, and Brian Church (baritone) as King.

“Scene I” opens the listen with the soaring soprano against tense strings as a very striking mood is cultivated with a bit of a haunting quality, and “Scene II” follows with an expressive baritone and equally alluring soprano amid the precise string interaction.

"Scene III” and “Scene IV” occupy the middle portion, where the former is pretty and atmospheric, and the latter showcases playful percussion amid a pair of voices telling a very eloquent story. “Scene VI” exits the listen, and is a more bare offering of hypnotic and mesmerizing song craft that fades out with a strategic finish.

On the instrumentation side, Lilit Hartunian plays violin, Stephen Marotto handles cello, Philipp A. Stäudlin brings saxophone, and Mike Williams contributes percussion. Together, they put an exciting twist on the story with evolving harmonic palettes and unpredictable rhythmic pulses that illustrate the depth of Epstein’s vision.

Travels well with: Adrienne Elisha- Anthelion: The Music Of Adrienne Elisha; Trio Casals- Moto Finale

Adrienne Elisha

Anthelion: The Music Of Adrienne Elisha

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Anthelion: The Music Of Adrienne Elisha

A collection of works from the late composer Adrienne Elisha, the compositions here are technically rich and features small ensembles or solo pieces that were fleshed out between 2004 and 2016 and emit a ‘sonic abstraction’ of timbre dynamics.

“Sonic” opens the listen with a low droning as plenty of mystery enters alongside brief bouts of firm piano, as haunting winds add much atmosphere, and “Resonance” follows with a very meticulous tension that resonates awe amid the creative and calculated strings, keys and winds.

In the middle, the cinematic swells of “Harrier” showcases the manipulated strings in a quivering, complicated demeanor, while “Feneketlento” is just Steven Elisha’s cello weaving in and out of low sounds, furious moments and calm intimacy in its 23 minutes. “Transcendance” exits the listen with the Chamber Orchestra Of Boston on hand, as the conductor David Feltner guides the playful spirit of the diverse and timeless climate.

Elisha possessed an extraordinary vision, and this post-humous release certainly illustrates that well and does her legacy justice in the players’ very capable hands.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- Moto Finale; Mark John McEncroe- Musical Images For Piano: Reflections & Recollections Vol. 4

Trio Casals

Moto Finale

Navona, 2022

9/10

Listen to Moto Finale

Alexandr Kislitsyn (violin), Ovidiu Marinescu (cello) and Anna Kislitsyna (piano), i.e. Trio Casals, return with another batch of chamber compositions, where inspiration from nature, loss, spiritual connection and music of the past closes out the series with 7 very well thought pieces.

Frederic Glesser’s “Piano Trio No. 2” opens the listen with the tense strings and keys emitting a quick, busy and firm presence, and “Yarmouth Time”, by Kim Diehnelt”, follows with a calmer approach of aching strings that abruptly turns swift and playful with incredible dynamics between the violin and cello.

In the middle, the emotive keys of L Peter Deutsch’s “Winter 2015” interacts with much warmth alongside the stirring strings, while “Dumkyana” glides with a lower register of bouncy keys and agile bowing in the Robert Fleisher original. The album finishes with Joanna Estelle’s “Bobby’s Song”, which is the best track, and spans a wide array of emotions in its meticulous demeanor.

A very diverse exit that’s intimate, rowdy, melancholic and hopeful, the trio’s modern execution and unparalleled attention to detail allow each member to shine in this truly exceptional chamber experience.

Travels well with: Trio Casals- A Grand Journey: Works For Piano Trio & Solo Piano; Carl Vollrath- Old & New Poetry

Dan Weber

The Way The River Goes

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Way The River Goes

This 3rd album from the singer-songwriter Dan Weber certainly showcases his strong storytelling abilities, and the diverse climate makes for a forthright and fun listen in the area of folk and Americana sounds.

Weber places the title track in the lead off position, where his warm vocals and agile guitar playing comes with playful drumming in the upbeat folk landscape, and “While You Were Sleeping” follows with a breezy quality to complement the heartfelt Americana that welcomes Tony Furtado on dobro.

Near the middle, the brushed drums and dance-friendly spirit of “Whatcha Gonna Do?” comes with an irresistible melody, while “Never” is a poetic and stirring album highlight that uses banjo strategically alongside Weber’s soulful singing.

Close to the end, the frisky accordion of “You Make Me Wanna Dance”, thanks to Jenny Conlee-Drizo (The Decemberists), well get your body moving, and “Call It A Night” exits the listen with Weber’s vivid storytelling and light harmonica amid the intricate and memorable guitar work.

A perfect introduction to Weber’s songwriting chops, at 14 tracks, The Way The River Goes never out welcomes its stay, and just might impress you enough to have you seeking out his earlier work, too.

Travels well with: Matt North- Bullies In The Backyard; Terry Klein- Tex

Dana Cooper

I Can Face The Truth

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to I Can Face The Truth

The veteran musician Dana Cooper takes help from exceptional talent like Gillian Tuite, David Starr, Brother Paul Brown and many others here, where is timeless brand of Americana brings both humor and heartfelt song craft to the 13 tracks.

Cooper opens the listen with the heartwarming and country indebted “Always Old Friends”, where soothing vocal harmonies complement the warm guitar, and the title track follows with crisp drumming, Cooper’s warm vocals and some folk influences in the cautious climate.

Further into the listen, “Ours For A Little While” offers much bare beauty amid Cooper’s poetic pipes, while “Laughing And Crying” possesses a playful quality in Cooper’s breezy and genuine spirit. “Summer In America”, one of the album’s best, then displays the depth of Cooper’s voice in the thoughtful track about the state of America.

Moving towards the end, “I Know A Girl” thumps with a more firm Americana presence that’s a bit gritty, too, and “I’m Just Passing Through Here” exits the listen with well timed lap steel to accent Cooper’s dreamy vocals and fluid acoustic guitar.

An album that was partially laid down pre-pandemic and then finished when things were safer, Cooper took the luxury of time to really make the most of each song here, and the meticulous melody and country, roots, pop and folk nods certainly make I Can Face The Truth worth much attention.

Travels well with: Eric Brace & Last Train Home- Daytime Highs & Overnight Lows; Matt North- Bullies In The Backyard

Jana Pochop

The Astronaut

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Astronaut

The Austin, Texas singer-songwriter and guitarist Jana Pochop surrounds herself with some impressive musicians for this folk, pop, Americana and indie-rock mashing that’s full of well thought out and beautiful songs.

“Head Spin” opens the listen with dreamy acoustic guitar, as Pochop’s gorgeous singing is quite poetic in the gentle folk climate, and “As Long As It Feels Right” follows with more forceful strumming and warm lap steel from Lloyd Maines and Sean Hutchinson’s agile drumming that make an impression.

In the middle, “The Hard Part” welcomes Shawnee Kilgore on vocals and benefits much from Mark Hallman’s mellotron for the cozy Americana, while “Quiet All The Time” mixes Kilgore’s pipes and Maines’ lap steel with Pochop’s pretty, eloquent and timeless song craft.

“Solar System” and “Maps” exit the listen, where the former employs Brian Standefer’s cello and Hallman’s synth amid Pochop’s precise acoustic guitar, and the latter places Don Dixon on bass and Eliza Gilkyson on backing vocals for a very colorful and cautious finish.

An album with no filler, Pochop’s wordplay is quite developed and descriptive, and the variety of instruments allows each track to radiate in its own uniqueness.

Travels well with: Terry Klein- Tex; The Lied To’s- The Lesser Of Two Evils

Mark John McEncroe

Musical Images For Piano: Reflections & Recollections Vol. 4

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Musical Images For Piano: Reflections & Recollections Vol. 4

The Reflections & Recollections series from Mark John McEncroe returns with Van-Anh Nguyen at the helm, where the solo piano work flows with rich attention to detail that showcases McEncroe’s classical background with plenty of intrigue.

“In A Dorian Mood” opens the listen with the warm and dreamy keys gliding with incredible attention to detail, and “And The Congregation Goes- Amen” follows with soft and agile progressions in the reflective climate.

“Into The Realm Of Dark Matter” occupies the middle spot and uses a lower register to emit a darker quality amid the meticulous key manipulation, while “For Cecile- A Slow Waltz” is full of sublime beauty in the radiant and intimate album highlight.

“The Medieval Connection & Now” lands near the end and flows with dancing keys via a very radiant demeanor and “Echoes In The Night’s Silence” exits the listen with incredible dexterity and a timeless vision.

The last installment of this series, McEncroe keeps the quality of musicianship very high, where pitch and tone are navigated flawlessly in Nguyen’s capable hands.

Travels well with: Mark John McEncroe- Fanfare Suite; Hyejin Kim- Miroirs

Aaron Skiles

Wreckage From The Fire

Dr. Sam G, 2022

9/10

Listen to Wreckage From The Fire

Aaron Skiles has done plenty of great work in his band Bourbon Therapy, and here with his 2nd solo album he continues that trend, where members of Drive-By Truckers, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band and Seratones accompany him across 8 diverse tracks that are as likely to embrace punk influences as they are alt-country.

“Quarandream” opens the listen with an indeed dreamy landscape that builds into buzzing guitars and soulful, wordless backing vocals that make for a charming instrumental, and “Come With Me” follows with sturdy vocals from Skiles as a fuzzy climate unfolds with ruggedness and melody meeting in the very powerful delivery.

“Before You Go” occupies the middle spot, and benefits from graceful piano amid the eloquent and melancholic wordplay about a suicide close to Skiles, while “Love & Guilt” touches on his indie-rock past with a warm guitar crunch alongside playful synth and soothing vocal harmonies.

Moving towards the end, the swirling and feedback friendly demeanor of “On My Own” makes for an album highlight that takes nods to ‘90s alt-rock, and “I Believe” exits the listen with both intimacy and fuller moments of Skiles’ unique brand of thoughtful yet thumping rock.

A quick listen of brief and impactful rockers that are never short on grit and melody, Skiles on his own is a raw and introspective affair that ends entirely too soon.

Travels well with: Matt North- Bullies In The Backyard; Pete Mancini- Killing The Old Ways

Eric Biddington

Windpower

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Windpower

The exceptional composer Eric Biddington spotlights the saxophone here, and he employs the Saxcess Quartet for the original 11 compositions that truly highlight the versatility of the instrument in the very capable hands.

“Trio No. 1” starts the listen with the warm brass interacting with beauty and grace, and this continues to the bright and agile dynamics of “Trio No. 3”, as well as sublime solo sax of “Peace For Julie”.

Elsewhere, the triumphant spirit of “Trio No. 2” flows with a playful and glorious demeanor, while “Partita” focuses on baritone sax for the lower register portion that is the album’s best.

Approaching the end, the stirring “Partita” emits soprano sax amid a very reflective, almost haunting tone, and “Swing Five” exits the listen with 4 saxophones meshing together with incredible synergy and skill.

A very compelling listen that embraces both animated and intimate moments, Biddington and company make this a varied and exciting affair where soprano, baritone, alto and tenor saxophones are all represented and allowed to explore with a unique awareness.

Travels well with: Paul Cohen- Soprano Summit; James Dashow- Synchronies

Paul Cohen

Soprano Summit

Ravello, 2022

8/10

Listen to Soprano Summit

The always impressive Paul Cohen brings his inimitable sax skills to this diverse chamber experience, where Allison Brewster Franzetti and Lois Anderson contribute piano, and Kathleen Nester’s piccolo is in attendance.

“Feathers And Sax” opens the listen with Cohen’s bright sax alongside swift keys, where a warm spirit resides in the Amanda Harberg composition, and John David Lamb’s “Sonata” follows with Anderson’s graceful keystrokes occasionally getting upbeat and dreamy, as light piccolo adds much to the climate.

Deeper into the listen, the lower register of “Lessons Of The Sky” displays a dynamic chemistry between the players in the fluid execution, while “The Gift Of Life” swirls with a mesmerizing quality in the Jeff Scott piece, where airy piccolo and soulful sax meet in a very pretty fashion. “Serenata” then exits the listen and weaves in and out of gorgeous textures amid the Carlos Franzetti original that truly illustrates the talent present.

Cohen pulls off a stunning performance here, where both sparse and full moments showcase his keen attention to detail and superbly skilled soprano sax, effectively breathing new life into these under appreciated works.

Travels well with: Eight Strings & A Whistle- … and nothing remains. the same…; James Dashow- Synchronies

Roberta Rust

Mozart Matures: 1780’s Piano Works

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to Mozart Matures: 1780’s Piano Works

The incredibly talented pianist Roberta Rust interprets the work of Mozart here with an unparalleled amount of attention to detail, where every keystroke is carefully performed and absorbed with much intrigue.

“Fantasy In D Minor” opens the listen with flowing and agile keys that emits much beauty and awe in their warm progressions that highlights intimacy and exploration, and “Sonata No. 12 In F Major” displays Rust’s incredible dexterity with swift and diverse playing that’s full of playfulness.

In the middle, “Adagio In B Minor” possesses a more tense landscape of emotive prowess, while “Eine Kleine Gigue In G Major” offers a bright and very melodic execution that you can’t help but admire.

The final 2 tracks are among the best, where “Fantasy In C Minor” is a bit haunting in a hypnotic fashion that manipulates the keys in fascinating ways, and “Rondo In A Minor” exits the listen with flawless piano playing that’s quite meticulous and universally enjoyable.

Rust purposely avoided some of Mozart’s most known work for this affair, and instead concentrates on structure, technicality and harmonic demeanor, and it makes for a Mozart experience you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Hyejin Kim- Miroirs; Monika Gurak- Scenes From A Life

John Aylward/Klangforum Wien

Celestial Forms And Stories

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Celestial Forms And Stories

The musical expression of a literary analysis of classic Roman retelling of Greek myths, John Aylward brings musicians from Klangforum Wien for the classical and chamber fueled creativity.

“Daedalus” starts the listen the fuses a unique chamber experience, where alto flute is met with Vera Fischer’s bass flute, Andreas Lindenbaum’s graceful cello and Sophie Schafleitner’s diverse violin for the very unpredictable delivery.

“Mercury” follows, and showcases Olivier Vivarés’ quivering clarinet and bass clarinet in the cinematic and flowing climate, while “Ephemera” pairs clarinet and cello for a very atypical and lively interplay, where both instruments gesture towards each other with awe.

“Narcissus” lands near the end, and emits a more tense mood, as Markus Deuter’s oboe, Dimitrios Polisoidis’ viola and Bjorn Wilker’s percussion contribute much to the precisely layered album highlight, and “Ananke” exits the listen with Florian Muller’s dancing piano amid the playful oboe and trio of flutes populating the short chords and low registers.

Regardless of your interest in Greek mythology, this is a fascinating listen where bowed strings, dramatic keys, and rich winds weave in and out of dramatic and intimate areas of exploration.

Travels well with: Alicia Lee- Conversations With Myself; Eric Nathan- Missing Words

Jane Bruce

My Bed

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to My Bed

The singer-songwriter Jane Bruce turns in a very sincere and well thought out break up record here, where her meticulous finger picking and influences from Aimee Mann and Fiona Apple are certainly present and appreciated.

Bruce starts the listen with the warm acoustic strumming and expressive singing of “Best Of Me”, where cozy nods to the Laurel Canyon-era of folk are very charming, and “Song About You” follows with Bruce’s diverse range entering the soulful and a bit funky “Songs About You”.

Elsewhere, “The Final Word” displays intricate guitar amid moody strings as much emotion enters, while “Man Talk” lands in gritty territory, where electric guitar and more forceful singing gets quite loud in all the best ways.

Making our ways towards the end, “My Bed” pushes pulls with both intimate and fuller moments of lush, honest songwriting, and “Sweet Speculation” exits the listen with Bruce’s balance of tuneful, vulnerable rootsy rock making an indelible impression.

This is Bruce’s first LP and let’s hope there’s many more to come, cause her raw, honest and relatable song craft is an art that we will never tire of.

Travels well with: Matt North- Bullies In The Backyard; The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories

Rick Holmstrom

Get It!

LuEllie, 2022

8/10

Listen to Get It!

The esteemed guitarist Rick Holmstrom brings along Steve Mugalian on drums and Gregory Boaz’s proficient bass for this instrumental affair that covers much ground in and around the area of blues.

“Looky Here” gets the album off to a warm, spirited start, where intricate guitar work and thumping drums make for a timeless blues climate, and this formula extends to the frisky, rhythmic “All About My Girls”, as well as the indeed funky “FunkE3”.

In the middle, the playful bass lines of “G Like Junior” will certainly get your body moving, while “Weeping Tana” moves with mature melody as the agile rhythm section anchors the cozy mood. “Surfer Chuck”, the album’s best, then showcases Holmstrom’s incredible guitar as a firm rock’n’roll angle enters.

Advancing towards the end, “Pour One Out” will get you on the dancing floor with its irresistible grooves and punchy drumming, and “Walking With Diane” moves calmly, with a breezy interaction between the trio.

Holmstrom brings 30+ years of experience traveling the globe to this melodic and groovy effort, and, in staying true to his roots, he recorded it in a garage, which only enhances the listening experience, especially for the blues, soul, and rock’n’roll inclined.

Travels well with: The Duke Robillard Band- Blues Bash!; Bob Corritore & Friends- Spider In My Stew

Pete Mancini

Killing The Old Ways

Paradiddle, 2022

9/10

Listen to Killing The Old Ways

You may not be familiar with the name Pete Mancini, but one listen of his timeless Americana that’s indebted to rock’n’roll and country, and you certainly won’t forget who he is.

Mancini starts Killing The Old Ways with the warm and emotive “Standing In The Shadows”, where his smooth and poetic voice is met with calm drums, warm guitar and light harmony vocals, and “Old Television” follows with a more firm approach of thumping drums and lightly buzzing electric guitar as synth makes an impact.

The title track occupies the middle spot and is a bit more rugged as agile fiddle and Bronson Pew’s drumming acrobatics are quite alluring, while “Don’t Ask (If You Don’t Want To Know)” offers a romantic spirit of folk friendly song craft that possesses much beauty.

Further still, “Horse & Sparrow” is one of the loudest tunes, where gritty alt-country embraces power-pop in a track so good, it alone is worth the price of admission, and “Flyover States” exits the listen and cultivates a cozy groove thanks to Jay Gonzalez’s proficient keys.

Mancini also takes help from Matt Patton (bass, harmony vocals), Schaefer Llana (harmony vocals), Horace Willis (guitar, harmony vocals), and Jamison Hollister (pedal steel, fiddle, electric guitar), and together it makes for an unassuming and irresistible version of roots music.

Travels well with: Nathan Bell- Red, White And American Blues; Aaron Skiles- Wreckage

Amy Jay

Awake Sleeper

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Awake Sleeper

The debut album for the NYC resident Amy Jay, Awake Sleeper blends acoustic and synthetic sounds into a sonically unpredictable and highly introspective brand of song craft.

Jay starts the listen with the soft, atmospheric “Lucid Dreaming”, where hypnotic keys and gentle singing guide the lush, pop friendly climate that builds into a surreal, haunting delivery, and “Reliance” follows with an ambient dreaminess that’s minimal in gorgeous ways as Jay gets quite introspective amid some indie-folk ideas.

“Inner Critic” occupies the middle spot and uses guitar from Chris Parker strategically as Jay sings with a soulful quality in a warm haze, while “Monster” displays Jay’s impressive range alongside playful synthetic sounds in an emotive, almost spiritual fashion.

“Remember” and “Self-Deprecation” exit the listen, where the former pairs calm keys with Jay’s sublime vocals on the album highlight, and the latter finishes the listen with subtle strings complementing the mature vocals and somber landscape.

Jay’s first album is a striking one that balances bare and rich moments with a melancholic quality that touches on classical, electronica and post-rock, essentially breathing new life into the indie-folk realm.

Travels well with: Single Girl, Married Girl- Three Generations Of Leaving; Sweetlove- Goodnight, Lover

Downtown Mystic

21st Century Rock’n’Roll

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to 21st Century Rock’n’Roll

Downtown Mystic is Robert Allen, whose love of all things rock’n’roll is certainly present on these vintage yet modern tunes that welcome Steve Holley, Paul Page, Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent for the powerful outing.

“Lost & Found” opens the listen with thumping drums and spirited guitars, as smooth vocals guide the breezy rocker, and “Modern Ways” follows with soaring, bluesy guitars alongside a retro appeal of animated and detailed rock’n’roll.

Elsewhere, the rhythmic “No Exceptions” brings plenty of grit to the more subdued display, while “Hard Enough” will have you singing along immediately to the lively rhythm section and melodic vocals. “Brian Jones”, another rowdy rocker, then benefits from harmonica and soulful backing pipes that you won’t soon forget.

Close to the end, “History” gets all sorts of nostalgic with dancing keys, and “The Wish” exits the listen with all the players contributing their first rate talent to a landscape indebted to the sounds of many decades ago, but that’s quite refreshing in 2022.

If names like The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Buffalo Springfield and Bruce Springsteen have occupied any significant time in your life, well, then, Downtown Mystic most certainly should be on regular rotation, too.

Travels well with: Los Lobos- Native Son; Roger Daltrey- As Long As I Have You

Beverly 'Guitar' Watkins

In Paris!

Music Maker, 2022

9/10

Listen to In Paris!

The legendary blues guitarist Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins sees a set from 2012 documented here, where her inimitable playing and strong attention to detail make for an exciting 10 song set.

“Baghdad Blues” opens the listen with Watkins’ soulful and fluid pipes alongside Ardie Dean’s playful drumming in the timeless blues climate, and “Do The Breakdown” follows with Nashid Abdul’s bouncy bass work complementing the rhythmic delivery of raw but melodic blues rock.

At the midpoint, “Lonesome Window Blues” welcomes Watkins’ inviting harmonica to the slow burning display of grit and tunefulness, while “Blues Ain’t What It Used To Be” shuffles and shakes with Albert White’s proficient guitar front and center amid Watkins’ raw singing and six string acrobatics.

Deeper still, “You Send Me” resides in ballad territory with its dreamy demeanor and soft trombone from Lil Joe Burton, and “Get Out On The Floor” exits the listen with a festive and rowdy execution of wild yet controlled blues flavor and could soundtrack a party with its bright brass, moody organ and soaring guitars.

Sadly, Watkins passed away in 2019, but she left behind a legacy of well received and respected work in various bands, as well as a solo record in 1999. Easily one of the best to ever pick up the six string, these 10 tracks prove just why she was the Queen of Blues Rock.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; Joanna Connor- 4801 South Indiana Avenue

Heather Bond

The Mess We Created

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Mess We Created

The Nashville singer-songwriter Heather Bond returns with a sophomore album, where she collaborates with Viktor Krauss for a diverse set of tunes that surround love, heartbreak and seduction and are delivered in Bond’s charming brand of pop.

Bond starts the listen with the soft and dreamy “Fountain Of Youth”, where her delicate and pretty pipes guide the intimate keys, and “The Mirage” follows with thumping drums alongside warm melodies that float around the indie-pop climate.

Halfway through, “PoliSci” offers an upbeat and breezy display of pop ideas that are met with Bond’s cautious song craft, while “Resist” presents a very gorgeous version of Americana that benefits much from Bond’s layered vocals. “Fate”, another excellent track, then moves with a bare beauty and poetic singing.

“Going Going” and “Feel It” exit the listen, where the former moves with a soulful, R&B quality, and the latter finishes with a bouncy and playful spirit of punchy drumming and lively bass lines that just invites dancing to the retro grooves.

An artist who possesses a songwriting vision that reminds us of Norah Jones or Regina Spektor, if this glowing and memorable album is any indication, we might be looking at the next household name to come out of the Nashville scene.

Travels well with: The Whitmore Sisters- Ghost Stories; Eleanor Buckland- You Don’t Have To Know

Jackie And The Treehorns

It’s Never Too Late

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to It’s Never Too Late

Steven Rubin, the driving force behind Virginia’s Jackie And The Treehorns, has been at it for a decade now, and what better way to celebrate than their best record to date, right?

“Robots” starts the listen with a driving pace of charged and fuzzy alt-rock where an anthemic quality exists, and “Sharpen Your Knives” follows with playful guitar work and a bouncy display from the rhythm section in the thoughtful rocker.

Elsewhere, “Fringe” takes a trip into hazy, calmer areas of atmospheric balladry, though “Home” brings the album back to thundering and thumping on the stadium rock highlight.

Near the end, “I Am The Untitled One” recruits a thicker display of crunchy rock, while “Secrets To Getting Off (My Lawn)” brings in grunge influences to the post-punk closer that touches on the greatness achieved by Dischord Records.

Rubin and his band of Pat Kehs and Brian Gibson have all been involved in the luminous Washington D.C. underground scene for years, and together their thriving chemistry reminds us of all the things we love about the sounds from our Nation’s Capital- intensity, raw restraint and a bristling timelessness.

Travels well with: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists- Shake The Sheets; The Flaming Lips- Kings Mouth