Low Cut Connie

Art Dealers

Contender, 2023

8/10

Listen to Art Dealers

A love letter to Lou Reed and Patti Smith’s New York, Low Cut Connie, i.e. Adam Weiner, returns with an 8th album of romantic anthems set to a deeply political time in history.

“Tell Me Something I Don’t Know” opens the listen with plenty of soulful rock that’s plenty energetic, but not without some cautious moments of R&B nods, and “Sleaze Me On” follows with thumping drums and loads of retro rock’n’roll spirit that you could dance to.

The intimate “Are You Gonna Run?” lands in the middle and emits emotive piano balladry that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Whips And Chains” is a buzzing, dirty rocker that as wild as it is contagious.

Close to the end, “I Don’t Understand You” might bring to mind Elton John via the bright classic rock ideas, and “Party’s Over” exits with a stripped bare landscape of expressive singing and soothing backing vocals.

Fleshed out in just over a week near Philadelphia, whether you’ve been hanging around for awhile or if this is your first party with Low Cut Connie, expect boogie-woogie moments, funk fun, hints of psychedelia and no lack of timeless rock flavor that spans many decades.

Travels well with: The Nude Party- Rides On; Aaron Lee Tasjan- Karma For Cheap

Al Basile

B’s Time

Sweetspot, 2023

8/10

Listen to B’s Time

The esteemed singer-songwriter and cornetist Al Basile celebrates 25 years of music with these remixed and remastered tracks that illuminate his catalog of roots sounds.

‘You Showed Me Something” begins the listen with Mark Teixeira’s crisp drums and Doug James’ animated sax alongside Basil’s soulful pipes, an “I Really Miss You” follows with Marty Ballou’s lively bass and Dave Limina’s bright keys adding much energy to the rich delivery.

Further along, “Drive Me Darling” uses John Packer’s skilled bass for the raw climate, while “Don’t Wait Too Long” is very much focused on the expressive singing amid Bob Zuck’s intimate guitar.

Close to the end, “Sleeping Beauty” is quite dreamy thanks to Jeff McAllister’s gentle drums and Tom West’s graceful keys, and “1.843 Million” exits with plenty of dance floor friendly rhythm via Brad Hallen’s adventurous bass and Bruce Bears’ dancing keys, and the cornet solo is nothing to spit at, either.

The songs here span from 1998-2019, and illustrate Basile’s diverse and adventurous approach to songwriting, where his distinct storytelling and blues and jazz vision makes for an exceptional ‘Best Of’ listen.

Travels well with: Jason Ricci And The Bad Kind- Behind The Veil; Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack

Jason Ricci And The Bad Kind

Behind The Veil

Gulf Coast, 2023

8/10

Listen to Behind The Veil

The singer and harmonica wizard Jason Ricci makes a strong label debut here with 12 lively tracks that bring in plenty of guests for the energetic occasion.

“Casco Bay” opens the listen with John Perkins’ fluid drumming alongside Ricci’s raw vocals in the cautious but rich climate, and “5-10-15” follows with Joe Krown’s animated keys alongside Kaitlin Dibble’s pretty and flowing pipes.

Moving towards the middle, the thick and thumping “Ain’t She Fine” welcomes Brent Johnson’s meticulous electric guitar amid the soulful singing, while “Terrors Of Nightlife” is a more intimate moment thanks to the emotive harmonica that builds into a dense blues rocker.

“Shipwreck” and “Hip Hug Her” exit the listen, where the former is a powerful display of timeless blues via Jack Joshua’s precise bass and the expressive singing, and the latter is textured with a dynamic interaction that’s dance floor ready and packed full of rhythm.

The always impressive Joanna Connor plays guitar on the album, which contributes to the greatness of these tunes, and Ricci’s colorful career as a sideman certainly adds much to this top notch outing.

Travels well with: Johnny Rawls- Walking Heart Attack; Ole Lonesome- Tejas Motel

Ed Sweeney With Cathy Clasper-Torch

A Sunday Drive

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to A Sunday Drive

The folk artist Ed Sweeney draws inspiration from a photo that Cindy Wilson shared on social media (see the cover art) for these 11 primarily cover songs, where Cathy Clasper-Torch’s multi-instrumental skills add much beauty to the affair.

“Auld Lang Syne” opens the listen with tremendous warmth, as Sweeney’s mesmerizing acoustic guitar and Clasper-Torch’s stirring fiddle makes for a stunning intimacy, and “A Long Time Traveling” follows with Sweeney’s fluid 5 string banjo and husky voice amid the elegant strings.

In the middle, the emotive “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” uses Clasper-Torch’s poetic cello and the melodic guitar for a dreamy climate, while “Walking Boss” is more firm, and meshes the playful banjo and heartfelt strings alongside Sweeney’s expressive pipes.

At the end, “A Childhood Medley” brings us plenty of nostalgia via the songs we all knew as a child, and “Distant Shore” exits with a rich and very pretty finish of sublime singing and light instrumentation.

A listen that’s as timeless as the songs present, Daryl Black Eagle Jamieson’s drumming and rattle adds much to the sophisticated and soul-touching delivery from Sweeney and Clasper-Torch’s cozy execution.

Travels well with: Miles & Mafale- Be Brave; Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All

Miles & Mafale

Be Brave

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Be Brave

Catherine Miles (lead and harmony vocals) and Jay Mafale (guitars, harmony vocals, shaker) bring their genuine and heartfelt songwriting to these 10 songs that surround loss, joy, family, and courage, and it welcomes Eric Puente, Jason Rafalak, Paul Silverman and Brad Yoder.

The warm strumming of “March” opens the listen with Miles’ expressive voice alongside Puente’s precise drumming, and “This House” follows with Rafalak’s playfully plucked bass that suits the vivid storytelling of the soft delivery.

The middle track belongs to the melodic “Rubber Band”, where Silverman’s lively keyboards are met with soulful singing, while “Snake Oil” places Silverman on accordion for the rowdy and soaring, festive rocker.

Close to the end, the frisky and upbeat “Cricket” makes great use of crisp drums and Yoder’s animated glockenspiel that complements Miles’ diverse range, and the dreamy, eloquent “Remember To Be Brave” exits with flowing melodies and Miles’ charming singing making an indelible impression.

A highly emotional listen that touches on plenty of socio-political topics, the pop and theatrical aspects are greatly appreciated and Miles & Mafale’s modern-folk is both sage-like and stirring.

Travels well with: Aaron Smith & The Coal Biters- The Legend Of Sam Davis; Brian Kalinec- The Beauty Of It All

Josh Travis

Few Of Days & Full Of Trouble

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Few Of Days & Full Of Trouble

The debut LP from the Erie, PA artist Josh Travis, these country/folk tunes welcome Sam Krahe (electric guitar), Dan Cephas (drums), Kasi Borden (bass) and plenty of guests to the honky-tonkin’ and cautious climate.

The crisp country-rock of “Secondhand Smoke” opens the listen with Read Connolly’s warm pedal steel adding much beauty, and “The Only Good In Me” follows with a rugged spirit that spotlights Travis’ smooth pipes and the spirited electric guitar.

Halfway through, the heartfelt “Change Of Heart” is an intimate moment that’s as emotive as it is poetic, while the frisky “Hot Week In August” is dance floor ready with its infectious melody and rugged rock’n’roll flavor.

Close to the end, the eloquent “Opequon” is a bare moment that makes great use of Charlie Barath’s harmonica and Rachel Travis’ soothing backing vocals, and the title track exits with a shuffling pace via Ray Bruckman’s fiddle acrobatics and plenty of rootsy flavor.

A diverse and accomplished first album, Travis also embraces folk and bluegrass ideas, and is sure to make an impression for anyone who gravitates towards names like Jason Isbell or Justin Townes Earle.

Travels well with: Joey Frendo- Bound For Heartache; JD Darling- Looking Forward Thinking Back

Soen

Memorial

Silver Lining, 2023

8/10

Listen to Memorial

This 5th album from the hard hitting yet tuneful rockers Soen knows its way around a searing riff, but can also end up in balladry across the 10 diverse and accomplished songs.

The thumping drums from Martin Lopez opens the dense landscape of “Sincere”, as Cody Lee Ford’s driving guitar guides the thick climate, and “Unbreakable” follows with plenty of atmosphere before the thundering rhythm section is met with Joel Ekelöf’s smooth and fluid singing.

Halfway through, Elisa’s stunning and powerful voice populates the calm duet that is “Hollowed”, while “Memorial” benefits much from Oleksii “Zlatoyar” Kobel’s throbbing bass for the chugging yet melodic version of hard rock.

At the end, “Icon” illuminates the dynamic and crunchy rhythm section amid the firm but also harmonic singing of the anthemic album highlight, and “Vitals” exits with Lars Enok Åhlund’s intimate keys alongside the poetic singing of the dreamy, vulnerable finish.

A listen with songs that can boom loud enough to fill stadiums or smaller, personal venues, too, Soen embrace the intensity of charged rock ideas, and inject plenty of warmth and introspection as well.

Travels well with: Station- Perspective; Mars Hall- Is Anybody Out There?

Funkwrench Blues

Soundtrack For A Film Without Pictures

Need To Know, 2023

9/10

Listen to Soundtrack For A Film Without Pictures

The brainchild of the producer and bassist Frank Swart, this 12 part soundtrack takes inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth/The Hero’s Journey and rarely sits in one place for long thanks to the long list of players on hand.

The busy and funk filled textures of “The Life” opens the listen with David DR Robbins’s flute and sax alongside Swart’s fluid guitars, and “The Call” follows with Gary Bartz’s lively sax and Derrek Phillips’ proficient drumming that complements the hazy guitars.

Deeper into the listen, Warren Wolf’s vibraphone acrobatics really add much intrigue to the rich “The Crossing”, while “The Approach” features Bill Evans on sax and Scott Amendola on drums for the groove filled, jazz-rock.

Close to the end, the hectic “The Resurrection” meshes Mike Clark’s dense drums and Swart’s playful bass lines in a cinematic sort of way, and “The Return” brings in Christopher Hoffman’s stirring cello and Simone Pannozzo’s marching band style drumming for the more minimal direction of the creative finish.

A very colorful and unpredictable body of work, Swart approaches jazz in an iconoclastic fashion, and it truly makes each track here radiate in its own light.

Travels well with: Emmett Goods- Another Level; Jakob Dreyer- Songs, Hymns And Ballads Vol. 2

Christian Parker

Sweethearts

SubCat, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sweethearts

The guitarist and singer Christian Parker interprets Sweetheart Of The Rodeo, the 1968 album from The Byrds, and even tosses in a couple surprises, where plenty of guests are along for the creative country rock.

The lovely pedal steel from Tracer James opens the flowing sing-along country of “You Ain’t Going Nowhere”, and “I Am A Pilgrim” follows with Danny Gotham’s glowing mandolin that complements the gorgeous vocal harmonies courtesy of Jennifer Kessler.

Further along, Liesl S. Dofy’s animated fiddle guides the rootsy flavor of “Pretty Boy Floyd”, while the always fun “I Still Miss Someone” enlists Michael Rinne’s meticulous upright bass that adds much breeziness to the classic track.

Near to the end, “Life In Prison” showcases Earl Poole Ball’s superb and upbeat piano playing alongside Parker’s expressive voice for the album’s best, and of the 3 tracks not on the original album, “Drug Store Truck Driving Man” benefits from Gary Jacob’s radiant pedal steel and Ron Keck’s fluid drumming.

Whether you’ve heard the original or not, you’re going to be enamored with Parker’s ability to produce tender moments as well as louder blasts of rural rock that tweaks the seminal original record in timeless ways.

Travels well with: Caroline Cotter- Gently As I Go; Chris Vallillo- Forgottonia

Natalie Price

Natalie Price

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Natalie Price

A very thoughtful debut from the Austin, Texas vocalist, guitarist and kalimba player Natalie Price, these self-described ‘Ameri-kinda’ songs bring in some excellent help for the emotive and dreamy climate.

“Done” opens the listen with Stephanie Lambring’s distinct voice and Josh Kaler’s dense electric guitar making for a rugged yet melodic climate, and “The Island” follows with Mary Bragg’s pretty pipes and Liz Estes’ graceful violin complementing the bright kalimba.

The breezy “I Couldn’t See” occupies the middle spot and emits much beauty thanks to Jon Estes’ fluid Hammond organ and Megan Coleman’s warm drumming, while “What We Daydream Now” features David Ramirez’s on vocals for the rich duet that uses Estes and Kaler’s guitar with much intimacy.

Close to the end, “Don’t Give Up On Me” benefits from Price’s expressive singing amid aching pedal steel and cello in a bare landscape, and “See You Again” exits with just cozy acoustic guitar and eloquent storytelling from Price’s cautious vision.

An excellent first album, Price knows her way around a song you won’t soon forget, and the parallels to Julia Jacklin and Faye Webster only add more intrigue to the listen.

Travels well with: Amy Stroup- Since Frank; Jane Bruce- My Bed

Charlotte Morris

Wild Child

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Wild Child

A highly personal listen, these 10 reflective songs from the Pennsylvania native Charlotte Morris have her playing violin and singing, as David Flint, Dow Tomlin, Dave Francis, Dane Bryant and Wayne Killius accompany her.

“Tennessee” opens the listen with tremendous warmth, where Morris’ stirring voice is met with Flint’s cozy acoustic guitar, and “Your Number One” follows with an upbeat presence thanks to Killius’ agile drumming and playful bass lines, as Morris’ soaring voice draws us in.

The best track, “Kind Of Good Hurt”, lands in the middle, and is full of soft keys from Bryant amid the powerful and emotive singing, while “Breathe” is very melodic and dreamy via Morris’ eloquent pipes and the rich rhythm section.

Arriving near the end, “If My Heart Had A Say” is populated by firmer drumming alongside the impressive range from Morris, and “This Time ‘Round” spotlights the playful bass that complements the rootsy appeal that’s as mature as it is adventurous.

Morris takes inspiration from stars like Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile, and her sincere, raw and timeless songwriting certainly will strike a cord with anyone with an ear for Americana, folk, modern-country tinted sounds.

Travels well with: Taylor Rae- Mad Twenties; Jake Ybarra- Something In The Water

The Slackers

Kill You

Pirates Press, 2023

8/10

Listen to Kill You

Few bands have the lasting power that the New York City legends The Slackers have possessed, and these 2 tracks prove that 30+ years into their career they’re able to make rock influenced reggae like no one else.

The first 7 minutes of the listen belongs to the pretty and harmonic textures of “Kill You”, where bright brass, reggae influenced rhythm and hip-hop ideas enter the soulful climate.

The back half offers the dub version of “Statehouse”, which is an updated take on “Wrongful Suspicion”, a tune that frontman Vic Ruggiero penned for Rancid’s 1998 album, Life Won’t Wait. This version is quite rich, with Rocksteady nods and plenty of timeless dub flavor flowing with an easy going energy.

Available as a 12” record on either black vinyl or as a picture disc, the work from Victor Rice on both tracks helps make this another outstanding record from one of the best in the area of ska sounds.

Travels well with: The Inciters- Bring Back The Weekend; Booze & Glory- Raising The Roof

The Still Brothers

It’s Not Over/Crazy

Lewis, 2023

8/10

Listen to It’s Not Over/Crazy

A precursor to their self-titled EP, these 2 songs from Brooklyn’s The Still Brothers recruits the breathy vocals of Shoshy (Shauna Kelly).

“It’s Not Over” opens the listen with plenty of dream-pop ideas amid the hazy beats and very pretty songwriting that thematically surrounds a situation where a relationship ends and one partner is delusional about this fate.

The melodic and cozy “Crazy” finishes off the listen, as agile drumming and playful bass lines complement Shoshy and Rob Davey’s smooth and soulful singing that tells the tale of loving someone but knowing that it cannot be.

An excellent taste of what The Still Brothers have to offer, the shoegaze friendly and stylish indie-rock gestures certainly are well done enough to warrant investing in a lengthier listen from the duo of Andrew LeCoche (Ula Ruth) and Evan Heinze (The Shacks), i.e. The Still Brothers.

Travels well with: DJ Yoda- Homecooking; Skinshape- Filoxiny

John Aylward

Oblivion

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Oblivion

A chamber opera from John Aylward’s inimitable vision, the 7 selections here bring 4 voices, viola, cello, double bass, electric guitar and electronics that are inspired by the writings of Dante and Joseph Campbell.

“I. Prologue” opens the listen with strong attention to atmosphere, where a soft droning segues into stirring string interaction thanks to Laura Williamson’s precise viola and Iseei Herr’s absorbing cello, and “II. Scene 1” follows with wordless vocals mixed with firm storytelling that unfolds with much expressive detail.

“IV. Scene 3” and “V. Scene 4” occupy the middle spots, where the former quivers with intimacy that showcases a duo like presence between Ning Guo’s soprano and Daniel Lippel’s electric guitar, while the latter spotlights Greg Chudzik’s meticulous contrabass that helps cultivate the moody climate. “VII: Scene 6” exits the listen with forceful strings and dynamic push and pull amid the strings and the fluid, soaring vocals.

Aylward handles electronics across the listen, and it adds a very unique angle to the chamber nods that populate this fantastical tale of harmonic, haunting and rich songwriting.

Travels well with: Eugene O’Brien- Algebra Of Night; Ashley Bathgate- 8-Track

Noah Zacharin

Points Of Light

Sonic Peach, 2023

9/10

Listen to Points Of Light

The Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Noah Zacharin returns with a 9th album, where a team of 9 musicians accompany him across the 11 diverse songs.

“Ten Tons Of Road” opens the listen with meticulous finger picked acoustic guitar alongside Zacharin’s poetic singing, and “17 Minute” follows with Burke Carroll's gorgeous pedal steel complementing Zacharin’s expressive and eloquent pipes.

Moving deeper into the listen, “So Much Work To Be Done” pays homage to Guy Clark with much sublime intimacy from the soft guitar, while “Tom Morrow” is a solo acoustic delivery that’s full of vivid imagery via the graceful singing.

Near to the end, “Something Like A River” is a brief flatpicking tune that’s instrumental and melodic, and “Been A Long Day” exits with an orchestral presence thanks to Drew Jurecka’s stirring strings that embraces both beauty and sadness.

Zacharin and company seamelessly shift in mood and tone with fluidity, and the unparalleled attention to lyricism and sincere musicianship makes for a very memorable listen.

Travels well with: Julian Taylor- Beyond The Reservoir; Lunar Bloom- Running Deep

Antonio Andrade

My Reward

Life Shakes, 2023

8/10

Listen to My Reward

This 8th album from the singer-songwriter and guitarist Antonio Andrade surrounds death and loss, and brings along some excellent help for the 10 well thought out tracks.

The cozy and calm title track opens the listen with Andrade’s distinctly raw voice guiding the warm folk climate, and “Get A Little Cup” follows with bright storytelling amid the soothing backing vocals from Amma Johnson via the eloquent songwriting.

The middle spot belongs to the melodic and emotive “I’m Not Giving Up”, where cautious acoustic guitar is met with a bit of rasp in Andrade’s expressive pipes, while “You Don’t Until You Do” is a rich and fluid album highlight that emits a bit of dreaminess and benefits from mesmerizing bass lines thanks to Tim Latshaw.

Close to the end, Richard ‘Raggs’ Ranaglia brings his bright sax to the fuller selection of thoughtful song craft of “Tie Dynamite To Moose”, and “Sing” exits with Denny Neidich’s skilled drumming populating the intimate and stirring exit of timeless folk qualities.

Andrade has been quite prolific in the last decade, with 5 albums in 10 years, and the quality of his output is just as significant as the quantity, where Americana, roots, folk and gospel ideas are present and appreciated.

Travels well with: John Hiatt- Leftover Feelings; Steve Earle- Ghosts Of West Virginia

Julian Talamantez Brolaski

It’s Okay Honey

True West, 2023

8/10

Listen to It’s Okay Honey

A mixed race, transgender poet Julian Talamante Brolaski makes a distinct version of Americana that tips its hat to classic country and western legends, and focuses much on healing.

“Racin In The Train” starts the listen with a swift and melodic version of country rock that gets pretty close to yodeling alongside Mark Schreiber’s quick drumming, and “Sittin In The Space” follows with a calmer approach that benefits from Mike ‘Slo-Mo’ Brenner’s lap steel and Brolaski’s fluid singing.

“Goin To Nashville” occupies the middle spot and uses plenty of twang for the thumping delivery, while “Buddy” is a dance floor ready rocker that displays David Laganella’s spirited electric guitar.

“Goodbye Brother” and “When I Go With You” exit the listen, where the former makes great use of warm vocal harmonies amid Boaz Kim’s well timed harmonica, and the latter finishes with a stirring intimacy which emits emotive singing from Brolaski alongside the pretty acoustic guitar.

An eclectic listen that can waltz cautiously just as it can get rowdy, the Classic Country lineage of the listen sure is appreciated and makes for a great time that comes with a poetic and insightful vision.

Travels well with: Mike Thomas- Diamonds; Scott Clay- Let It All Lay Bare

Blackburn Brothers

SoulFunkn’ Blues

Electro-fi, 2023

8/10

Listen to SoulFunkin’ Blues

The Juno Nominated outfit Blackburn Brothers make music with a message, where history, freedom, legacy, family and Black unity is present across these 11 spirited tracks.

The warm and groove filled “Bobby’s Blues” opens the listen with plenty of soulfulness amid the mesmerizing guitar, and “She’s A Heartbreaker” follows with funk filled moments amid the playful organ and proficient drumming.

Halfway through, the head bobbin’, top tappin’ “Won’t You Let Me Go” is destined for the dance floor, while “Why Do I Do (What I Do)” finds itself in intimate areas thanks to the expressive singing and well timed backing vocals plus frisky bass lines.

Approaching the end, “Little Sister” is a rich and animated blues rocker that uses crisp drums and animated guitars to its advantage, and “I Don’t Ever Want To Be Alone” exits with strong attention to mood that’s melodic, soaring and full of cozy song craft.

An excellent representation of Canadian roots and blues, Blackburn Brothers make songs of substance, and the authentic message they carry is packaged in powerful blues, funk, soul and rock sounds that you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Steve Marriner- Hope Dies Last; Horojo Trio- Set The Record

Hank Woji

Highways, Gamblers, Devils And Dreams

KZ, 2023

8/10

Listen to Highways, Gamblers, Devils And Dreams

Thought it’s been 7 years since Hank Woji has released music, he’s clearly been busy writing songs, and here he brings 2 discs of his personal storytelling that unfolds across folk and country ideas that welcomes plenty of friends.

The mid-tempo country rock tune “Don’t Look Back” opens the listen with warm harmonica and pedal steel adding much emotion, and it isn’t long until “I’m Gonna Hit My Number” finds a swampy, bluesy place to reside with its playful guitar and piano.

Closer to the middle, “Sunny Days” lands in balladry via the vivid storytelling and calming pedal steel from Rob Pastore, while “Land Of Hope And Dreams” enters gospel territory thanks to the spirited choir and agile fiddle.

Landing near the end, the reggae influenced “Can’t Happen Here” find plenty of grooves to cultivate thanks to Munyungo Jackson’s skilled percussion, and “Peace Unto You” exits with rich vocal harmonies populating the calming presence that employs Karen Mueller’s auto harp.

A very diverse and well thought out return, Woji and company turn in great interpretations of songs by Springsteen, Guthrie, Cliff and Van Zandt, plus 18 originals of timeless Americana songwriting.

Travels well with: Caroline Cotter- Gently As I Go; Owen Walsh- On My Way

Lowlight

Endless Bummer

Telegraph Hill, 2019

9/10

Listen to Endless Bummer

An outfit born out of the Asbury Park scene who already made me a fan with 2018’s Born To Run, Lowlight deliver a unique formula where Americana and roots rock collide with New Wave and synth-friendly experimentalism.

“Give It A Minute” starts the disc with a haze of synth, as subtle country nods make their way into the rhythmic opener, and “Horsefoot” follows with a percussively heavy, pop friendly tune that’s hard to classify but easy to enjoy.

Other highlights from Side A include the moody “Burkhalter”, where a lush setting pushes and pulls with warm tension, while “Clotheslines” offers acoustic guitars and inimitable vocals in the adventurous and memorable highlight.

The remainder of the album doesn’t disappoint either, with the shimmering and summery rock of “Coastlines”, and “Locals Only”, a late standout track, glides with gorgeous instrumentation that builds into an ebullient mashing of proficient musicianship. “Voyager” ends the listen with keys, a group vocal effort and marching band percussion that flows with a gospel feel, adding yet another avenue to Lowlight’s inventive prowess.

An extremely enjoyable listen with a self-deprecating title, Endless Bummer is actually a glorious affair, where twang meets synth in delightful ways that impress and reassure that indie-rock still has plenty of creativeness left.

Travels well with: Sharon Van Etten- Remind Me Tomorrow; The War On Drugs- A Deeper Understanding