Kombos Collective

Vardari: Shared Balkan Melodies

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Vardari: Shared Balkan Melodies

The Kombos Collective explore shared Balkan melodies, the interconnected musical traditions of the Balkan region and specifically touch on the Hellenic world via these 8 meticulous selections.

“Kâtibim” opens the listen with Ellie Falaris Ganelin’s dreamy flute and expressive singing that takes help from Joe Belson’s playful bass, and “Vardar Hijaz” follows with a busy climate which benefits from Sage Baggot’s frisky drums and Christina Walton’s meticulous violin.

In the middle is where “Hasapikohora” and “Misirlou” reside. The former is a charming moment thanks to J. Maddox’s colorful guitar and Ganelin’s animated wind, while the latter allows for crisp drumming, lively bass and Ganelin’s mesmerizing voice to solidify this as the album’s best.

Landing near the end, the festive “Kanarini Mountain Glyko” makes great use of Ariel Wang’s violin, which adds much to the breezy and rich delivery, and “Delta” exits with a vocally harmonic and more intimate display of the Collective’s many talents.

An extremely well thought out effort from The San Francisco outfit, Kombos Collective touch on folk, jazz and chamber ideas like few others could, and it makes for another cultured, timeless and enlightening experience.

Travels well with: Kombos Collective- Uproot: Greek Refuge Songs From Asia Minor; Miró Quartet- Ginastera String Quartets

Ævn

Tides

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Tides

This debut album from Ævn meshes trip-hop, lo-fi and alt R&B into a highly creative 14 tracks written and recorded between Minnesota winters.

The title track leads with plenty of dense beats amid Evan Swenson and Cashton Akyea’s inviting vocals in a stylish climate, and “Motion Blur” follows with background ambience, as both rapping and singing enter the mesmerizing delivery.

Closer to the middle, “The City This Morning” uses soft keys and a distinct dreaminess to draw us in, while “Out Of Body” recruits KidNamedMoney’s talents for the warm and lush album highlight that pays strong attention to mood.

Near the end, “Last Night Here” enlists the producer RevenantEternal via the buzzing and dance floor ready dynamics, and “Final Hours” exits with a strong drumming presence and processed vocals that emit a spacey, cinematic appeal.

You can tell a lot of work went into this album, as Ævn utilize sparse musicianship, plenty of layers and skilled distorted techniques for songs that explore isolation, emotional detachment and the restructuring after everything falls apart.

Travels well with: Greybeat- Special Characters; D’Lakes- Heaven Is A Silent Disco

Del Roscoe

Del Roscoe

Waydrift, 2025

9/10

Listen to Del Roscoe

The Gothic indie rockers Del Roscoe invite us to a haunting affair here, where plenty of instruments and ideas unfold across 10 diverse tunes.

The warm spirit of “Bad Lovin’” opens with front man Robert Lee’s expressive voice and fluid guitar alongside Steve Thomas’ radiant lap steel in the rootsy climate, and “Westward” follows with an upbeat and dance floor ready appeal thanks to Matt McKenny’s frisky drums and Tim Lee’s quick mandolin.

“Black Hats” and “Red Desert” land in the middle. The former recruits Debra Tala’s hazy accordion via the more subdued climate, while the latter makes great use of Marsha McKenny’s distinct voice for the lush and atmospheric album highlight.

Getting close to the end, “Worry Birds” is a crisp, folk-rocker that spotlights Paul Abrelat’s skilled bass and strategic keys which complement Lee’s vivid storytelling, and “One More Song” exits with a heartfelt demeanor amid the meticulous and thoughtful musicianship.

A body of work that possesses plenty of grit, harmony and ambience, Del Roscoe pull from Americana, outlaw country, retro-rock and cinematic qualities for this immersive listening experience.

Travels well with: Beth Hart- You Still Got Me; The Georgia Thunderbolts- Rise Above It All

Yndling

Time Time Time (I’m In The Palm Of Your Hand)

Spirit Goth, 2025

9/10

Listen to Time Time Time (I’m In The Palm Of Your Hand)

This sophomore album from the Norwegian artist Yndling embraces shoegaze and trip-hop ideas that surround a dream-pop template.

The distinct ambience of “Hold On To A Feeling” opens with Yndling’s processed vocals buried in a thick haze of melody and mystery, and “Even If It’s A Lie (I Don’t Mind)” follows with a swirling, dreamy mood that’s full of gentle singing and floating melodies.

Landing in the middle, “Before It Gets Dark” uses atmospheric keys and dense bass amid the cryptic singing, while the title track recruits Knaerten Simonsen’s drums for the lush and pretty album highlight that comes with playful beats, too.

“Falling Behind” and “Some Things You Don’t Get” land in the middle. The former enlists repetition to its advantage via the thicker alt-rock ideas, and the latter relies heavily on buzzing synth and a strategic balance of firmness and beauty that’s awash in reverb and fuzz.

An excellent effort that might bring to mind Slowdive or Portishead, Adrian Einestor Sandberg’s contributions are very much appreciated across this sonically engaging experience.

Travels well with: Louie Blue- Blood & Bones; Sofia Hardig- Lighthouse Of Glass

Dane George

Spring Buds

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Spring Buds

The Canadian mandolinist Dane George is joined by an excellent cast for these lively and rhythmic tracks that celebrate the musical kinship, traditions and creativity in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

“Lynn And Luna” opens with George’s rich and harmonic mandolin alongside Ellen Gibling’s radiant harp for the distinct start, and “Alex’s Tricks” follows with Amy Lounder’s meticulous fiddle adding much to the animated string gestures.

Further along, “Moving To America” has George playing jaw harp, too, via the cautious landscape, while “Little Movers And Shakers” recruits Jude Pelley’s fluid guitar and Adam Pye’s inimitable bass fiddle that emits much melody.

Deeper still, “The Sweet Ones + Billy Scott’s Jig” brings back Gibling’s elegant harp and places Adrianna Ciccone on fiddle for the mesmerizing and rich album highlight, and “Spring Buds/Both Sides Now” exits with Ellen Kearney’s gorgeous voice complementing the thoughtful mood.

Although mandolin is the focus here, George also plays banjo, step dance, podorythmie, triangle, shaker, jaw harp, and guitar on selected tracks and the nods to bluegrass, Celtic sounds, folk and old time flavor is very much appreciated.

Travels well with: The Old Beef Stringband- Ride Home; Adrianna Ciccone/Ellen Gibling- The Pear Tree

Kashena Sampson

Ghost Of Me

Mule Kick, 2025

9/10

Listen to Ghost Of Me

The inimitable songwriter Kashena Sampson fleshes out her 3rd album, where plenty of ‘70s folk ideas enter the darker textures and strong attention to detail.

The ambient title track opens with Sampson’s eloquent voice alongside Tom Myers’ thumping drums and a hazy backdrop, and “Phases” follows with a bouncy grit, where Jon Estes’ dense bass and B.L. Reed’s thick guitar flirts with crunchy rock.

In the middle is where “Fucked Up Love” and “Rearview Mirror” land. The former is soft and dreamy, as Sampson’s heartfelt pipes draw us in, while the latter enlists well timed backing vocals and a moody rhythm section for the dense versus gentle approach.

Landing close to the end, “Tragedy Of Love” makes great use of Elizabeth Estes’ sophisticated violin amid the cinematic and dramatic presence, and “Thick As Thieves” exits with Sampson’s inviting voice surrounded by calm, psychedelic gestures.

A really captivating effort that employs reverb, synth and strings, the psyche, folk and Americana nods makes for an authentic and retro listening experience.

Travels well with: Kashena Sampson- Time Machine; Caitlin Cannon- Love Addict

Nicole Zuraitis & Friends

Live At Vic’s Las Vegas

Calvary, 2025

8/10

Listen to Live At Vic’s Las Vegas

The Grammy winning singer, pianist and songwriter Nicole Zuraitis treats us to her first concert record, where an all-star cast is present for 11 jazz inspired tunes.

“I Got My Mojo Working” opens with the bright keys and Zuraitis’ flowing scatting making for an energetic start, and “The Nearness Of You” follows with calm keys and emotive singing that tugs on the heartstrings and makes great use of Sam Weber’s precise bass.

Further into the set, “Pure Imagination” is a bare moment of intimate beauty that benefits from the expressive singing and Idan Morim’s gentle guitar, while “Middle C” builds into a frisky bout of pop and jazz filled songwriting that enlists Dan Pugach’s strategic drumming.

Getting close to the end, the cautious and soulful “Rhiannon” gets a bit tense and busy in its meticulous mood, and “Do I Move You” exits with Keyon Harrold’s rich trumpet and Rachel Eckroth’s well timed organ adding much to the dynamic finish.

A powerful and timeless listen, Zuraitis and her company flesh out a ‘modern songbook’ of tunes that are unedited, organic and sure sound great.

Travels well with: Nicole Zuraitis- How Love Begins; Laila Biali- Wintersongs

Sea Hags

Dead & Gone

Liberation Hall, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dead & Gone

The San Francisco hard rockers Sea Hags resurrect this 10 song live recording from 1986, which has the trio in their prime and right before they signed to a major label.

“Huntin’ For Dad” starts the set with Greg Lanston’s thumping drums and Ron Yocom’s driving guitar and rugged yet tuneful pipes guiding the glam-rock nods, and “Happy Hours With You” follows with a dense climate that makes great use of Chris Schlosshardt’s thick bass.

“Ridin’ Out” and “Doghouse” land in the middle. The former is a hard hitting moment of punk and metal that swirls with an infectious energy, while the latter showcases the meticulous rhythm section amid Yocom’s pipes that invites singing-along.

Landing close to the end, “King Bee Blues” spotlights the band’s sleazy metal approach that brought them plenty of fans, and “Cock Eyed Crow” exits with the scrappy drumming, raw riffs and playful bass that complements the biting vocals.

Sea Hags only released one album, in 1989, but they attracted plenty of attention and toured in Europe with The Georgia Satellites. Unfortunately, band drama, line up changes and, in 1991, Schlosshardt’s death, cut their existence all too short. Hearing this recording makes us wonder what could have been if they continued, cause their punk roots added to the metal and hard rock sensibilities creates a very unique formula.

Travels well with: Vivabeat- The House Is Burning: The Best Of Vivabeat 1979-1986; Translator- Beyond Today: Live At The Farm San Francisco 1986

Fred Hostetler

Blues Back Pages

Mukthiland, 2025

8/10

Listen to Blues Back Pages

The Seattle guitarist and songwriter Fred Hostetler brings us a dozen songs that relate to his journey in the blues rock scene.

The rhythmic and flowing “Hey Corporate Vandals” opens with Hostetler’s smooth voice alongside the frisky drums, and “Your Mind Is On Vacation” follows with the spirited harmonica amid the scrappy melodies.

Landing in the middle, “Orphan Blues” utilizes grit and playful guitar licks with a southern energy, while “Shelter From The Storm” recruits sing-alongs and well timed backing vocals that touch on folk-rock ideas.

Inching close to the end, the buzzing and busy “New Man”, the album’s best, is a driving and infectious blues rocker that alone is worth the price of admission, and “You Found Me” exits with a dreamy and heartfelt demeanor.

An effort that floats around several genres, Hostetler’s delivery is always sincere and the songs are timeless and relatable. Hostetler took a lengthy hiatus from music, but since returning from India in 2017 he’s been quite prolific, and the quality of his work is matching the quantity of it.

Travels well with: Fred Hostetler- Fontuna Redux; Fred Hostetler- Fred’s Blue Chair Blues

Joshua Espinosa

Americaña

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Americana

This first album from the multi-instrumentalist Joshua Espinosa isn’t exactly Americana, but it sure does encapsulate a lot of genres stemming from America, which welcomes plenty of players to the diversity.

The upbeat mood of “Saturday Night” begins with Scottie Miller’s lively keys that suit Espinosa’s radiant guitar in a bluesy climate, and the scrappy “Smoothe” follows with buzzing bass and Peter Anderson’s animated drums will get you on the dance floor.

Moving into the middle, the calm atmosphere of “Me Or The Whiskey” lands closer to folk-rock thanks to the warm acoustic guitar and cozy backing vocals, while “Meet Me In Pittsburgh” benefits from Tommy Vee’s frisky upright bass and Paul Odegaard’s rich trumpet amid some intimacy.

Getting closer to the end, “Pure Water” is sparse moment that enlists ukulele and charming storytelling, and “Gracelessness” is actually full of grace via Tommy Barbarella’s well timed keys and Ken Wilson’s glowing pedal steel that complement Espinosa’s poetic pipes.

There’s something for everyone here, and for the eclectic ears you’re going to enjoy every moment of Espinosa’s thoughtful and timeless song craft.

Travels well with: Kevin Bowe And The Okemah Prophets- Half Past Never; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway

Peter Stampfel, Friends & Daughters

Song Shards

Jalopy, 2025

9/10

Listen to Song Shards

The Grammy winner and long running musician Peter Stampfel brings a long a crew for this 18th album that assembles soul jingles, stoic jingles, vintage jingles, prayers and rounds for 46 of his Freak Folk ideas.

The light and warm “Muses Nine” starts with soft guitar and soulful backing vocals to complement the somewhat strained lead vocals, and further along “Swells Hells Bells” emits gruff, layered singing that unfolds artistically.

Deeper into this disc, “You Are The Product” finds a dreamy place to reside via the intimate guitar and harmonic singing, while “You Fight For Your Life” is vocally more firm and oddly rhythmic.

The back half of the listen brings us jingles that are less than a minute long. “Pepsi-Cola” is a playful piano led bout of retro energy, and “White Tower Hamburgers” is an upbeat burst of call and response group singing.

Stampfel’s resume goes back to the ‘60s when he started the Holy Modal Rounders, and his iconoclastic vision has been constant. The songs here are often unusual, humorous and sonically atypical, as he continues to play folk music like no one can or would.

Travels well with: Peter Stampfel & The Bottle Caps- Demo ‘84; Jackson And The Janks- Write It Down

The Oxys

Casting Pearls Before Swine

Cleopatra, 2025

9/10

Listen to Casting Pearls Before Swine

The Austin, Texas rockers The Oxys bring their punk rock fueled ways to these 10 energetic tracks that are never short on hooks.

The driving pace and playful keyboards of “Poison Apple” open the listen with Phil Davis’ firm vocals alongside Jason “Ginchy” Kottwitz’s charged guitar, and “Mister Softee” follows with Chris Alaniz’s animated drumming that suits the quick, garage-rock spirit.

Halfway through, “Eaten Alive (The Ballad Of Joe Ball)” blends power and melody into the sing-alongs and searing guitar solo, while “Demons” is an intense album highlight that benefits from Michael Harpel’s bouncy bass and Genocide’s meticulous rhythm guitar.

Close to the end, the anthemic “Not Gonna Die” thumps with plenty of timeless punk rock nods that swirls with grit and tunefulness, and “Drop Of Blood” exits with a bit of crunch amid the cautious moments and well timed keys.

A very lively outing that embraces power-pop, 80s skate-rock and ‘70s gutter rock, The Oxys might bring to mind The Dead Boys or Alice Cooper, and, if you’re like me, you’re going to spend a lot of time with their infectious brand of rock.

Travels well with: Jesika Von Rabbit- Bunnywood Babylon; Beastii- Follower

JC Sanford's EQ

Denki

Bju, 2025

9/10

Listen to Denki

The trombonist and composer JC Sanford is joined by Toivo Hannigan, Erik Fratzke and Satoshi Takeishi for these lively and creative jazz-ish tunes.

“ausgleicht” opens with Hannigan’s thick guitar alongside Sanford’s rich trombone for the dense jazz-rock that embraces some quiet moments, too, and “The Wise Stone” follows with a distinct ambience, as the hazy brass and a spacey appeal builds into a dizzying execution.

“Futari” and “Boku To Ware” land in the middle. The former benefits from Takeishi’s skilled drumming amid the cautious horn, while the latter spends 11+ minutes mesmerizing us via its light atmosphere, and, later on, the colorful brass.

“And So It Begins” arrives late and showcases the frisky effects that surround Fratzke’s bass acrobatics for the cinematic mood, and “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” exits with a heartfelt demeanor thanks to Sanford’s cozy trombone and the gentle rhythm section.

This is Sanford’s 8th album as leader, and it’s an effort that doesn’t reside in any specific genre, where metal, prog-rock and psychedelic bouts find their way into the jazz roots.

Travels well with: Conrad Herwig- Reflections-Facing South; Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra- Multiversal: Live At Bop Stop

David Salvage

Dreams Of Love And Travel

New Focus, 2025

9/10

Listen to Dreams Of Love And Travel

The Italian composer and pianist David Salvage fleshes out 11 solo piano selections that are all originals and surround journeys of the physical, literary and symbolic.

“The Crossing Bell At Genga Stazione” opens with the lush and melodic gestures making for a very animated delivery, and it isn’t long until “Moments From Proust (Part One)” offers us 4 chapters of lively and bare moments of eloquent playing.

Landing in the middle, “Latemar Dream” emits a distinct intimacy that comes with wonder and awe, while “1610AM, Sailor’s Creek, Virginia” finds itself in brooding areas that embraces two note manipulation.

Really close to the end, “Two Draughts From Lago Lambin” comes with a mesmerizing quality that’s calm and heartfelt, and “Rientry” exits with a strategic repetition of 5 and 4 notes that’s both intriguing and memorable.

A highly technical effort that also touches on harmonics and plenty of color, Salvage’s delivery is restless and meticulous, where each track brings new and intriguing surprises.

Travels well with: Isaac Shieh- Caprice Reimagined; Kay Rhie- Cereus

The International Treasures

Last Regret b/w Whipsaw Wind

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Last Regret b/w Whipsaw Wind

The Minneapolis duo The International Treasures brings the talents of Doyle Turner and Ted Hajnasiewicz together, who invite a few friends along for these 2 catchy Americana tracks.

“The Last Regret” opens with Turner and Hajnasiewicz’s flowing guitars and harmonic vocals alongside Noah Levy’s punchy drums amid plenty of melody and warmth that invites singing-along.

The back half belongs to “Whipsaw Wind”, where Isaac Levy’s skilled bass and Blair Krivanek’s spirited electric accompanies the smooth rootsy flavor that’s got some soul to it, too.

Turner and Hajnasiewicz have impressive resumes, and their combined talents make for a pair of tunes that are easy to remember and hard to forget.

Travels well with: The Scarlet Goodbye- Hope’s Eternal; Clarence Tilton- Queen Of The Brawl

Maria Kaushansky

Northbound To Finch (Music For Ballet Class)

Flat 6th, 2025

9/10

Listen to Northbound To Finch (Music For Ballet Class)

The New York pianist Maria Kaushansky provides us a companion album to her debut, Northbound To Finch, where the songs are adapted in length and form for ballet exercises, which serves as a tribute to Kaushansky’s work as a ballet accompanist.

“Northbound To Finch (Pilé, Adagio-Short Version)” opens with the thoughtful keys radiating much beauty, and it isn’t long until “So Long Centerpoint Mall (Slow Tendu)” draws us in with the cautious approach.

Further along, “Last Call At The Green Room (Tendu, Fondu)” offers a bright and colorful moment that uses Anthony Pinciotti’s subtle drums, while “Newtonbrook (Pilé, Adagio)” is a mesmerizing and moody 2 minutes that swirls with an introspective nature.

Near the end, the swift and meticulous “Windchill -30 (Frappé)” carries an infectious energy and “Four One Six (Tendu, Fondu)” meshes the playful drumming with animated piano.

An excellent modern jazz outing that tips it hat to pop as well, everything here is originals. Kaushansky assembled this album for the ballet community, but it’s quite enjoyable for anyone who appreciates jazz.

Travels well with: Maria Kaushansky- Northbound To Finch; Matt Panayides Trio- With Eyes Closed

Maria Kaushansky

Northbound To Finch

Flat 6th, 2025

9/10

Listen to Northbound To Finch

The inimitable pianist Maria Kaushancky is joined by Paul Gill and Anthony Pinciotti for these 15 playful songs that bridge jazz and pop ideas.

The title track leads with the fluid keys alongside Pinciotti’s frisky drumming that’s quite mesmerizing, and “Windchill -30” follows with Gill’s playful bass playing amid the intricate keys that carries a unique energy.

Further along, “Tangreen Court” comes with dreaminess via the lush landscape, while “Prelude” finds a lower register to reside in, where the radiating keys and strong attention to mood won’t go unnoticed.

The last track before several alternates takes is the upbeat and dance floor ready spirit of “Four One Six”, and of the 6 alternate takes, “Last Call At The Green Room” is exceptionally dynamic, as the trio’s diverse skills meet for an infectious and quick burst of creativity.

An excellent debut album, Kaushansky’s performance is unparalleled and this serves as a swansong for Pinciotti, who tragically passed away in December 2024.

Travels well with: Maria Kaushansky- Northbound To Finch (Music For Ballet Class); Milan Verbist Trio- Time Change

Kaitlin Cassady

North Star

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to North Star

The Minneapolis indie-fok artist and multi-instrumentalist Kaitlin Cassady returns with a sophomore album, where jazz and pop ideas enter the 10 timeless and relatable tracks.

The graceful keys of “Evermore” opens the listen with Cassady’s stunning and emotive voice guiding the soft melodies, and “Golden Hour” follows with flowing piano alongside Milo Weil’s well timed cello.

The middle track belongs to “Shadow”, where a gentle and poetic ambience unfolds thanks to the light keys and layered vocals, while the title track is a dreamy moment of hushed and stirring song craft.

“Past, Present, Future” and “Save My Life” exit the listen. The former lands in piano balladry and tugs on the heartstrings, and the latter follows a similar approach via the lovely singing and mature keys.

A confessional and forthright effort, Cassady also takes help from Paul Cassady’s sparing but impactful bass for this soulful and harmonic peek into themes of love, grief, joy and trauma.

Travels well with: Mary Strand- I Don’t Need Your Permission; Pam Linton- Songs Of The Carter Family

Joselyn & Don

Lost And Found Highway

Paintbrush, 2025

9/10

Listen to Lost And Found Highway

This 3rd album from Los Angeles duo Joselyn & Don recruits an all-star cast for the 10 genuine and eloquent Americana tunes.

“Right On Through” starts the listen with strong attention to mood, where Cristina Vane’s pretty pipes help guide the gracefulness that’s got some rootsy flavor, and “Golden Hill” follows with Don’s warm guitar amid Mauricio ‘Fritz’ Lewak’s crisp drumming.

In the middle, “Choose Love” enlists Chris Pierce’s well timed pipes alongside Bob Glaub’s strategic bass that comes with some grit, while “Four AM” is a lush and rugged country-rocker that’s got plenty of melody, too.

Landing near the end, “Lost & Found Highway” benefits from Donovan Duvall’s fluid keys and some timeless folk-rock nods, and “Rock And Roll Heart” exits with Abby Posner’s distinct voice that suits Joselyn’s heartfelt singing which aligns with a soulful quality that you won’t soon forget.

Joselyn & Don have roots in Montana that they haven’t abandoned, and their blend of Laurel Canyon folk, soul and timeless Americana sure is memorable and diverse enough to even employ strings.

Travels well with: The Far West- Everything We Thought We Wanted; Shane Alexander- Forever Songs

Terry Hanck

I Still Get Excited

TVR/VizzTone, 2019

8/10

Listen to I Still Get Excited

A long running tenor sax extraordinaire, Terry Hanck has won multiple blues awards and it’s pretty easy to see why. Armed with an incredible, inimitable set of pipes and a penchant for New Orleans spirited R&B and Chicago blues and soul, as well as Memphis flavored rock’n’roll, he’s not your typical bluesman, and I Still Get Excited isn’t your standard blues album.

“I Still Get Excited” starts the listen right with bluesy guitars, rollicking keys and playful horns on an explosive retro-rocker, and “Smooth Tyrone” follows with a soulful spirit as horns initially take center stage on the glorious display of a frisky boogie vibe.

Near the middle, “Come On Back”, with Rick Estrin, brings a call and response approach with the instruments as the punchy keys and bouncy setting make this one of the best, and “Why People Like That?” brings a heavier percussive influence on the cautious rocker.

Towards the end, “Spring”, with Tracy Nelson, offers a duet of the most soulful kind, and “Feel So Bad” ends the listen with a lively beat, jazz undertones and plenty of warm guitar licks.

Though there’s 6 covers against the 5 originals, Hanck and his band make every tune their own, as the aptly titled record moves, shuffles and shakes with a contagiousness that’s easy to admire and hard to forget.

Travels well with: King Curtis- The New Scene; The Fabulous Thunderbirds- Tuff Enuff