The Hagers

The Complete Capitol Albums

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Complete Capitol Albums

The identical twins Jim and John Hager recorded 3 albums on Capitol Records in 1970-71, and they’re all collected here for the first time on CD and digitally, where they’ve been mastered from the original analog master tape sources by Grammy-winner Michael Graves.

The first 10 tracks are from their self-titled album, and opens with “Loneliness Without You”, where warm keys and emotive pedal steel are present as The Hagers bring their smooth vocal harmonies to the melodic climate, and this continues to the spirited guitar and banjo fun of “I Don’t Wanna Make It”, as well as the scrappy “Give It Time”.

The middle tunes are from Two Hagers Are Better Than One, and leads with the intimate beauty of “Silver Wings”, and later on “That’s My Love” glides with a swift, romantic demeanor that’s quite uplifting. “Gamblin’ Man” exits this portion, and is bit more rugged with soulful moments to their country rock formula.

The final 10 tracks, from Motherhood, Apple Pie & The Flag, include the folk friendly and dreamy “White Line Fever”, while “Four Strong Winds” unfolds with a breezy, stirring demeanor. “Back Out On The Road Again” takes the final spot of the listen, and it’s a charming piano rocker that’s as lively as it is memorable.

The brothers made an incredible 135 appearances on Hee Haw from 1969-1985, and though they didn’t reach the level of fame of their peers, these 3 timeless records prove that their craft has certainly aged well and deserves this reissue treatment.

Travels well with: Linda Hoover- I Mean To Shine; Mariel Buckley- Driving In The Dark

Eyal Vilner Big Band

The Jam!

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to The Jam!

The multi-instrumentalist Eyal Vilner brings his inimitable vision to these 14 animated and swingin’ tunes, where an all-star ensemble makes for a festive and memorable big band experience.

“Just A Lucky So And So” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Brandon Lee’s bright trumpet and Jon Thomas’ spirited piano complement Imani Rousselle’s soulful and powerful pipes, and “Chabichou” follows with John Lake’s lively trumpet and Julieta Eugenio’s frisky sax adding much rhythm to the playful climate.

Further on, “Monday Stroll” trims the pace back with Michael Hashim’s tenor sax and Bill Todd’s alto sax working together with much grace, while “Hard Hearted Hannah” welcomes Brianna Thomas’ expressive pipes alongside Robert Edwards’and Mariel Bildsten’s trombones to the warm album highlight.

Approaching the end, the dance floor ready “Tap Tap Tap” features Josh Lee’s baritone sax and Caleb Teicher’s tap shoes for the very charming landscape, and “Jumpin’ At The Woodside” exits the listen with a swift appeal that showcases the adventurous rhythm section of Ian Hutchison (bass) and Eran Fink (drums).

Vilner handles alto sax, clarinet, flute, conducting and arranging duties here, and together with the many players it makes for an essential listen in the area of modern big band sounds.

Travels well with: The Grace Fox Big Band- Eleven O’Seven; Roxy Coss- Disparate Parts

Tommy Crane

We’re All Improvisers Now

Whirlwind, 2022

9/10

Listen to We’re All Improvisers Now

The debut solo album from the multi-instrumentalist Tommy Crane, the 9 songs here traverse ambient jazz, electronic swells and unfold with no lack of spiritual flourishes across the very distinct landscape.

“Before We Sail Away” opens the listen with a very adventurous electro-acoustic climate that swirls with a nearly sci-fi quality but still retains plenty of organic beauty, and “Curated Reality” follows with a warm sonic energy that embraces playful synth and agile guitar riffs.

Halfway through, “Keys To The Darkroom” floats with a darker appeal that benefits from Charlotte Greve’s well timed sax, while “Once I Was A Cohen” makes great use of crisp drumming and bright layers that tip their hat to Brian Eno.

The title track arrives near the end and finds a charming groove thanks to Jordan Brooks’ skilled bass and Crane’s precise programming, and “Nordique Americana (Pt. 2- Joie de Vivres)” exits the listen with a hazy, surreal foundation that emits a rare twinkling and places Chris Speed on clarinet and Pietro Amato on French horn.

Crane pulls off quite an ambitious outing, where lucid environments, artistic gestures and fascinating electronic and analogue production make every moment worth revisiting again and again.

Travels well with: Aaron Seeber- First Move; Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead- Poetic

Tom Paxton, Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer

All New

Community Music, 2022

8/10

Listen to All New

The Grammy winners Tom Paxton and Cathy Fink penned an impressive 28 new songs during the Covid lockdown, and together with Marcy Marxer’s guitar, mandolin, cittern, banjo-ukulele, banjo-cello and washboard they recorded this double disc both live in concert and in studio sessions.

The title track opens the listen with flowing banjo, warm fiddle and playful vocals in the timeless folk climate that’s upbeat and harmonic, and “Pete’s Shoulders” follows with Paxton and Fink’s soothing voices emitting much beauty amid the bluegrass nods.

Deeper into disc 1, “Dry Times” makes great use of acoustic guitar strumming as Fink’s expressive singing is quite rich, while “The Freedom Of Forgiving” enters gospel territory, with minimal instrumentation and plenty of gentle singing. “Now, Not Then” exits this portion, and is a cappella, with well timed voices blending together strategically.

Disc 2 leads with the conversational duet “Good News”, and continues with the stirring beauty of the eloquent “Grateful”. Deeper still, the gritty “Is This Thing On?” offers insightful spoken word, and further yet, the chunky banjo and folk friendly “Friends Like These” is so well executed, it alone is worth the price of admission.

This is Paxton’s 68th album and Cathy and Marcy’s 49th. Obviously, there’s a wealth of talent and experience here, and additional help from Kimber Ludiker on fiddle, mandolin and harmony, and Alex Lacquement’s contributions on bass and harmonica help make for a very cordial and welcoming listen in the area of folk, bluegrass, swing, country and Celtic sounds.

Travels well with: Steve Goodman- The Best Of Steve Goodman; Ian & Sylvia- The Lost Tapes

Randy Casey

1 Dollar Or 1 Dead Smith

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to 1 Dollar Or 1 Dead Smith

The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Randy Casey surrounds himself with an all star cast for this timeless and cozy version of Americana.

The title track opens the listen with thumping drums and dense guitars, as rugged roots rock flows with both melody and grit, and “Sleep Deprivation” follows with a smooth country rock appeal that benefits from fluid keys and subtle brass bouts.

In the middle, Martin Rush’s playful bass and Noah Levy’s proficient drumming illuminate Casey’s soaring pipes on “Big Fish”, and “Not My Monkey” recruits spirited guitar work for the bluesy demeanor of the album’s best.

Further yet, the upbeat and dance floor friendly “I Don’t Like You Anymore” showcases the dynamic horns amid a very cozy rhythm section, and “Back On The Blues” continues the meticulous nature with a more intimate landscape of darker textures.

Casey has an impressive resume, including acting as Shannon Curfman’s music director, playing on countless albums and being featured in several commercials and films. His solo albums so far have been quite diverse and this swampy, rural spirited effort is certainly on par with his best work to date.

Travels well with: Deep Rivers- Nothing Ever Happens To Me; Scott Waters- Vibes For Miles

Lunar Bloom

Running Deep

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Running Deep

The debut album from the Toronto trio of Brittany Rae Robinson, Kelly McNamee, and Jocelyn Regina, as Lunar Bloom they deliver 11 very well thought out tracks that are never short on harmonizing, vivid storytelling, and atypical versions of indie-folk song craft.

“Call Me A Woman” opens the listen with a very dreamy, cautious approach, where the trio’s sublime vocals harmonize splendidly and, later on, emit much power, and “Angry All The Time” follows with a very intimate blend of drums, brass and, of course, the soaring vocal work.

Deeper into the affair, “I Think I Could Love You” offers a very charming and cozy love song, while “La Lune” brings a very cultured approach that’s bare and poetic.

Further on, the hypnotic and hazy “Pele” finds itself in lush and busy textures of rich instrumentation, and “Heroes” exits the listen with the 3 vocalists showcasing their respective strengths in spades amid the aching pedal steel and gorgeous piano.

The trio are joined by Christine Bougie (acoustic/electric/lap steel guitar), Devon Henderson (bass) and Joshua Van Tassel (drums, percussion, vibraphone, electronics), and they certainly complement the women’s atmospheric, meticulous and romantic formula on this excellent debut album.

Travels well with: Caroline Wiles- Grateful; Tony Wray & Tim Crouch- Acoustic Lullaby

Vicki Burns

Lotus Blossom Days

ViBu Jazz, 2022

8/10

Listen to Lotus Blossom Days

An esteemed vocalist with an affinity for romantic music of the 20th century, Vicki Burns brings us 12 tracks, 3 of which are originals, for a very spirited, heartfelt and rhythmic listening experience.

“If You Never Fall In Love With Me/Del Sasser” opens the listen with an upbeat and dance floor ready energy that illuminates Burns’ smooth pipes amid the bright horns and Art Hirahara’s flowing piano, and “Close Your Eyes” follows with Sam Bevan’s playful bass work and Josh Deutsch’s soulful trumpet making an impression.

“Watch Out/The Sidewinder” arrives in the middle and brings charming vocal scatting amid the jumpy keys and Billy Drummond’s energetic drumming, while “You Don’t Have To Believe” welcomes Nick Vayenas on trombone as the setting turns intimate, lush and powerful.

The final 2 songs, “Siren Song” and “Out Of This World”, are equally exciting, where the former offers a slow burning and emotive demeanor, and the latter exits with a busy, flowing and sublimely textured approach.

Burns possesses a 3 octave range and a timeless tone, and along with her exceptional help she delivers a listen that revolves around the ups and downs of love. This is her 3rd release as leader and first since 2008, but she certainly makes it worth the wait with her irresistible scatting, lively swing moments and universally enjoyable jazz template.

Travels well with: Ada Bird Wolfe- Odd Bird; Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman

Ada Bird Wolfe

Odd Bird

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Odd Bird

The vocalist and songwriter Ada Bird Wolfe penned 45 tunes in the year 2020, and she whittled it down to 12 for this very diverse set of love songs and nature focused themes.

“Odd Bird Bop” opens the listen with a charming energy that benefits from warm keys thanks to Jamieson Trotter, as Dan Lutz’s frisky bass lines complement the smoky alto singing, and “In The Shade” follows with a calmer pace of intimate songwriting that displays Wolfe’s expressive pipes.

Some of the best tracks land in the middle, including the playful and soulful sax acrobatics from Scott Mayo on “Lover’s Leap”, while “Samba Batucada” recreates the mood of being in Rio with a lover, where much culture enters the rhythmic and memorable landscape.

The extremely emotive “Ordinary Man” was inspired by the death of George Floyd, and pairs stirring keys with Wolfe’s powerful voice, and “An Egg” exits the listen with an upbeat and timeless demeanor that showcases the proficient drumming of Peter Buck.

Trotter was an integral part of the songwriting process with Wolfe, and the two would meet on Zoom weekly to flesh out the melodies, lyrics and arrangements. Add the other A-list Los Angeles musicians on hand, and it certainly helps solidify the affair as a superb effort in the area of cozy, romantic jazz.

Travels well with: Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman; Dmitri Matheny- Cascadia

Kate Wyatt

Artifact

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Artifact

The pianist and composer Kate Wyatt makes quite an impression on this debut album, where 6 originals and a Billy Strayhorn cover (“A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing”) take help from Lex French’s trumpet, Adrian Verdady’s bass and Jim Doxas’ drums.

The title track opens the listen with Wyatt’s warm keys alongside soulful trumpet and restrained drumming in the very cautious and reflective climate, and “Short Stories” follows with bouncy bass work and frisky keys that benefit much from Doxas’ acrobatic drumming.

In the middle, “Lhotse Face” offers a lively and dreamy delivery that builds into a very dynamic and flowing album highlight, while “Antepenultimate” finds an intimate place to reside that balances mature keys, and, later on, adventurous bass plucking.

The album exits on the nearly 10 minutes of “Duet”, where a gentle beginning leads into a very stylish version of modern jazz and finishes much too soon.

A very impressive first effort, Wyatt touches on intense, passionate and rhythmic ideas, and it makes for a very memorable and engaging peek into her very creative mind and precise execution.

Travels well with: Doxas Brothers- The Circle; Montréal Jazz Trio- Montréal Jazz Trio

Lore City

Under Way 7”

Lore City Music, 2022

9/10

Listen to Under Way

I’ve been a fan of Portland, Oregon’s Lore City since 2020’s Alchemical Task, and this brief EP continues the greatness of the married couple Laura Mariposa Williams and Eric Angelo Bessel, who use keyboards, guitars, percussion and sparing vocals for a very dreamy, psyche-friendly and experimental version of light and dark texturing that’s delivered like a refined science.

Side A consists of “Animate”, where a chilling, soothing atmosphere unfolds beneath the wordless singing that benefits from low keys, adventurous percussive sounds and a warm haze. Somewhere between post-punk, dream-rock and post-rock, it’s a hypnotic and absorbing 6 minutes.

Side B offers us “Very Body”, where a radiant buzzing flows in and out of mystical and ambient qualities that can drone strategically and also finds much beauty to reside in.

Released as a very aesthetically pleasing 7”, these 2 songs balance mood and tone splendidly, and will serve as a fine introduction to their unique, sonic formula. For those already versed in Lore City, well, it’s another fine installment that complements their extraordinary albums.

Travels well with: Jonny Greenwood- Spencer; Colin Stetson- Hereditary

Tetrao Urogallus

Tetrao Urogallus

Color Red, 2022

8/10

Listen to Tetrao Urogallus

A Hamburg, Germany based trio with a penchant for abrasive yet inviting ideas that touch on doom and funk moments, Tetrao Urogallus use Latin terms for their songs that make great use of saxophone and trumpet, too.

“Barbarea Vulgaris” opens the listen with dense and pounding instrumentation that resides somewhere between proto-metal and psyche-rock with its mysterious and thick waves, and “Tetrao Urogallus” follows with a buzzing intensity that welcomes brass into the diverse landscape.

“Barbarea Vulgaris Recapitulat” arrives at the halfway point and moves with a swift, prog-rock friendly delivery that radiates meticulous and firm instrumentation, while “Euphorbia Helioscopia” benefits much from spirited organ and soulful brass for the fusion filled album highlight.

Landing near the end, “Picea Orientalis” offers a slow, meditative moment of gentle buzzing in a nearly sci-fi sort of way, and “Vipera Berus” exits the listen with hypnotic bass lines that make for a dreamy yet haunting finish.

Sometimes gloomy, always unpredictable and with a mystical backdrop, this is a very unique debut album from Tetrao Urogallus, and hopefully the first of many to come.

Travels well with: Brownout- Berlin Sessions; Cosse- Nothing Belongs To Anything

Todd Sharpville

Medication Time

Dixie Frog, 2022

9/10

Listen to Medication Time

The veteran guitarist and singer-songwriter Todd Sharpville goes back 16 years to a time when he spent 2 months in a mental hospital due to a messy break up for these 9 originals and 3 covers of timeless and sturdy blues rock tunes.

“Walk Out In The Rain” opens the listen with Sharpville’s powerful and gritty pipes complemented by firm keys and thick drumming, as calm moments meet rugged blues rock, and “Get Outta My Way” follows with an energetic and thumping display that benefits much from bright brass and an animated rhythm section that allows Sharpville’s expressive voice to shine.

“Brothers From Another Mother” lands in the middle, and recruits Larry McCray for the spirited and flowing duet, while the title track trims the pace back with a sublime intimacy that’s quite poetic in its slow burning demeanor.

Close to the end, the lively, festive rocker “Stand Your Ground” showcases plenty of horn interaction amid the busy and dynamic textures, and “I Don’t Need To Know Your Name” exits the listen in very soulful territory, where a stirring cautiousness is present and appreciated.

Sharpville brings a wealth of experience and talent to this listen, and 30 years after his debut was released he proves that his skills haven’t waned one bit on this aptly titled and memorable record.

Travels well with: Dave Weld & Imperial Flames- Nightwalk; Henry Gray & Bob Corritore- Cold Chills

Certainly So

Dreams Of Green

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dreams Of Green

The Nashville residents Certainly So return with a sophomore album, and the founding members Tanner Gray and Colby Wilson bring their Alabama roots to these summery and twang friendly 9 tracks.

“Jackie And Andy” opens the listen with warm singing and cozy guitar as very breezy textures enter the soulful setting, and it isn’t long until “Daydreams”, a glorious love song, enters with its crisp drums and sing-along quality.

In the middle, the timeless folk appeal of “Fool’s Gold” sounds like it should unfold alongside a campfire, while “Holy Roller” enters gospel territory with its nods to Marty Robbins and charming grit.

Near to the end, the Mariachi friendly horns and well timed pedal steel of “Song And Dance” makes this one of the album’s best, and their version of “I Still Miss Someone” exits the listen with a rich and emotive tone that does justice to the classic country tune.

The percussive contributions from Chase Porter and Zach Corder won’t go unnoticed here, as Certainly So continue to carve out a comfortable spot in today’s indie-folk scene, where classic country moments and the addition of horns only enhances the listening experience.

Travels well with: Teddy Grossman- Soon Come; Adrian + Meredith- Bad For Business

Stephen Peter Rodgers

Speck On A Clover

Unfinished Hearts, 2022

8/10

Listen to Speck On A Clover

The former frontman of Mighty Purple and owner of The Space venue, Stephen Peter Rodgers wrote an impressive 40 songs in the span of a year during the pandemic, and he trimmed that down to the 12 diverse and very well thought out tunes present here.

The album opens with the mysterious and flowing “Back Into The Muddy River”, where Rodgers’ expressive singing is met with agile keys and crisp drumming that complements the atmospheric guitar, and “Real Life” follows with a thumping energy that’s a bit dark but still quite melodic in its cautious, swirling climate.

At the halfway point, the intimate “Wish I Didn’t Sway” lands in more straightforward folk territory, where acoustic guitar and poetic singing emits an introspective tone, while “No Matter What Comes Our Way” is even more bare, and showcases a pretty sense of minimalism that’s immediately absorbing.

“The Better Of You Yet” arrives near the end, and places whistling and strings into the stirring Americana, and “What Am I” exits with a quicker pace of singing and strumming that seems like it could have been penned in any decade since the ‘60s.

Rodgers felt that the venue business was leeching all of his creative spirit over the decades, but you certainly wouldn’t be able to tell that by this very literate indie-rock affair that embraces folk, electro-pop and many variations of rock that he has much experience and skill with.

Travels well with: Leland And The Silver Wells- Straight To Your Town; Crash Taylor- Retired Outlaw

Staraya Derevnya

Boulder Blues

Ramble, 2022

8/10

Listen to Boulder Blues

An ensemble who impressed me with 2020’s Inwards Opened The Floor, the Israeli and British outfit Staraya Derevnya return with another batch of unclassifiable sounds that employ Krautrock, psychedelia and many other ideas into a very unusual 5 tracks.

“Scythian Nest” opens the atypical listen with a busy, unpredictable approach that’s percussively adventurous amid an occasional choir and high pitched singing that’s sort of tribally cosmic, and “Boulder Blues” follows with a much calmer presence of warm atmosphere that’s meditative in its repetitive nature and gets a bit more firm near the end in a noisey fashion.

“Tangled Hands” lands in the middle, and benefits from Galya Chikiss’ cries and whispers in a psych-folk sort of way, while “Bubbling Pelt” showcases Masha Gerzon’s piano prowess and Maya Pik’s synth flourishes in the mysterious, cinematic 20 minutes that can be ominous, frightening even, but also carries a subtle beauty.

The final track, “Gallant Spider”, is the shortest, and welcomes Pik on flute for a very ambient version of folk music that you never knew existed.

Gosha Hniu is the primary mover and shaker here, and he plays several instruments and objects, and the sounds he creates will strike a chord with fans of music as diverse as blues, freak-folk, avant-garde jazz and punk, to a name a few.

Travels well with: Kee Avil- Crease; Eli Wallace- Precepts

Kimberly Morgan York

Keep On Goin’

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Keep On Goin’

An artist with a wealth of experience both personally and professionally, Kimberly Morgan York illuminates her real life stories with care and warmth, where an all star cast of players including Scott Baxendale (guitar), David Barbe (bass, engineering), Carlton Owens (bass), Jay Gonzales (piano), Matt Stoessel (pedal steel) and Adam Poulin (violin) are present.

York starts the listen with the bright and Nashville-esque ideas of the soaring song craft, where her strong pipes are front and center, and “Three Chances” follows with a more lush climate that benefits much from aching pedal steel and mature keys to complement the rural beauty.

“Another Lover” lands in the middle and offers a poetic and gorgeous display of York’s timeless song craft, while “Numb” places more emphasis on the crisp drumming as much emotion enters the cautious album highlight.

“Ruby” arrives near the end, and is a more bare offering of sublime piano alongside York’s inimitable singing and eloquent storytelling, and “Sharing The Night Together” exits the listen with plenty of cozy textures that birth a very distinct version of Americana.

York plays guitar and sings on all the songs here, and with musicians from bands like Cracker, Drive-By Truckers and South San Gabriel in attendance, Keep On Goin’ makes for an album steeped in classic country nods as themes of heartache, perseverance, abuse, joy and love are explored intimately and memorably.

Travels well with: John DeNicola- She Said; Mariel Buckley- Driving In The Dark

Bottler

Journey Work

Infiné, 2022

8/10

Listen to Journey Work

The New York duo of Pat Bulter and Phil Shore, as Bottler the artists have a past in classical music, but here they are fully immersed in electronic sounds that are quite creative, raw and expand across a wide range of emotions.

“Home” starts the listen with an animated and bright version of electro-pop that uses vocals like an instrument in its flourishing delivery, and “Chrysalis” follows with bare, warm piano that leads into frisky drumming and a firm buzzing that populates the soulful and dance-friendly demeanor.

Further along, “Vinyl” finds itself in dreamy territory, where expressive singing and flowing melodies make this the album’s best, while “Hot Water” enters cautious areas of surreal, hazy song craft that’s quite alluring.

Making our ways towards the end, “You’re Old” sounds tailor made for the club with its indie-tronica pulse and radiant textures, and “Cicada Rhythm” exits the listen in darker areas of atmospheric and introspective waves that are as chilling as they are memorable.

The pair have been friends since childhood, cutting their teeth in the world of music from an early age, and they bring that familiarity to these vivid, diverse and mature dance-pop anthems that settle in nicely on the first listen.

Travels well with: Lunar Moon- Symbolic Creature; Teen Daze- Interior

Death By Dub

Abundance

Color Red, 2022

8/10

Listen to Abundance

An outfit who draw from a lengthy line of influences in the area of reggae nods and sound system culture that’s fully immersed in dub music, Death By Dub is led by Dan Africano and Scott Flynn, who welcome many players into this well thought out debut.

“Truth & Justice” opens the listen with fluid drumming, as Africano’s playful bass work and the intricate guitar lines are met with soft brass, and “Invasion” follows with a bit of atmosphere that segues into the hazy rhythm and textured reggae sounds.

The title track occupies the middle spot and glides with a hazy and breezy demeanor, while “Kibosh” benefits much from the flowing drums and dynamic interaction between the many skilled players.

Nearing the end, “Milk Dub” takes a more cautious approach of soulful sax and Flynn’s proficient trombone, and “Sinkhole” exits the listen with a timeless and exciting meshing of reggae and dub that fans of the genres will find irresistible.

Both Africano and Flynn settled down in Denver in 2018, and they brought their long interest in music to this ensemble that enlists Drew Sayers (tenor sax), Jonny Jyemo (drums), Jeff Franca (drums, percussion), Ryan Jalbert (guitar), Mike Tallman (guitar), Wylie Jones (piano, organ), Russ Friedell (Organ), Eric Luba (organ) and Neal Evans (percussion). An outstanding first effort, let’s hope there’s more on the horizon soon for Death By Dub.

Travels well with: John Brown’s Body- Fireflies; Free Radicals- White Power Outage, Vol. 2

Goodbye, Kings

The Cliché Of Falling Leaves

Overdrive, 2022

9/10

Listen to The Cliché Of Falling Leaves

The 4th album from the Milan art-rock outfit Goodbye, Kings these 5 lengthy tracks bring in 16 musicians and many instruments including sax, clarinet, trombone, tuba, guitars and keys, plus more, for a very diverse and exploratory body of work.

“Part 1- Autumn” starts the listen with much atmosphere, as mystery and darkness enter the low buzzing and cinematic swells of post-rock experimentalism, and “Part II- Winter” follows with manipulated brass and bass thumping that’s quite ominous in its busy delivery.

Halfway through, “Part III- Spring” uses twinkling keys and warm acoustic guitar in its more folk-friendly display, while “Part IV- Summer” is a much more jarring track that balances tension and grace with a meticulous nature.

The album exits on “Part V- Autumn… Again”, and builds into a richly textured and densely packed album highlight that showcases so much chemistry between the many noisemakers present.

An extremely creative affair that takes bits of jazz, folk and post-rock, and applies it to a formula that embraces psychedelic nods, ambient swells and post-metal moments, Goodbye, Kings make for a very exciting and innovative instrumental listen.

Travels well with: Alessandro Incorvaia- It Emerged To Hold Me; Kitch- New.Strife.Lands

Nickolas Mohanna

Smoke

Aagoo/Rev. Lab, 2019

8/10

Listen to Smoke

An instrumental effort from New York artist and composer Nickolas Mohanna, Smoke is an organic and synthetic approach where art and sound are blurred together in highly unorthodox ways.

“Tower” gets things off to a percussively strong start, where beats and ambience are key, and “Circuit Rider” follows with a calmer setting of mood and subdued, mysterious manipulation.

Elsewhere, “Plague” incorporates keys and electronics into the unclassifiable formula, while “Fugitive” takes a primal, almost tribal approach to the futuristic exploration.

Near the end, “Visage” is a quick blur of almost robotic like repetition, and “HWY” exits the affair with marching band style drumming amid experimental noises.

An extremely unconventional display of unparalleled talent, Smoke comes as an art edition of 100 copies with a book and poster, and it’s pretty likely a project like this will sell out quick if it hasn’t already.

Travels well with: James Plotkin- The Joy Of Disease; Aidan Baker- Already Drowning