The Damn Quails

Clouding Up Your City

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Clouding Up Your City

The revered Oklahoma outfit The Damn Quails return with another batch of Okie Roots sounds, where the singer-songwriter Bryon White guides us through both sublime ballads and energetic honky tonk rockers.

“Monsters” starts the listen with warm keys, frisky drumming and smooth singing as a flowing retro-rock spirit enters the rich textures, and “The Highest Shelf” follows with a rootsy feel that gallops with a country appeal.

Further down the line, the intimate “Mile By Mile” offers a poetic and reflective tone with its graceful keys and soulful backing vocals, while “Everything Is Fine” recruits a very literate and timeless folk-rock demeanor that’s full of vivid storytelling and dynamic, crisp musicianship.

Deeper yet, “Someone Else’s City”, the album’s best, is then fuller, where tension and beauty meet with a very dreamy yet rugged delivery, and “Good Times?!” exits the listen bare, with just an acoustic guitar and gorgeous vocal harmonies

This is the first official release since 2016 from The Damn Quails, and it’s an impressive body of work that’s never short on rhythm, grooves, and twangy/folky/soulful grit.

Travels well with: John Calvin Abney- Familiar Ground; Matt York- Gently Used

Clinton Fearon

Breaking News

Baco, 2022

8/10

Listen to Breaking News

The legendary reggae musician’s 13th album, Clinton Fearon penned Breaking News during the pandemic, when him and his wife would livestream from their home in order to stay positive despite all the bad news coming in daily.

“Breaking News” opens the listen with Fearon’s inimitable pipes alongside soulful backing vocals and no lack of rhythm in the timeless reggae climate, and “Don’t Dump It” follows with well timed brass and environmentally conscious wordplay in the very warm delivery.

Deeper into the listen, “Have Some Fun” is indeed an upbeat track with harmonic singing and a soothing melody, while “I Wanna Dance” recruits strategic organ and a cozy spirit that indeed will get you on the dancefloor.

Moving towards the end, “I Am Thankful” makes great use of the skilled drumming and intricate guitar playing for the album’s best selection, and “Unbeatable Dub” exits the listen with a hazy and mysterious instrumental that balances drums, brass and guitars superbly.

Fearon is joined by Xavier ‘Kubix’ Bègue (guitar), Julien ‘Manjul’ Souletie (vocals and percussions), Simon ‘Saymon’ Coutant (drums), Thomas ‘Mato’ Cirade (bass) and Muctaru Wurie (keyboards), who he cites as the best musicians he’s ever played with, and it sure sounds like it as they create a listen ideal for the mind, body and soul.

Travels well with: Gladiators- One Love; Artikal Sound System- Welcome To Florida

Jacob Chung

Epistle

Three Pines, 2022

9/10

Listen to Epistle

The tenor sax wizard Jacob Chung is in fine company here, where Christian Antonacci’s trumpet, Felix Fox-Pappas’ piano, Thomas Hainbuch’s bass and Petros Anagnostakos’ drums help him flesh out 6 original modern jazz tunes that are as memorable as they are meticulous.

“Triage” opens the listen with the booming brass being complemented by the playful bass, acrobatic drumming and dancing keys in the lively jazz climate, and “Bouncin’ At Bonafide” follows with an indeed animated spirit that swings with much warmth.

“Epistle” lands in the middle and across 3 chapters it showcases Chung’s inimitable jazz prowess alongside charming piano, swift bass lines and very skilled drumming, and “Sizzler Kabab” exits the listen with a fluid and timeless bop friendly delivery that’s full of unpredictable rhythm changes and tips its hat to Art Blakey.

A listen that swings and bops with an undeniable energy, Chung and company treat us to 45 minutes of some of the best contemporary jazz that Canada has to offer.

Travels well with: Chris Mondak- Glass Spheres; Way North- New Dreams, Old Stories

Lisa Gerrard With Marcello De Francisci

Exaudia

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Exaudia

The always impressive artist Lisa Gerrard finds herself aligned with the producer and composer Marcello De Francisci for this richly textured and cinematic listen that welcomes the musicians Bahar Shah, Astrid Williamson, Daniela Arbizzi and Farhad Behoozi to the haunting yet gorgeous 7 tracks.

“When The Light Of The Morning Comes” starts the listen with much warm atmosphere, as Gerrard’s profoundly expressive pipes guide the glowing synth and subtle strings, and “Until We Meet Again” follows with a twinkling and jangly appeal that’s nearly pop music with its strategic guitar, keys and harp.

The title track lands in the middle and emits a sublime Middle Eastern feel as orchestral moments complement the cultured landscape, while “Stories Of Love, Triumph & Misfortunes” brings in Bahar Shah for a dreamy album highlight that makes good use of acoustic guitar and very charming vocal manipulation.

“Stay With Me”, another exceptional track, resides near the end, and puts much emphasis on percussion and synth, as Gerrard’s inimitable pipes help the tune build into a soaring, majestic finish that truly puts an exclamation point on the meticulous nature of the entire affair.

Gerrard, of course, is part of the globally adored outfit Dead Can Dance, and has become one of the most highly acclaimed film composers. De Francisci has a background in visual arts, and also has experience with movie soundtracks. Together and with the exceptional player’s contributions, Exaudia is an acutely moving body of work that’s quite empowering.

Travels well with: Lisa Gerrard & Jules Maxwell- Burn; Dead Can Dance- In Concert

Bobby Cool

Family Time

Festival, 2022

8/10

Listen to Family Time

A singer-songwriter who is versed in folk, country, Americana and country sounds, Bobby Cool tracked these songs right before the world shut down in 2020,

“American Dream” starts the listen with flowing and warm guitar playing alongside Cool’s smooth and inviting pipes in the bluegrass friendly, country climate, and “Waffle House” follows with an upbeat spirit that’s got plenty of rural energy amid the glorious pedal steel and punchy drumming that will get you on the dance floor.

Elsewhere, “Waves Of Grain” moves with much intimacy in the poetic delivery that builds into a lush Americana landscape, while “Crazy” remains calm and stirring with Cool’s cozy pipes being complemented by some bluesy guitar and meticulous finger picking.

Closer to the end, “St. Perry Blues” is a fuller display of rootsy flavor that’s breezy, gritty and full of honky tonk fun, and “Battle Of The Lion King” exits the listen richly textured and with swirling guitars present and appreciated.

It’s not hard to think of Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Don McClean or Chris Stapleton when listening to these tunes, which could never be a bad thing, as Cool’s diverse country-rock makes an impression with each well thought out track.

Travels well with: Jeremy Garrett- River Wild; The Alex Leach Band- I’m Happiest When I’m Moving

Townies

Meet The Townies!

Snappy Little Numbers, 2022

9/10

Listen to Meet The Townies!

A relatively obscure band from an unknown town in Colorado, Townies play a ragged yet tuneful sort of punk that dislikes cops and jazz, but certainly is on board with upfront lyrics, humor and a diverse version of rock that might bring to mind bands like The Avengers, Dead Kennedys or Suicidal Tendencies.

After the booming drums and cinematic quality of the brief “Western Intro”, “Hooray!” follows with charged and crisp garage-rock, where firm singing aligns well with the thick guitar tone.

Elsewhere, “I Don’t Care About You” offers a dense and flowing anthem complete with bold wordplay, while “Do Somethin’”, the best track, is equal parts punk, garage and indie-rock with some insightful spoken word that addresses the social/political problems we all deal with daily.

Approaching the end, the very charming “I’ve Got My Mind Set On You” puts a punk rock twist on the George Harrison classic, and “Just Show Up ‘n’ Take ‘Em” continues the power, grit and melody from the 4 very skilled musicians.

Even though they’re still very much a new band with only a handful of live shows so far, this debut is extremely well executed, clever and full of all the hallmarks of a timeless punk record.

Travels well with: despAIR Jordan- Before Your Wings Gave Out; Gentlemen Rogues- Francy b/w I’ve Got A Match

Alessandro Incorvaia

It Emerged To Hold Me

Shimmering Moods, 2022

9/10

Listen to It Emerged To Hold Me

An Italian native who now calls London home, Alessandro Incorvaia penned these 6 instrumental tracks as a form of therapy, where synth, guitar, keys and samples are blurred into a surreal demeanor that’s quite absorbing.

“Always Been There” starts the listen off with a warm, glowing atmosphere of dreamy synth, and is followed by “And now it holds me, completely”, where light keys complement the radiant, cinematic quality from the precisely layered synth.

At the halfway point, “From one side to the other, from one side to the other” is a bit more ominous, but builds into a soaring, uplifting climate of post-rock nods, while “Live them again and close them” brings percussive sounds to the hazy album highlight.

“Solace” and “A part of me and I’ll take care of” exit the listen, where the former is layered precisely with a glaze of psych-rock nods, and the latter floats with a meditative quality that just begs to be taken with on a long walk.

A listen that’s often peaceful and carries a cozy feeling of nature, there’s traces of darker moments present, no doubt stemming from a low point in Incorvaia’s life, and it’s all balanced with much skill.

Travels well with: Pess- You Can Make Hamburger Yourself; Iran- Persis

Kimia Hesabi

Nemāno Gaona

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Nemāno Gaona

The Iranian violist Kimia Hesabi offers us a debut album of tracks by Iranian Diaspora composers, where voice, electronics, and viola explore a wide expanse of sounds, colors, stories, memories and identities that stem from the distinct and unique ways by Iran.

Gity Razaz’s “Song And Whispers” opens the listen with much atmosphere, as the carefully manipulated strings are both soft and intense and with a unique melody, and “Variant op. 139, no. 2”, by Alireza Mashayekhi, follows with the strategically bowed strings emitting a rich and introspective tone.

In the middle, Niloufar Nourbakhsh’s “Veiled” relies heavily on the swirling electronics and stirring viola for an intimate landscape, while Mozhgan Chahian’s “Hani And Sheh Mureed” lands in Balochi Folklore for the poetic strings that you can’t help but admire.

Mashayekhi’s work appears again at the end, where Ying-Shan Su’ piano illuminates “Sonata For Viola And Piano”, which can rumble with mystery and also find fuller places to reside.

A very cultured listen that explores folk, classical and contemporary music of Iranian culture, Hesabi’s musical language is one that’s fascinating, authentic and timeless.

Travels well with: Steven Ricks- Assemblage Chamber; Finola Merivale- Tús

Josh Tatsuo Cullen

Scenes In Tin Can Alley

Blue Griffin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Scenes In Tin Can Alley

The esteemed pianist Josh Tatsuo Cullen delivers a solo piano listen, where he interprets pieces found in manuscripts from Forence Price’s (1887-1953) summer home in 2009, and it makes for the first commercial recordings of these compositions.

The title track opens the listen with bright and flowing keys, where the keys dance with much agility in the profoundly absorbing climate, and “Thumbnail Sketches Of A Day In The Life Of A Washerwoman” follows with complicated and radiant progressions as Cullen showcases incredible fluidity and warmth.

“Village Scenes” arrives in the middle and embraces intimacy in the reflective tone, while “Preludes” unfolds across 5 chapters of rich and rhythmic playing that is both calm and intense. “Three Miniature Portraits Of Uncle Ned” exits the listen, and showcases swift, meticulous playing that’s quite mesmerizing, as well as calmer, stirring pieces of vulnerability.

Not only did these pieces deserve to be heard, but they spoke to Cullen in a very direct way. He handles them with the utmost care, and it makes for a perfect addition to his body of work that also includes the work of Mozart and Beethoven.

Travels well with: Catalyst Quartet- Uncovered Vol. 2: Florence B. Price; Margaret Brouwer- Reactions

Steven Ricks

Assemblage Chamber

New Focus, 2022

8/10

Listen to Assemblage Chamber

The atypical composer Steven Ricks brings us 3 chamber works that are put through his glitchy, collage focused formula, where Baroque templates are met with an electronic and improvisational vision.

“Heavy With Sonata” opens the listen with flowing strings from Aubrey Woods’ violin, Alex Woods’ viola and Jason Richards’ harpsichord, where tension and beauty meet with detailed attention to rhythm and a distinct harmonic language that is quite unpredictable and exciting.

“Reconstructing The Lost Improvisations Of Aldo Pilestri” follows, and presents very dynamic string work thanks to Miranda Cuckson (violin), Jessica Meyer (viola) and Caleb van der Swaagh (cello), as Daniel Lippel’s guitar and Benjamin Fingland’s bass clarinet help cultivate an improvised landscape of Baroque influences, meticulous pitch manipulation and unusual rhythms.

The back half presents Jason Hardink’s dreamy harpsichord alongside violin, viola and cello from Gerald Elias, Hasse Borup and Walter Haman, where soloistic gestures and off kilter repetition is turned into a refined science, and Ricks’ electronics populate the 12+ minutes of “Assemblage Chamber”, where a strategic minimalism is executed with keen attention to aesthetics and sci-fi friendly bouts that are quite meditative, too.

A very innovative and ambitious affair, Ricks assembles contemporary chamber sounds in iconoclastic ways on this superbly textured outing.

Travels well with: Finola Merivale- Tús; Tom Flaherty- Mixed Messages

Dan Olivo

Day By Day

Ava Maria, 2022

8/10

Listen to Day By Day

The singer and actor Dan Olivo is in fine company here, where Kevin Windard’s drums/percussion and Garrett Smith’s trombone, plus many others, help flesh out the pop, blues and tunes straight out of the Great American Songbook on this jazz spirited album.

The title track opens the listen with thumping drums and bright brass, as Olivo’s smooth pipes emit a little rasp but are quite melodic, and “I’m Walkin’” follows with Joe Bagg’s fluent organ prowess adding much rhythm to the frisky blues climate.

Close to the middle, the swift and dynamic “Time After Time” displays Lyman Medeiros’ playful bass alongside Kyle O’Donnell’s soulful sax, while “It’s Only A Paper Moon” bops and shakes with Olivo’s expressive pipes complemented Renee Myara Cibelli’s pretty harmonies in the breezy album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Come By Me” showcases Ian Robbins’ diverse guitar playing in the bare but impactful landscape that welcomes Jamelle Adisa’s trumpet, and “All The Way” exits the listen in piano balladry, where a romantic appeal of intimate beauty makes a lasting impression.

Olivo knows his way around a rich and swinging tune you won’t soon forget, and his esteemed band make for an eclectic and memorable debut album, which is hopefully the first of many.

Travels well with: Bill Ortiz- Points Of View; Chris Standring- Simple Things

Jose Conde

Souls Alive In The 305

Pipiki, 2022

8/10

Listen to Souls Alive In The 305

The diverse and globally relevant pop artist and multi-instrumentalist Jose Conde brings his New York Afro Cuban roots to a very ambitious sophomore solo record that takes the help of the producer DJ Spam and was recorded between Brooklyn and Miami.

“Poetry In Motion” gets the album off to a very radiant start, where shimmering instrumentation is met with soulful singing that recruits the San Diego artist Geminelle amid the airy flute moments, and “Dale Pa ‘Ya” follows with Cuci Amador on board for the cultured pop display that’s a bit funky, too.

The title track arrives early in the listen, and showcases Armando Lopez on drums for the smooth and stylish retro-pop album highlight, while “Grito Ambiental” makes great use of Scott Kettner (Nation Beat) behind the drum kit to complement Conde’s expressive singing, where Brazilian flavor is appreciated.

Nearing the end, “Nude Poetry” offers a stripped back version of an earlier tune, where well timed brass and dreamy vocals make for a mysterious landscape, and “Sound Is Sonido” blends talking and singing with a fusion-rock template.

An effort that still very much retains his Cuban heritage, Conde is also well versed in modern pop ideas, and along with the exceptional guests he blends funk, disco, rap, rock and blues into a highly memorable formula.

Travels well with: Brownout- Berlin Sessions; Diplomats Of Solid Sound- A Higher Place

Unspoken Tradition

Imaginary Lines

Mountain Home, 2022

9/10

Listen to Imaginary Lines

The Western North Carolina bluegrass wizards Unspoken Tradition return with perhaps some of their best work to date, where time off from touring due to the pandemic allowed them to pen 6 singles that charted.

“Carolina And Tennessee” opens the listen with warm acoustic guitar and gorgeous singing, as swift banjo enters the radiant landscape, and “Irons In The Fire” continues the fluid song craft with a very bright and melodic display of fiddle acrobatics and soaring vocal harmonies.

Halfway through, “California” trims the pace back with an intimate and introspective climate, while “The Old Swinging Bridge” glides with a timeless bluegrass spirit that meshes the strings with incredible fluidity.

Close to the end, “Bounty Hunter” moves with a darker spirit, where vivid storytelling is met with both tense moments and grace, and “Lookout Montain” exits the listen with rich musicianship and soothing vocals that truly illustrate how well these 5 artists work together.

Saravanan ‘Sav’ Sankaran (bass, vocals), Audie McGinnis (guitar, vocals), Zane McGinnis (banjo), Ty Gilpin (mandolin) and Tim Gardner (fiddle, vocals) make up the quintet, and their collective skill makes for some of the best modern bluegrass that exists today.

Travels well with: Jaelee Roberts- Something You Didn’t Count On; Tray Wellington- Black Banjo

Kat Riggins

Progeny

Gulf Coast, 2022

9/10

Listen to Progeny

The always impressive blues/soul singer Kat Riggins returns with 13 new tracks that illuminate her transparent and vulnerable song craft that takes into account the influence her mom and dad had on her.

“Walk On” gets the listen off to a powerful and rugged start, where Riggins’ sturdy pipes align well with the thick guitar and pounding drums, and “Sinkin’ Low” follows with a warm groove entering the soulful and wise lyrics.

Elsewhere, the shuffling pace of “In My Blood” will get you digging out your dancing shoes to the swift piano and punchy climate, while “My City” welcomes Albert Castiglia on guitar and Busta Free’s rap prowess in the funk friendly album highlight.

Closer to the end, “Woahman” showcases Melody Angel’s meticulous guitar alongside Riggins’ expressive and commanding pipes, and “40 25:40” exits the listen with a frisky, rootsy flavor that’s got a bit country, plenty of soul and a healthy amount of blues.

Riggins is joined by an impressive cast of players here, where Mike Zito (guitar), Matthew Johnson (drums), Doug Byrkit (bass) and Lewis Stephens (keys) provide the backbone to this diverse body of work that warrants comparisons to Tina Turner or Etta James.

Travels well with: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames- Nightwalk; Dylan Triplett- Who Is He?

Janiva Magness

Hard To Kill

Fathead, 2022

8/10

Listen to Hard To Kill

The esteemed singer-songwriter and author Janiva Magness returns with a very personal body of work on this 16th studio album of blues, funk, rock, Americana and soul sounds.

“Strong As Steel” starts the listen with thumping drums, before Magness brings her rugged yet inviting pipes to the thick blues rocker, and “The Last Time” follows with a warm groove under the playful and soulful song craft that benefits much from cozy organ.

Deeper into the listen, “Comes Around” displays graceful percussion as Magness’ poetic singing soars with much emotion, while “You And Me” flirts with R&B nods in a very playful fashion of rhythmic, melodic song craft that will be forever timeless.

Inching towards the end, “Closer” gets a bit more intimate in a sage like delivery of personal storytelling that hints at gospel, and “Oh Pearl” exits the listen bare, eloquent and with Magness’ versatile pipes front and center.

An extremely well done effort, it’s no surprise that Magness is Grammy nominated, and she’s also picked up seven Blues Music Awards, and in 2009 she became only the second woman to receive the highly coveted B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award. Hard To Kill continues her exceptional catalog and is a must for fans of the blues, roots music and Americana across the entire spectrum.

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; Gina Sicilia- Unchange

Lincoln Trio

Trios From Contemporary Chicago

Cedille, 2022

8/10

Listen to Trios From Contemporary Chicago

The accomplished Lincoln Trio, i.e. violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, cellist David Cunliffe, and pianist Marta Aznavoorian, bring us 5 works by Chicago’s most esteemed composers, including Shawn E. Okpebholo, Augusta Read Thomas, Shulamit Ran, Mischa Zupko, and Stacy Garrop.

Okpebholo’s “City Beautiful” starts the listen with twinkling keys, as playfully plucked strings enter the very agile and unpredictable climate in the salute to Chicago’s architecture.

Thomas’ “…A Circle Around The Sun” follows, and brings a stirring intimacy thanks to the bare but impactful keys that get a bit mysterious in the 2nd movement, and Ran’s “Soliloquy” follows with 8+ minutes of moody strings and proficient keys in the album’s best selection.

“Fanfare 80”, by Zupko, arrives near the end and is quite tense in the flowing cinematic interaction that rumbles quite firmly, and Garrop’s “Sanctuary” finishes the listen with a composition about her father, where a very emotive spirit guides the profoundly personal landscape that can be both sparse and busy.

It should be no surprise to anyone that the Lincoln Trio have been Grammy nominated twice, cause their meticulous attention to tone, atmosphere and dynamics makes for an unparalleled delivery.

Travels well with: Third Coast Percussion- Perspectives; Aznavoorian Duo- Gems From Armenia

Gladiators

One Love

Omnivore, 2022

8/10

Listen to One Love

The Kingston, Jamaica legends Gladiators offer us 20 tracks from the ‘80s, where originals, covers of Bob Marley, and more are fleshed out with the band’s signature reggae sound.

“Symbol Of Reality” leads the listen with firm drumming before a warm groove is cultivated and surrounded by soulful singing, and “Fling It Gimme” follows with spirited guitar work and call and response singing that’s quite breezy.

Further along, “Fussing And Fighting” showcases the band’s strong attention to melody in the Bob Marley original, while “Bless Our Soul” marches a bit more firm in the Clinton Fearon tune that recruits plenty of voices for the horn filled festivities.

Another Marley tune arrives near the end, as the playful interpretation of “Stand Alone" makes an immediate impact that showcases a timeless reggae demeanor, and “After You” exits the listen with a lush and upbeat finish of adventurous yet meticulous song craft that’s as relevant today as it was when it was penned.

The selections present span Symbol Of Reality (1982) and Serious Thing (1984), as well as the 1992 collection of previously unissued tracks Full Time, the 1983 U.S. Tour EP, and Dread Prophecy (recorded with Ethiopian) from 1986. During this decade, many reggae artists were incorporating synthetic drumming and samples into their work, but Gladiators remained true to their roots reggae formula that began in the mid ‘60s by the founder and guitarist Albert Griffiths.

Toss in new liner notes from Dana Smart, and you’ve got an excellent package that’s a vital foundation to the roots and soul of reggae music.

Travels well with: Artikal Sound System- Welcome To Florida; Sneezy- Open Doors

Melissa Stylianou

Dream Dancing

Anzic, 2022

8/10

Listen to Dream Dancing

The esteemed vocalist Melissa Stylianou brings her diverse pipes to Ike Sturm’s proficient bass and Gene Bertoncini’s skilled guitar across these 10 timeless jazz tunes.

The very cozy “Sweet And Lovely” opens the listen with Stylianou’s pretty pipes being complemented by the warm guitar and playful bass work in the timeless vocal jazz climate, and “If You Never Come To Me” follows with a very intimate delivery that showcases Stylianou’s poetic voice alongside Bertoncini’s elegant guitar.

The middle spot belongs to “For Chet”, where charming vocal scatting aligns with eloquent guitar playing in a warm haze, while “Perdido” moves with an adventurous spirit of bouncy bass and precise guitar as Stylianou’s agile voice glides memorably.

Near to the end, “My One And Only Love” is aglow in a stirring, romantic demeanor, and “It Might As Well Be Spring” exits the listen with the trio working together to produce breezy melodies, gorgeous interplay and a very joyful demeanor.

Both originals and standards are included, and the 3 luminaries don’t waste a second with their dynamic chemistry and strong attention to detail on this superb jazz listen.

Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty; Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman

King Ropes

Super Natural

Big And Just Little, 2022

9/10

Listen to Super Natural

The 5th album from King Ropes, Super Natural widens the scope of the band’s desert rock template into louder areas while still finding a stirring place to reside, thanks to frontman Dave Hollier’s well thought out songwriting that touches on tragedy and pain in conversational, sometimes humorous ways.

“Greedy” starts the listen with Hollier’s distinct vocals alongside Ben Roth’s bouncy bass and Jeff Jensen’s crisp drumming in the laid back garage rock meets Americana vibe, and “Breathing” follows with a bit of a darker spirit where subtle twang and groove makes for a very charming album highlight.

In the middle, the more firm “Pockets” emits a thicker presence of psychedelic nods that unfolds almost in a campfire-esque sort of way, while “Drunk Donny” lands in stoner-rock territory with its dense guitar, booming drums and well timed cello thanks to Sam Hollier.

Approaching the end, “Real Live Tiger” benefits from a low droning, noisy background where a dreamy, nearly sci-fi quality enters, and “Mystery” exits the listen and is indeed mysterious, and starts out calm and intimate before building into an atypical melody and lo-fi chatter.

You might hear influences like Built to Spill, Wilco, King Gizzard or Modest Mouse across the affair, which could never be a bad thing, and the band’s organic, distorted and very unique version of indie-rock makes every tune here worth many listens.

Travels well with: Neighbor Lady- Maybe Later; Riley Downing- Start It Over

Mnemotechnic

Blinkers

A tant Rever du Roi/Kerviniou, 2019

9/10

Listen to Blinkers

A French outfit who take an interesting approach to noise-rock, Mnemotechnic has been plugging away for a decade now, and Blinkers, their 3rd album, finds the band in a darker place.

“Alpinist” starts the listen harrowing and throbbing as a visceral post-punk and industrial setting moves into the chaotic yet controlled affair, and “Leak The Civilians” follows with an ominous quality as manipulated vocals and a dense backdrop add to the mysteriousness.

Elsewhere, the jagged “Out Of Nothing” moves with a thick tension of seething rock, while “Along The Sun” trims the volume back to primarily vocals in the slithering spareness.

At the end, “Like King And Child” brings a thundering presence to a quirky rocker, and “By Accident” exits the listen swift and full throttle before segueing into a hypnotic, propulsive formula.

An extremely unique listen where the bristling, raw and textured song craft brings to mind some of the best aspects of ‘80s post-punk, Blinkers is an enthralling listen from beginning to end, one that’s unpredictable in all the best ways, and as adventurous as it is complicated.

Travels well with: Big Black- Atomizer; Blind Idiot God- Undertow