André Carvalho

Lost In Translation- Vol. II

Clean Feed, 2023

8/10

Listen to Lost In Translation- Vol. II

The impressive double bassist and composer André Carvalho returns with a 2nd installment in this series, where André Matos brings his guitar and “José Soares brings his saxophone to these improvised and exploratory 8 pieces.

“Mencolek” gets the listen off to a unique start, where a soft atmosphere allows the sax to quiver amid the playfully plucked bass, and “Tagumi” follows with a distinct dreaminess that’s gentle, ambient and uses the guitar in pretty ways.

The halfway point belongs to “Zhaghzhagh”, where a bit of mystery surrounds the soulful sax and experimental backdrop, while “Gurfa” finds itself deep in free jazz territory that’s delicate, very tuneful and reflective.

Close to the end, “Pana Po’o” carries a nearly sci-fi appeal thanks to meticulous tonality from the bass and sax, and “Waideinsamkeit” exits with a cinematic quality of unpredictable intimacy.

A listen that’s often contemplative and mixes both acoustic and electric sounds, Carvalho and company shift in scope and texture across the very atypical landscape.

Travels well with: Darren Johnston- Wild Awake; Rossi/Hess/Moran- You Break You Buy

Florencia & The Feeling

Birthday

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Birthday

A fusion outfit that embraces pop, funk, Latin and jazz ideas, Florencia & The Feeling have turned plenty of ears their way since their inception in 2021, thanks to no lack of grooves and harmonies present.

After the warm keys and crisp drums of the elegant “Intro”, “Meant To Be” follows with warm guitars and expressive singing in the melodic and crunchy climate that’s immediately memorable.

The title track arrives in the middle and benefits from much rhythm, soulful backing vocals and lush bouts of animated pop-rock, while “You” finds an intimate place to ride with strings thanks to Diego Nuñez in the dreamy delivery.

Approaching the end, “What Can I Do?” brings plenty of breezy, cultured ideas to the percussively strong and dance floor ready landscape, and “Outro” exits with precise bass plucking, as quick drums and glowing keys make for a hazy closer.

The band are spearheaded by Florencia Rusiñol’s diverse and flowing voice, and Austin Herron (drums, background vocals), Isaac Ratliff (keys, background vocals), Nick Castro (bass, background vocals) and Noah Wise’s (lead guitar, background vocals) proficient contributions.

A truly original and worldly listen, there’s much to admire and enjoy across Birthday.

Travels well with: Lake Street Dive- Free Yourself Up; Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats- Everyone Everywhere

Kevin Daniel

The Life And Adventures Of Kevin Daniel

Organic, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Life And Adventures Of Kevin Daniel

The Nashville resident Kevin Daniel makes quite an impression on this first album with the Organic label, where his universally relatable stories of life unfold via his charming brand of Americana.

“Happy For A While” gets the listen off to a harmonic start, where Daniel and Wendy Hickman’s gorgeous voices are met with Logan Jayne’s fluid drumming, and “Heart Like Mine” follows with Kevin Williams’ playful piano populating the cozy, rootsy warmth.

Halfway through, Justin Ray’s well timed trumpet helps complement the lush country rock spirit, while “Whiskey With My Maker” benefits much from Patrick French’s agile electric guitar and Williams’ moody organ.

“Don’t Tell The Devil” and “Singer & The Song” exit the listen, where the former carries a glowing intimacy that’s emotive and full of meticulous keys from Aaron Price, and the latter finishes with plenty of soulfulness and vivid storytelling.

Daniel is nothing if not sincere, and his powerful, timeless vision of Americana doesn’t shy away from country, gospel and R&B on this excellent body of work.

Travels well with: Aaron Burdett- Dream Rich, Dirt Poor; Jeremy Garrett- River Wild

Motu

The Water Is High

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Water Is High

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist MOTU (i.e. Dr. Richard Michelson), pens a 22nd solo album here, where Dee Michelson, Bob Rush, Ed Modzel, and Dr. Rich accompany him for the diverse 10 tracks.

“I’m Just Here Playin’ In This Band” begins the listen with Michelson’s smooth and soaring voice alongside Modzel’s crisp drums and MOTU’s spirited guitar, and the title track follows with Rush’s soulful harmonica amid MOTU’s raw pipes versus Michelson’s pretty voice.

“Are You The Man I’ve Been Waiting For?” arrives in the middle and showcases Rush’s firm keys and MOTU’s thick guitar in the blues-rock display, while “Lovely Day For A Moon Walk” offers a rich and dynamic version of retro rock ideas that welcomes sitar from MOTU.

“I’ll Fly Away” and “Walk With Me For One More Mile” exit the listen, where former strums like a folk song and is poetic via MOTU’s raspy singing and Michelson’s sublime harmonizing, as pedal steel is employed strategically, and the latter emits vivid storytelling in the bare, intimate climate.

MOTU stands for Music Of The Universe, and his easily accessible vision spans plenty of variations of rock, blues, jazz and is so well done, he might just see more Grammy attention thrown his way.

Travels well with: Charles Brown- A New Awakening; Matt Smith- Being Human

Eldanka

Joldanka Patrol

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Joldanka Patrol

A Finnish surf rock outfit consisting of Mika Jämsä (lead guitar), Rasmus Tammik (rhythm guitar), Mauri Haapamäki (bass guitar), and Janne Torvikoski (drums), as Eldanka they pen a dozen diverse and exciting instrumental tunes for this 3rd album.

“Descanso” open the listen with a warm Spanish groove that showcases the meticulous guitars amid the frisky drums, and it isn’t long until the title track enters with firm surf rock prowess that seems like it could soundtrack a spy movie.

Halfway through, the galloping drums of “Outlander” help the tune flirt with cowboy rock, while “Le Parc (L.A.- Streethawk)” recruits a charming and unpredictable sci-fi angle that’s dreamy and uses wordless vocals.

Residing near the end, “The Bog (Cantus Arcticus)” flows with plenty of garage rock nods amid the melodic, swirling guitars and crisp drumming, and “A Message From Alderaan” exits with strong attention to mood, where a hazy ambience unfolds with post-rock moments of intimacy.

It really isn’t a stretch to say that Eldanka are one of Europe’s best instrumental bands, as each member brings a wealth of talent to a surf template that’s not afraid to venture into other areas which adds much more intrigue to the equation.

Travels well with: The Neptunas- Mermaid A Go Go; The Fleshtones- Face Of The Screaming Werewolf

Michael Jerome Browne

Gettin’ Together

Borealis, 2023

8/10

Listen to Gettin’ Together

The roots musician Michael Jerome Browne finds himself in the company of Mary Flower, Eric Bibb, and John Sebastian, among others, for these new recordings of old songs that are just as much fun to listen to as they were to make.

“Monday Morning Blues” opens the listen with Browne’s expressive voice and warm 12-string guitar alongside Harrison Kennedy’s soulful harmonica in the bluesy climate, and “Shake‘em On Down” follows with Eric Bibb’s meticulous 9-string guitar complementing Browne’s gritty pipes and J.J. Milteau’s animated harmonica.

Halfway through, “Please Help” welcomes Stephen Barry’s lively string bass and John McColgan’s frisky drums to the rhythmic album highlight, while “Reverend Strut” is just Browne’s 6-string banjo for the mountain-esque delivery.

“Wisecrack” arrives near the end and places Mary Flower on guitar to complement Browne’s guitar playing for the mesmerizing and dreamy landscape, and “Living With The Blues” exits with John Sebastian’s lively harmonica, Happy Traum’s energetic lead guitar and McColgan’s playful washboard for the busy and rich finish.

Browne is a 3 time Canadian Folk Music Award winner, and it’s easy to see why. His sincere and heartfelt song craft is timeless, and the company he keeps is nothing short of exceptional,

Travels well with: Sue Foley- Pinky’s Blues; Eric Bibb- Ridin’

Charles Brown

A New Awakening

Self-Released, 2023

10/10

Listen to A New Awakening

The esteemed Colorado guitarist Charles Brown returns with a 10th solo album, where his progressive ways flirt with blues and heavy metal across the 11 instrumentals where he plays bass, synth and drums, too.

The album wastes no time making an impression with the dense guitar acrobatics and thumping drums of the soaring “The Darkest Winter”, and “A New Awakening” follows with 8+ minutes of cautious, lush prog-rock that’s dynamic and meticulous.

“Sea Of Myst” occupies the middle portion, as does “Edge Of Time”, where the former showcases Brown’s stunning finger acrobatics in a dreamy climate, while the latter buzzes with a more firm approach that touches on hard rock sensibilities via Brown’s incredible attention to detail.

Close to the end, the chunky bass lines of “What The FUNK” helps illuminate the bright textures and incredible drumming of the album’s best, and “Touch The Sunrise” exits with more intimate gestures of beauty and grace from the diverse vision of song craft.

A truly incredible body of work, acoustic and electric guitars are used plentifully, and classical, jazz and plenty of variations of rock are all in attendance and very much appreciated.

Travels well with: Carl Weingarten- Stop Me Try; Matt Smith- Being Human

Terry Adams & Steve Ferguson

Louisville Sluggers

Omnivore, 2023

8/10

Listen to Louisville Sluggers

Terry Adams and Steve Ferguson formed the New Rhythm And Blues Quartet in 1966, who would go on to release handfuls of globally appreciated music. Though Ferguson left NRBQ in 1971, he was always around in some form, and in the mid 2000’s the pair got back together with some friends to flesh out Louisville Sluggers.

The opening track, “Peanut Vendor”, wastes little time making an impression with saxophones from Gene Oliveri and Klem Klimek that complement Adams’ playful keys and Fergusion’s swirling guitar, and “Outer Space Boogie (Alternate Mix)” follows with plenty of dance floor ready swagger thanks to Tom Ardolino’s frisky drums and animated piano.

Further on, “Ichabod” welcomes Donn Adams’ bright trombone to the busy retro rock, while “It’s Too Soon To Know” is a more intimate offering of romantic singing alongside the warm keys, light drums and spirited guitar work.

Close to the end, “Turkey In The Straw” benefits from Quentin Sharpenstein’s charming string bass amid the swift keys in the energetic instrumental, and “Hey Good Lookin’” arrives even further with Harrie Lynne Buecker’s high notes on four-handed piano for the very adventurous take on the Hank Williams’ classic.

An excellent reissue with updated artwork (but with Donn Adams original liner notes) and four previously unissued bonus tracks, this serves as a great piece to the NRBQ legacy.

Travels well with: NRBQ- Tiddlywinks; Alex Chilton- Live In London: Encore Edition

Reiko Füting

Mechthild

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mechthild

The German native and current New York resident Reiko Füting creates a contemporary opera set to Libretto by the theologian Christian Lehnert, and it surrounds Beguine Mystic Mechthild von Magdeburg across these 3 very expressive acts.

“Act I: Verwunden, vereint/Wound, United” opens the listen with much attention to mood, where spoken, sung and gestured voices are met with flashes of bright instrumentation that allows for a mysterious landscape.

The middle portion, “Act II: Die Gottesfremde/The Alienated”, brings dreamy bouts of prettiness, firm conversational tones and much unpredictable sound manipulation that’s highly creative.

The final pieces, “Act II: Nach Gott/After God”, exits with a radiant intimacy that twinkles amid much beauty, but can also find itself in atypical versions of operatic ideas.

A body of work inspired by the Medieval ‘mystery play’, the players on hand include the sopranos Olivia Stahn and Hannah Herfurtner, actress Susi Wirth, AuditivVokal Dresden, Ensemble Adapter and the New York rooted New Chamber Ballet, which includes Olaf Katzer as conductor. Together, they illustrate a inimitable approach to both the space of language and the space of sounds, where vocals and instruments serve as an expansion of the space language in a very theatrical presence.

Travels well with: Max Johnson- When The Streets Were Quiet; Lei Liang- Hearing Landscapes/Hearing Icescapes

Anthony E. Nelson

Swinging Sunset

Music Stand, 2023

8/10

Listen to Swinging Sunset

The saxophonist and composer Anthony E. Nelson pays homage to the great jazz organ trios from the ‘50s and ‘60s here, where Kyle Koehler and Cecil Brooks III join him for the 12 well thought out tracks.

“Canadian Sunset” opens the listen with Nelson’s warm sax alongside agile keys from Koehler, as Brooks’ frisky drums make for a calm, stylish mood, and “One More Once” follows with an upbeat and playful demeanor thanks to the soulful brass and crisp drumming.

Halfway though, “These Foolish Things” finds a very intimate place to reside thanks to the moody organ and poetic sax, while “Minor Chant” bops and shakes with an infectious energy thanks to the animated sax and lively drumming.

Close to the end, “Three Little Words” has the trio collaborating with a groove filled dynamic that’s the album’s best, and “Last Call (For Gryce)” exits with a reflective tone that’s still quite adventurous and illustrates each player’s respective strengths.

This is Nelson’s 5th album as leader, and along with his talented company he makes for a performance that’s spiritual, emotional, moving and certainly does justice to the trios of decade’s past.

Travels well with: Mark Ortwein- It Was Time; Dave Bass The Trio- Vol. 3

Various Artists

Remember: Music Of Loss And Consolation

Albany, 2023

8/10

Listen to Remember: Music Of Loss And Consolation

A carefully culled collection of Romantic American choral music devoted to loss, commemoration, and consolation, many of the selections here were written at the end of World War I or to mark the tenth anniversary of the truce.

George Chadwick’s “Salute The Sacred Dead” opens the listen with Jonathan Kreamer’s animated piano playing alongside the pretty, harmonic voices that emit much emotion, and “Mass In F Minor: Benedictus” follows with much expressive singing guiding the poetic and lovely mood of the George Whiting piece.

“Death Spreads His Gentle Wings” arrives in the middle and uses calm versus bright moments for much effect that illuminates Marian Bauer’s vision, while “I Hear Thy Voice”, by Edith Lang, displays impressive range among Sydney Szware’s soprano and Elizabeth Jones’ mezzo-soprano, plus Aaron Hungerford’s intimate keys.

Dudley Buck’s “The Legend Of Don Munio: Requiem Aeternam” arrives near the end and illustrates Sándor Kádár’s stirring piano prowess and “By The Waters Of Babylon” exits the listen with Chase Saunders’ soprano and Richard Amoroso’s sublime cello complementing the precise singing of the J.C.D. Parker composition.

A lot of the music present was never performed or even known about until now, and here it lives with incredible attention to detail thanks to DeVenney’s inimitable direction.

Travels well with: String Cosmology: Sinfonietta Of Riverdale; Robert Xavier Rodríguez- Harlequin’s Rainbow

Agony Street

Italian Whisky

Diversion, 2023

9/10

Listen to Italian Whisky

This is the 3rd and final album from Agony Street, which consists of Gudmundur Bragason and the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Swedish treasure Klas Qvist, who was also the driving force behind Citizen K, and who passed away in 2021.

After the brief piano and warm dreaminess of “Next Door Overture”, “The Girl Next Door” follows with crisp drums, bright vocals and nostalgic melodies, while the swift and jangly “Your Turn Me Off” is full of harmony and an energy so infectious you’d want to dance.

In the middle, “After Approximately Seven Glasses Of Italian Whisky” offers a raw recording of retro ideas, and the charming layers of “Next Door To A Looney” emit a distinct baroque pop flavor.

Arriving near the end, the scrappy “Global City (Nothing Is Everything)” possesses some psyche-pop nods that are quite frisky, and “Utopia” exits with thumping drums, firm keys and a theatric appeal of unique and timeless song craft.

Agony Street actually began way back in 1990, and released albums in 1991 and 1993. This last installment may come decades after their inception, but it represents a lifetime of experience and skill from Qvist and Bragason, and puts a sturdy exclamation point on Qvist’s exceptional legacy.

Travels well with: Agony Street- Songs For William; Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art

Stanley Grill

The Bridge

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Bridge

The esteemed composer Stanley Grill is in the company of Brett Deubner’s viola, Marek Štilec’s conducting and the Komorní filharmonie Pardubice for this symphonic fantasy for viola and orchestra inspired by the 15 poems in Hart Crane's epic poem of America, The Bridge.

“To Brooklyn Bridge” begins the listen with glowing bells and soothing strings, where both beauty and grace unfold with sublime detail, and “Ave Maria” follows with a booming tension that’s firm and swirls with a distinct energy.

Deeper into the listen, “The Dance” is full of warm energy that allows the winds to emit a dreaminess, while “Cutty Sark” glows with a creative, cinematic quality.

“Virginia” arrives close to the end, and illustrates a meticulousness from the strings that makes for melodic progressions, and “Atlantis” exits with a very absorbing dynamic between the orchestra that’s nothing short of stunning.

Grill is as prolific as he is detailed, and these early 20th inspired pieces continue his trend of top notch classical music that is all substance.

Travels well with: Stanley Grill-Und das Lied bleibt schon; Stanley Grill- Remember

Damir Imamović

The World And All That It Holds

Smithsonian Folkways, 2023

8/10

Listen to The World And All That It Holds

The Bosnian singer, songwriter and sevdah tradition-bearer Damir Imamović brings us a listen full of original compositions and traditional songs in Bosnian and Sephardic Ladino, where the tales of love, loss, hardship and perseverance resonate with much emotion.

“Sinoc (Last Night)” gets the listen off to an intimate start, where moody drums and hypnotic bass alongside the soothing tambur make an impression, and “Bejturan (Wormwood)” follows with an upbeat delivery of rich and rhythmic musicianship that allows Imamović’s diverse pipes to flow amid the meticulous strings.

In the middle, the dreamy “Kad Ja Podem Draga (When I Leave, My Dear)” welcomes the cultured melodies and gorgeous singing, while “Osmane” uses firm drums and pretty tar strumming for the album’s best.

Residing near the end, the meticulous “Snijeg Pade (The Snow Has Fallen)” soars with both tension and grace, where the low rumbling guides the lush delivery, and “Koliko Je Sirom Svijeta (As Vast As The World)” exits with warm clarinet and poetic singing populating the heartfelt finish.

The sounds of accordion, bass, clarinet, percussion, tambur, tar and violin are all present, and under Imamović’s vision it embraces his home of Sarajevo, and makes for a worldly, delicate and expressive listen.

Travels well with: Trad.Attack!- Bring It On; Roopa Panesar- ATMA

Jozef Dumoulin

This Body This Life

Carton, 2023

8/10

Listen to This Body This Life

The sophomore solo effort from the multi-instrumentalist Jozef Dumoulin, the 14 curious songs here explore vast timbres and sonorities that mesh avant-garde and experimental ideas into a very distinct jazz-ish formula.

“Ear Of The Ear” opens the listen with a unique mood that blends piano and synthetic drums into an artistic climate of electronica, and “Kindred Touch” follows with melodic and flowing keys that are as mesmerizing as they are atypical.

Further along, “Regular Encounters” carries a ominous quality that welcomes an unpredictable droning and wordless vocals, while “Altijd Koko Ziek” brings in Ayaan Dumoulin on keys and vocals for a raw, quick blast of more rock focused ideas.

Deeper still, “Seed Syllables” showcases meticulous and playful piano patterns that use bits of speaking for effect, and “Everything To Look Forward To” exits with a low buzzing and cinematic keys that are bare, cryptic and absorbing.

An extremely original body of work, Dumoulin treats music like art, where field recordings and organic instruments blend into an ambient and intriguing journey.

Travels well with: Rifo- Betel; No Tongues- Ici

Wayne Alpern

Saxology

Henri Elkan, 2023

8/10

Listen Saxology

The New York City composer, arranger and scholar Wayne Alpern is as prolific as he is impressive, and this time around he brings us 18 straight forward jazz tunes that make great use of the New York Saxophone Quartet.

“All The Things You Are” opens the listen with the brass harmonizing with much grace and adventurous that’s quite fluid, and it isn’t long until the indeed rhythmic “Fascinating Rhythm” allows each of the 4 players to display their respective strengths with a bright delivery.

Further along, the intimate and lush “Lonely Goatherd” makes for a reflective mood, while “Moten Swing” will get your body moving to the animated textures of the dynamic sax interaction.

Close to the end, the soothing “Turn Out The Stars” blends the brass with a unique dreaminess, and “When I’m Sixty-Four” exits with a bit of an old time feel that’s upbeat and nostaglic.

The saxophonists on hand include Steven Kenyon (soprano), Todd Groves (alto), Dave Noland (tenor) and John Winder (baritone), and together under Alpern’s vision they illustrate the many different dimensions of the saxophone with an inimitable attention to detail.

Travels well with: David Larsen- The Peplowski Project; Jeff Richman- XYZ

Open Road

Skylark

Delfina, 2023

9/10

Listen to Skylark

A stripped down version of Americana from Lucia Comnes and John Palmer, as Open Road the pair craft 9 impressive tunes for this debut that’s as diverse as it is sincere.

“No Hiding Place” begins the listen with Comnes’ intricate violin and Palmer’s warm acoustic guitar for the Appalachian spirited climate, and “Everybody Loves You” follows with a playful ragtime feel that welcomes Gawain Mathews’ frisky drums to the highly melodic delivery.

Elsewhere, the mid-tempo ballad “Wildflowers” has the pair harmonizing with much beauty in the Tom Petty cover, while the title track spotlights Mathews’ glowing pedal steel and is full light drums, mesmerizing acoustic guitar and Comnes’ poetic vocals alongside Palmer’s soulful backing voice.

Approaching the end, “Can’t Let Go” touches on rockabilly and uses fiddle, muted guitar and firm harmonies strategically in the Lucinda Willams classic, and “Dimming The Day” exits with an emotive story of the loss of romantic love, where the duo do justice to the Richard Thompson song with much beauty and grace.

A really well thought out and carefully executed first album, fans of Americana and folk music will find much to adore here, as Open Road pen intimate and frisky tunes of their own and put a very memorable spin on the covers, too.

Travels well with: Karan Casey- Nine Apples Of Gold; Daniel Janke- Songs Of Small Resistance

Ivan Neville

Touch My Soul

Mascot, 2023

8/10

Listen to Touch My Soul

It’s been almost two decades since Ivan Neville released a solo album, and he’s made it worth the wait, as Bonnie Raitt, Trombone Shorty, Aaron and Cyril Neville, plus others, join him for the 10 New Orleans spirited songs.

“Hey All Together” starts the listen with warm drums, graceful keys and soaring vocals from Aaron Neville, Bonnie Raitt and Michael McDonald, and “Greatest Place On Earth” follows with Trombone Shorty’s bright brass illuminating the playful and timeless New Orleans energy.

At the midpoint, the intimate and stirring “Touch My Soul” uses sublime keys and Neville’s expressive voice, while “Stand For Something” showcases much rhythm via the crisp drums, animated guitars and radiant brass.

“Pass It All Around” and “Beautiful Tears” exit the listen, where the former is heartfelt and pays close attention to mood thanks to the synth manipulation and firm keys, and the latter finishes with gorgeous piano balladry that’s vocal-less and powerful.

A listen that is truly collaborative, Neville brings a sense of community into his song craft, and the festive, tender, joyful and even pain focused creativity certainly makes for a triumphant return.

Travels well with: Roger Street Friedman- Love Hope Trust; Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band- Trouble Is… 25

David Deacon

Four

Slammin Media, 2023

8/10

Listen to Four

The Canadian blues and roots singer-songwriter David Deacon brings his rugged yet timeless approach to 10 songs that span a variety of emotions.

“No Never Mind” opens the listen with Deacon’s raw voice that sings and talks amid the frisky drums and lively keys, and “Arc Of Life” follows with a calmer pace of intimate, rootsy ideas that welcome warm guitar alongside Deacon’s poetic singing.

Halfway through, the soulful and emotive “Poetry” emits dreamy backing vocals, while “Only In Her Dreams” showcases breezy acoustic strumming and cozy drumming to the album’s best.

Close to the end, the gruff “Hard Time” is a bit more dense, as Deacon’s bright storytelling illuminates bluesy hints, and “Waving Free” exits with the playful bass and animated drums being complemented by the wise singing.

Deacon brings an old school flavor to his craft, and it’s not hard to think of legends like Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen or Marc Knopfler when listening to these heartfelt and sincere songs.

Travels well with: Eric Bibb- Riding’; Marc Jordan- Waiting For The Sun To Rise

Foxy

Can’t Stop Us

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Can’t Stop Us

The veteran punk outfit Foxy are celebrating two decades together by releasing 2 EPs simultaneously, one being an X-Ray Spex Tribute, while Can’t Stop Us offers us 6 new tunes of their timeless punk rock.

“Last Glimmer” gets the album off to an uproarious start with vocal harmonies and a melodic punk approach, where a sing-along chorus and quick tempo ensure a good time, and “Frozen” follows with an ultra tuneful delivery of timeless punky sounds.

Deeper into the EP, “Mess Around” offers a driving pace and crisp, yet fiery instrumentation to the affair, while “Can’t Stop Us” uses dual gender vocals with strategic ‘woah ohs’ that are addicting.

At the end, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” puts the talent of the rhythm section on display with deft percussion and bouncy bass lines, and “Devil Doll” ends the listen with a chunkier approach to their formula with even some post-punk nods.

An all star outfit consisting of members of 4-Gazm, Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets, The Damned and The Pushers, though Foxy were on hiatus for years while the members raised families and played in other bands, let’s hope this triumphant return is hopefully the precursor to a forthcoming LP.

Travels well with: Social Distortion- Mommy’s Little Monster; The Runaways- Waitin’ For The Night