Kristen R. Bromley

Muagsician

KRBM, 2023

8/10

Listen to Muagsician

A double disc outing that has the esteemed guitarist Kristen R. Bromley playing solo across 25 tracks, here she embraces standards, traditional folk songs and plenty of originals, too.

The soulful and warm “Watermelon Man” opens the listen with Bromley’s meticulous progressions flowing with unparalleled skill, and it isn’t long until the certainly bluesy “All Blues” mesmerizes us with its cautious rhythm.

Further along, “Through The Veil” emits playful melodies and focuses plenty on tone for the fluid delivery, while the swift and dynamic “Bring It On” unfolds with firm gestures of upbeat and groove filled songwriting.

Residing near the end, the soft and intimate “Paint Me A Picture My Love” emits a poetic, romantic appeal, and “I Know My Redemmer: He Lives!” exits with a deeply religious, comforting finish of heartfelt ideas.

Bromley has earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, as well as several other degrees, and that level of academic achievement certainly contributes to this indeed magical display of sincere and enriching jazz music that will always be relevant.

Travels well with: Randy Bernsen- Heart Mind And Soul; Kristen R. Bromley Quintet- Bluish Tide

The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective

Fiesta At Caroga

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Fiesta At Caroga

The 8 members of The Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective bring their fusion ideas to this traditional Afro-Caribbean meets modern jazz formula, where plenty of festive ideas unfold.

“Descarga 2” opens the listen with playful percussion from Stephen Busath, Sebastian Nassar and Brian Shank, as warm brass enters with timeless jazz qualities that emit much culture, and “Xiprona Cha Cha” follows with José Guzmán’s cozy guitar amid Eric Devey’s soulful trumpet that’s rich with rhythm.

“El Canaveral” and “El Volcán” land in the middle, where the former radiates a sublime intimacy thanks to Brian Stark’s dreamy sax, while the latter meshes the bright horns with much melody.

Arriving near the end, the soft and agile “Carino” benefits much from Ian Stewart’s well timed bass amid the hazy gestures, and “Baile Bailekita” exits with a celebratory mood via the lively rhythm section and lush brass- especially Ben Weisger’s trombone.

Each selection here pays tribute to salsa sounds, and will resonate globally with much intrigue thanks to the animated textures, worldly grooves and improvisational abilities.

Travels well with: Aguankó- Unidad; Vincent Venezia- The Venetian

Andrea Superstein

Oh Mother

Cellar, 2024

8/10

Listen to Oh Mother

The Vancouver singer and composer Andrea Superstein takes her own experience as a mother and uses it to fuel these jazz vocal songs that surround love and gratitude.

“To All The Mothers” starts the listen with many voices discussing motherhood, before Carlie Howell’s playful bass enters alongside Superstein’s bright and expressive singing, and “Everywhere” follows with Chris Gestrin’s flowing keys amid Dan Gaucher’s fluid drums and, of course, Superstein’s distinct pipes.

“I Carry Your Heart” arrives in the middle, and uses Rachel Therrien’s soulful trumpet alongside the bright tone of the vocals, while “Who Are You Now” welcomes Elisa Thorn’s dreamy harp to the intimate and heartfelt delivery.

Arriving near the end, “May You” spotlights Meredith Bates’ violin prowess via the ambient gestures and groove filled climate, and “Musicbox” exits with a lullaby-esque twinkling that will certainly remind any parent of the joys of having a baby.

Superstein interviewed around 100 mothers to see if her experiences were shared, and the powerful vocals lead the tracks in and out of a vast emotional range that truly touches on the profound fulfillment of parenthood.

Travels well with: Allison Au- Migrations; Jocelyn Gould- Sonic Bouquet

Carmen Sea

Sorry

La Claudiere, 2023

8/10

Listen to Sorry

The Paris outfit Carmen Sea return with a 2nd EP, where the 5 tracks surround a car crash the band suffered in 2022, and it showcases their multi-faceted, instrumental rock ideas.

“Speed” gets the listen off to a drum focused start, where jagged guitars give the mood a post-punk influence, and “Sorry” follows with Tetha’s bright and flowing voice amid the harmonic and rich ideas that are both dreamy and pretty.

The middle spot belongs to the dense and rumbling “Crash”, where thick bass and firm drums emit both tension and grace, while “Exit” embraces post-rock flavor and plenty of atypical ideas that includes violin plucking that’s nothing short of alluring.

“Feel Alive”, the final track, then uses intimacy strategically, as ambience enters a very progressive intersection.

The quartet do much with bass, drums, guitar and violin, and the addition of vocals on a track is a new surprise that adds even more intrigue to the noisy, industrial, cinematic moments.

Travels well with: Parquet- Sparkles & Mud; Baby Fire- A Year Of Grace

Kevin Sun

The Depths Of Memory

Endectomorph, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Depths Of Memory

The sax extraordinaire Kevin Sun is in some fine company here, where a double album unfolds with attention to detail and avant-garde jazz ideas.

“From All This Stillness” opens the listen with 7 segments of frisky drumming from Matt Honor that complements Sun’s lively sax bouts and Simón Willson’s skilled bass for the melodic and adventurous spirit.

“Eponymous Cycle” occupies the middle spot, and is packed with intimacy and grace across the 3 chapters that hosts Dayeon Seok’s light drums and Adam O’Farrill’s well timed trumpet that match Dana Saul’s piano acrobatics.

The final piece is the cozy yet playful “The Depths In Slow Motion”, which spotlights Walter Stinson’s meticulous bass alongside the sophisticated keys and Sun’s soulful, dreamy sax skills for a radiant exit.

An effort that’s capable of being abstract, swinging cautiously or sinking into ballad-esque moments, Sun and company make for a distinct version of jazz that’s quite fascinating.

Travels well with: Aline Homzy- Éclipse; Satoko Fujii Tokyo Trio- Jet Black

Annie Moscow

Land Of Dreams

11 Blocks, 2024

8/10

Listen to Land Of Dreams

This 6th album from the singer-songwriter Annie Moscow is her first completely acoustic effort, where personal songwriting spans across the 10 rich and diverse tracks.

Moscow’s warm piano and cozy voice starts the soft “Sitting Here In Numbers”, where light percussion and gentle backing voices are in attendance, and “Girl Behind The Trees” follows with expressive singing that welcomes layers of backing vocals to the soulful climate.

In the middle, “Middle Child” is a bit dreamy, where the mesmerizing keys suit the bright storytelling that’s powerful, while “Who Will I Be Good For Now” uses Suzanne Lansford’s gorgeous violin, which complements the graceful piano.

Arriving near the end, “To See This With Me” is populated by David Landau’s elegant cello via the sublime intimacy, and “Land Of Dreams” has Rachael Nicole Gold taking over piano for the poetic and uplifting finish that’s textured with beauty.

Guitars are used strategically here, where Daniel Landau and Kenny Skaggs handle them, and Thano Sahnas’ bouzouki and Felix Sainz’s bass are also a big part of Moscow’s heartfelt, folky, jazzy and pop friendly songs.

Travels well with: Summerlyn Powers- The Hive; Nina De Vitry- What You Feel Is Real

Nikos Chatzitsakos

Tiny Big Band 2

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Tiny Big Band 2

The bassist and arranger Nikos Chatzitsakos brings 6 horns and vocals to these songs that tip their hat to Cole Porter, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Donald Byrd, among others.

“All Or Nothing At All” starts the listen with Joey Curreri’s fluid flugelhorn and Samuël Bolduc’s agile drumming complementing Chatzitsakos’ skilled bass in the warm climate, and “Get Out Of Town” follows with Alexandria DeWalt’s expressive voice alongside Wilfie Williams’ smooth piano and the soulful horns for the thoughtful delivery.

“Where Or When” occupies the middle spot and illuminates the meticulous bass amid Eleni Ermina Sofou’s gorgeous singing, while “I Don’t Know What Time It Was” has Curreri on trumpet that suits DeWalt’s impressive range in the rich album highlight.

Close to the end, “The Windmills Of Your Mind” enters darker territory via the Rhodes thanks to Williams and the animated sax playing, and “Fotografia” exits with poetic brass and the gentle rhythm section making an indelible impression.

A listen that’s not short on harmonies, melodies, solos and grooves, Chatzitsakos and company bridge the charm of a small ensemble with Big Band ideas, where the brass from Robert Mac Vega Dowda (cornet), Salim Charvet (alto sax), Art Baden (tenor sax), Armando Vergara (trombone) and Gabriel Nekrutman (bari sax) does not disappont.

Travels well with: Marshall Gilkes- Life Songs; Gerald Cannon- Live At Dizzy’s Club

Amanda Grace

Give Me Away

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Give Me Away

A personal body of work for the singer-songwriter Amanda Grace, these 11 tracks bring a wealth of self-reflection and showcase some excellent musicians for the diverse listen.

The soft and crisp title track opens with Matt Patrick’s warm organ and mellotron complementing Grace’s soaring pipes with some rural spirit, and “Wouldn’t Be You” follows with Ian Allison’s skilled bass matching the emotive singing in the powerful climate.

Moving into the middle, the breezy “The Last Ones” shuffles with a country flavor that uses Steve Bosmans’ melodic guitar superbly, while “New Year” is a bit dreamy and welcomes Noah Levy’s precise drumming amid Grace’s expressive voice.

Closer to the end, the intimate and stirring “Best Part Of Me” has Patrick handling rubber bridge guitar, Hohner Paint, synthesizer and backing vocals for the heartfelt album highlight, and “All We Need” exits with Patrick playing a handful of instruments via the rich, textured Americana.

A Minnesota artist who embraces R&B, soul, rock, indie and pop into her universally relatable formula, Amanda Grace possesses a voice you won’t soon forget, and these songs resonate, too.

Travels well with: Leslie Vincent- About Last Night; Mae Simpson- Chandelier & Bloom

Samuel Wilbur

The Age

Self-Released, 2024

10/10

Listen to The Age

The Twin Cities artist Samuel Wilber has a penchant for ‘90s flavored shoegaze and folk-pop ideas, as these 11 songs unfold with themes surrounding the global climate crisis.

The title track opens the listen with Wilbur’s expressive voice alongside much atmosphere and Dani Michaele’s gorgeous backing vocals and Bob Beahen’s thumping drums, and “Bright Lights” follows with Joanna Artz lending her pipes to the dreamy landscape of beauty that builds into a frisky delivery of hazy folk.

In the middle, the swift and melodic textures of “Karen” welcomes Rachel Kenney’s pretty voice amid the scrappy, rootsy appeal, while “The Seasons” showcases Laura Kiernan bright singing that suits the pop ideas that you could dance to.

Arriving near the end, Bryan Highhill’s cozy keys populate the breezy “Take My Hand”, where Michaele handles lead vocals, and “Home” exits with a rich and harmonic display of stylish, modern folk-rock that’s an infectious as it is memorable.

Wilbur handles guitar, bass, piano, organ, vocals, synth, and uke, and along with his excellent help, he pens one of the best folk-ish records in recent history.

Travels well with: Martin Zellar- Head West; Skarlett Woods- Letters To The West

Marshall Gilkes And The WDR Big Band

Life Songs

Alternate Side, 2024

8/10

Listen to Life Songs

The trombonist Marshall Gilkes brings along the WDR Big Band for these 11 energetic tunes that are rich with melodies.

The bright brass of “Fresh Start” opens the listen, where Gilkes’ soaring trombone is met with much warmth and rhythm in the rich climate, and “Back In The Groove” follows with Johan Horlén’s animated alto sax and Billy Test’s swirling keys making for a mesmerizing delivery.

Halfway through, “Pretty Little Horses” welcomes Sabeth Pérez’s charming vocal scatting to the intimate display of soft versus firm instrumentation, while “Middle Ground” meshes trombones from Ludwig Nuss, Raphael Klemm, Andy Hunter and Gilkes for the careful landscape of precision and mood.

Arriving close to the end, the lively “Sugar Rush” features Paul Heller’s tenor sax, as the setting builds into a dizzying execution of timeless jazz ideas, and “Taconic Turns”, one of two songs featured on the digital version, emits animated bass lines from John Goldsby and Hans Dekker’s swift drums for the smooth finish.

Gilkes has picked up a couple of Grammy Nominations so far, and this 8th album as leader will be sure to turn even more heads his direction thanks to the excellent company and first rate Big Band execution.

Travels well with: Gerald Cannon- Live At Dizzy’s Club: The Music Of Elvin & McCoy; Lawrence Fields- To The Surface

Betty Bryant

Lotta Livin’

Bry-Mar, 2024

8/10

Listen to Lotta Livin’

An aptly titled 14th album, the 94 year old Betty Bryant brings her piano, singing and composing skills to these 9 timeless jazz tunes.

“Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea” starts the listen with Bryant’s soulful pipes and warm keys alongside Robert Kyle’s glowing sax and Kenny Elliott’s agile drums, and “Put A Lid On It” follows with Richard Simon’s plucked acoustic bass that suits Bryant’s diverse singing.

Halfway through, “Blues To Get Started” pairs the frisky rhythm section with Bryant’s melodic piano, while “Chicken Wings” spotlights Kyle’s spirited harmonica and spoken word with some southern flavor.

Landing near the end, the romantic “The Very Thought Of You” welcomes Kieber Jorge’s fluid guitar and Kevin Winard’s dreamy percussion, and “A Lot Of Livin’ To Do” exits with Kyle’s airy flute and the playful bass that illuminates Bryant’s friendly singing.

Bryant’s musical career started at age 4 in Kansas City, and it has remained active and consistent with worldwide performances. The 4 originals she penned for this listen are top notch and along with the standards it makes for a festive, swingin’ and blues fueled affair that’s impressive from any artist, regardless of age.

Travels well with: Judy Whitmore- Come Fly With Me; Ada Bird Wolfe- Odd Bird

Gerald Cannon

Live At Dizzy’s Club: The Music Of Elvin & McCoy

Woodneck, 2024

8/10

Listen to Live At Dizzy’s Club: The Music Of Elvin & McCoy

The bassist Gerald Cannon is in some fine company here, where 8 live tracks were fleshed out at the Lincoln Center venue and honor the legacies of McCoy Turner and Elvin Jones.

The bright horns start the listen, as Lenny White’s lively drums guide the frisky jazz presence of “EJ’s Blues”, and “Three Elders” follows with a calmer demeanor thanks to Eddie Henderson’s soulful trumpet and Dave Kikoski’s intimate keys.

“Search For Peace” and “Blues In The Minor” land in the middle, where the former benefits much from Joe Lovano’s rich tenor sax amid the precise bass playing, while the latter is a swift and dynamic highlight that showcases animated keys, atmospheric drums and spirited brass.

Landing near the end, the grooves of “Contemporary Focus” pair Henderson’s fluid trumpet with Cannon’s quick bass acrobatics, and “Inception” exits with lively rhythm and no lack of melody for the upbeat and timeless fun.

Steve Turre’s trombone and Sherman Irby’s alto sax contributions can’t not be discussed, too, and together with the superb cast they tip their hat to some greats via their own inimitable formula.

Travels well with: Lawrence Fields- To The Surface; Skip Wilkins Trio- In Morava/Na Morave

Lawrence Fields

To The Surface

Rhythm-n-Flow, 2023

9/10

Listen to To The Surface

The esteemed pianist Lawrence Fields is joined by Yasushi Nakamura and Corey Fonville for this exciting debut of 10 modern jazz tunes.

“Parachute” starts the listen, and it showcases Fields’ stunning finger acrobatics alongside Fonville’s lively drums, and “New Season Blues” follows with a fuller approach that benefits from Nakamura’s strategic bass, as the fluid keys radiate warmth.

The title track arrives in the middle, and it emits a distinct intimacy amid the restrained rhythm section, while “Yasorey” is a scrappy, rich album highlight that’s not short on melody or grooves.

Residing near the end, “Sketches” builds into a crisp and rumbling climate of dynamic interaction between the three, and “The Lookout” exits with a frisky energy thanks to Fields’ meticulous keys, the agile drums and lively bass plucking.

A well thought out trio effort, Fields and company illuminate his ‘honest music’ approach, and it warrants repeated listens.

Travels well with: Skip Wilkins Trio- In Morava/Na Morave; Cory Weeds- Home Cookin’

Thomas Ignatius

Thomas Ignatius

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to Thomas Ignatius

The Helsinki resident and avant-pop wizard Thomas Ignatius brings us tunes in Latin and that are influenced by the ‘80s, and they come with a medieval theme.

“Ex nihilo” starts the record with warm singing, where soft guitar suits the calm melodies, and “De longe de prope” follows with more focus on percussion amid a slight buzzing and playful vocal acrobatics.

Deeper into the listen, “Comites fideles” layers voices amid Eastern influences that thump with a mesmerizing quality, while “Omnis bene” comes with a chanting demeanor as well as strategic mandolin.

Landing near the end, “In germine” carries a distinct dreaminess that unfolds with a heartfelt delivery, and “In flare” exits with meticulous zither that’s brief and memorable.

Your guess is as good as mine as to what to call this kind of music. ‘Dungeon Synth’ and ‘Comfy Synth’ might be close, and Tuomas Palonen, i.e. Thomas Ignatius, handles Casio CZ-101, Yamaha PS-6100, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, zither, mandolin and percussion for the unclassifiable listen.

Travels well with: Waking Dreams- Sliding Lines; Frode Fivel- All You See

Chronotope Project

Chronology

Spotted Peccary, 2023

8/10

Listen to Chronology

The recording moniker of Jeffrey Ericson Allen, as Chronotope Project the composer, cellist and electronic artist brings both classical and theatrical ideas to these 10 adventurous songs.

“Unwinding The Dream (Remix)” gets the listen off to a soothing start, where waves of dreamy electronica are met with hazy strings, and “Mind’s I” follows with a chilling ambience of cinematic ideas that unfold with gentle melodies.

In the middle, “Tonglen” emits a darker appeal that floats with a surreal presence, while “Arctic Spring” spotlights the gorgeous cello and alluring guitar chords amid a hint of mysteriousness via the meditative song craft.

Close to the end, “No Birth, No Death (Remix)” rumbles calmly with its meticulous gestures, and “The Unbearable Lightness Of Being” exits with the brightest selection of trumpets and timpani dancing around each other in its heartfelt demeanor.

A mesmerizing body of work that embraces sonic adventure, ethereal bouts and subtly dramatic ebbs, this is progressive, ambient music at its finest.

Travels well with: Aetopus- Cup; David Franklin- Passings

Alan Doyle

Welcome Home

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Welcome Home

The Canadian singer-songwriter Alan Doyle returns with more thoughtful and diverse songs, where the 9 tracks are wise, elegant and highly memorable.

The graceful “Yours And Mine” starts the record with Kendel Carson’s well timed fiddle and Kris MacFarlane’s fluid drumming complementing Doyle’s flowing voice, and the title track follows with a thicker presence of playful roots rock that has Billy Sutton handling tenor banjo and bodhran via the thumping delivery.

Some of the best tracks reside in the middle, where “Dancing Like We Did Last Night” balances both bare and full moments thanks to Cory Tetford’s skilled guitar and voice, while “Long Night” focuses much on Doyle’s warm pipes amid Shehab Illyas’ agile bass and Todd Lumley’s moody keys and accordion.

“Best I Never Had” and “All For A Song” exit the listen, where the former is a gentle, reflective display of rich song craft that uses Marcus Paquin’s percussion strategically, and “All For A Song” exits with keys guiding the vivid storytelling and dreamy climate.

Formerly of the folk-pop outfit Great Big Sea, this is Doyle’s 6th solo album, and it meshes folk, Celtic, roots, country and bluegrass nods into a charming listen that’s both festive and vulnerable.

Travels well with: Alan Doyle- Back To The Harbour; David Myles- So Far

Patti Parks

Come Sing With Me

VizzTone, 2024

8/10

Listen to Come Sing With Me

This 2nd album from the soulful singer Patti Parks welcomes the blues legend Johnny Rawls, where 10 swingin’ tunes and ballads make up Come Sing With Me.

I’m In Love With You Baby” begins the listen with Parks’ expressive and heartfelt voice guiding the rich climate that uses Rawls’ raspy pipes, too, and “DJ’s Boogie (I Like To Boogie)” follows with lively keys fueling the rowdy, dance floor ready rocker that employs backing vocals superbly.

At the halfway point, “I’m Sorry” makes great use of bluesy guitar playing that suits Parks’ diverse singing, while “Why” is an intimate moment of poetic song craft that’s full of emotion and timelessness, where horns are placed gracefully.

Landing near the end, the playful bass lines of “How Much Longer” is full of melodic gestures and frisky rhythm, and “Good Day For The Blues” exits the listen with a bouncy appeal of charming singing and infectious instrumentation.

A top notch record that embraces Memphis Soul, gospel and Carolina Swag, Parks and Rawls roar loudly and burn slow alongside Richard Rosenblatt’s harmonica, Kamira Lattimore’s voice and Aaron Blackmon’s organ for the stylish and memorable occasion

Travels well with: Deb Ryder- Memphis Moonlight; Patti Parks- Whole Nother World

Armchair Boogie

Hard Times & Deadlines

Self-Released, 2024

8/10

Listen to Hard Times & Deadlines

Augie Dougherty, Ben Majeska, Eli Frieders and Denzel Connor, i.e. Armchair Boogie, bring their jamgrass, newgrass and funkgrass ways to these lively 10 tracks that welcome some excellent guests.

“Hard Times” starts the listen with fluid picking, as Majeska’s distinct voice guides the rural melodies, and “Livin’” follows with swift and dynamic playing that makes great use of Connor’s acrobatic drumming and Dougherty’s banjo wizardry.

At the halfway point, “Skippin’ Town” is a calmer moment of warm song craft and vivid storytelling that emits soothing vocal harmonies, while “You’ve Been Hurt” is populated by Frieders’ flowing bass amid the heartfelt singing.

Approaching the end, “Liquor Store” benefits much from Ernest Brusubardis IV’s animated fiddle, and “Boneyard” exits with a frisky demeanor of harmonic songwriting that spotlights Dougherty’s vibrant harmonica.

This Wisconsin quartet is really onto something, and their powerful, creative and funk friendly vision that uses horns on occasion sure does put a fresh coat of paint on bluegrass.

Travels well with: Arkansauce- Ok To Wonder; Randy Steele- High Cold Wind

The Vaccines

Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations

Thirty Tigers, 2024

10/10

Listen to Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations

The Brit-rockers The Vaccines return with 10 guitar driven pop tunes, where the quartet explores the way life disappoints us across this 6th studio album.

“Sometimes I Swear” opens up the listen with a hint of ambience, as Yoann Intonti’s thumping drums are met with swirling guitars, and “Heartbreak Kid” follows with some scrappy garage rock appeal that has some well timed buzzing amid Árni Árnason’s strategic bass lines.

Halfway through, “Primitive Man” allows Justin Young’s booming voice to shine in the melodic and dreamy album highlight, while “Another Nightmare” touches on some post-punk nods alongside the club ready climate.

“The Dreamer” and “Anonymous In Los Feliz” exit the listen, as the former radiates rich and playful textures of modern pop appeal, and the latter finishes with an uplifting and anthemic spirit via Timothy Lanham’s meticulous keys.

An infectious body of work that’s never short on hooks, melodies and choruses you won’t soon forget, whether this is your first time with The Vaccines or you’re an unwavering fan, you’re going to be impressed.

Travels well with: The Wombats- Fix Yourself, Not The World; Rival Sons- Dark Fighter

The Rails

Cancel The Sun

Thirty Tigers, 2019

9/10

Listen to Cancel The Sun

Comprised of the duo of Kami Thompson and James Walbourne, The Rails are back with a 3rd album that’s a more rugged and muscular version of their tuneful, glorious songwriting.

“Call Me When It All Goes Wrong” starts the album with warm, harmonic indie-rock and dual gender vocals that take nods to ‘90s guitar work, and “Mossy Well” follows with a calmer, rich atmosphere of heartfelt Americana and folk ideas.

Elsewhere, “Dictator” offers calm balladry with minimal instrumentation that tips it hat to the ‘60s, while “Ball And Chain” strums with a rock’n’roll spirit that points towards Walbourne’s time in Son Volt. The album highlight resides here, as “Waiting On Something” firmly illustrates the chemistry present in the married couple with a rich, eclectic formula.

At the end, “Leave Here Alone” displays timeless, sparse beauty, and the title track concludes the listen with a powerful yet bare appeal in the acoustic waltz.

With a sound that is very much rooted in their Brit-pop heritage, The Rails also keep the folk-rock influence of their earlier years intact, making for a diverse, charming and extremely memorable listen. While no one would want Walbourne to quit his day job playing for The Pretenders, if it means more music from The Rails, I doubt anyone would complain.

Travels well with: Radiohead- The Bends; The Cranberries- No Need To Argue