Harakiri For The Sky

Scorched Earth

AOP, 2025

9/10

Listen to Harakiri For The Sky

The German outfit Harakiri For The Sky return with more of their atmospheric metal, where the 8 involved tracks essentially create a genre all their own.

“Heal Me” starts with soft keys, but it doesn’t take long for the dense guitar to enter amid the pleading vocals of the emotive and thick climate, and “Keep Me Longing” follows with melodic piano and a dreamy, post-rock mood that welcomes hard hitting, nearly mechanical drumming that suits the raspy vocals.

Arriving at the halfway point is the warm guitar opening of “No Graves But The Sea” that uses grungey sounds and throaty singing which brings to mind hardcore, while “With Autumn I’ll Surrender” flirts with prog-rock ideas and flowing melodies where talking and singing mix with incredible precision in the abrasive yet tuneful album highlight.

Close to the end, the pummeling “Too Late For Goodbyes” offers an ebullient and guttural execution that’s still able to retain harmony, and “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” exits with a Radiohead cover that leads similar to the original before the crunchy and bristling backdrop adds a new dimension to the classic tune.

A truly exceptional body of work that will appeal to metalheads, punks and emo fans, the songs touch on the fragmented world of today, and the songs are fierce but memorable.

Travels well with: BLYND- Unbeliever; Hardraw- Abyss Of Mankind

Adrianna Ciccone/Ellen Gibling

The Pear Tree

Nova Scotia, 2024

9/10

Listen to The Pear Tree

The harpist Ellen Gibling and fiddle player Adrianna Ciccone come together for these 8 well thought out folk tunes that embrace Appalachian and Celtic ideas.

“Petit Papa Noel/Ding Dong Merrily On High/The Ardgroom” opens with the elegant harp and emotive fiddle interacting with tremendous beauty and warmth, and “In The Bleak Midwinter/The Anticipation” tugs on the heartstrings with 7/4 time as it radiates a dreamy quality.

“Divinum Mysterium” lands in the middle and is strong on mood via the twinkling harp and droning fiddle, while “Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day/The Sussex Carol” are English carols that are interpreted with a playful nature and harmonic dynamics.

Arriving close to the end, “The Little Drummer Boy/Breakin’ Up Christmas” illustrates incredible chemistry between Ciccone and Gibling thanks to the cautious yet exploratory album highlight, and “L’Abbiamo/Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle” exits with an original, where the waltz unfolds with grace and a touching demeanor.

A very elegant and memorable holiday listen, the duo put much thought and attention into every sublime moment.

Travels well with: Hattie Webb- Wild Medicine; Ellen Gibling- The Bend In The Light

Ronan Courty

Synesthesia

Ormo, 2025

9/10

Listen to Synesthesia

A highly adventurous listen, Ronan Courty presents 2 lengthy tracks that offer different peeks at the same image from a technical standpoint.

“Synesthesia” occupies the first half, and is an instrumental offering of low qualities that evolve into a dense and ominous landscape that falls into cinematic areas of intrigue. Closer to the end, the setting gets brighter, melodic even, thanks to the harmonic discord.

“Ideasthesia” exits the affair, and rumbles curiously before settling into a nearly mechanical feel via the animated synth and double bass gestures.

Courty handles bass, synth, diapasons and verres with much attention to detail, and it makes for a daring and memorable experience of instrumental song craft that’s not short on uniquely soothing and colorful sounds.

Travels well with: Creve Coeur- Catastrophes; You Said Strange- Thousand Shadows Vol. 1

Night Collectors

Heat & Fury

Aagoo/Cardinal Fuzz, 2025

9/10

Listen to Heat & Fury

A San Francisco outfit with a knack for psychedelic and droning rock, these 5 tracks from Night Collectors showcases the quartet’s varied and veteran skills.

“One Thousand Years” opens with much ambience, before John Krausbauer’s swirling guitar and manipulated voice enters the raw, echoing version of rock, and “Take Me Higher” follows with Kaori Suzuki’s percussion adding to the mesmerizing and hazy presence.

The title track occupies the middle spot and is more fierce, as Kevin Guzman’s throbbing bass surrounds Blaine Todd’s radiant guitar tone and Suzuki’s hard hitting drums, while “What Would I Do” dives headfirst into psyche areas via the hypnotic rhythm section and garage rock nods. “Transmissions” exits the listen, and quickly builds into a dense post-punk and fuzzed out EP highlight of a very distinct gospel.

A really unique effort that was started just before the pandemic and then put on hold, Night Collectors embrace distortion, noise, and mystery in a way that makes 5 songs just not enough.

Travels well with: The Conformists- Midwestless; The Poison Arrows- War Regards

Everett Wren

Cascades

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Cascades

The multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Everett Wren brings along much talent for these folk and Americana songs that are sincere and memorable.

“Ungrounded” begins the listen with Taylor Turner’s skilled upright bass that suits Wren’s distinct voice and flowing fiddle for the upbeat start, and “Fleety” follows with Sasha K.A.’s strategic drumming alongside the eloquent storytelling and playful guitars.

Arriving in the middle, “Tug At Stars” benefits from Nathan Quiring’s animated keys and Matt E. Bradshaw’s well timed trumpet and percussion that makes this the album’s best, while “Find A Way Home” makes great use of Aaron Dembe’s harmonies and wovles howling via the playful folk ideas.

Landing close to the end, the meticulous fiddle of “Banish Misfortune” also recruits penny whistle from Bradshaw, and “Weeping Willow Tree” exits with Kate Heron’s harmonies adding much beauty to the breezy melodies.

Wren is an Arkansas state fiddle champion, and additionally handles mandolin, acoustic and electric guitar, lap steel, resophonic slide guitar, percussion and clogging across this very diverse effort that also touches on bluegrass, Broadway and Western music in a very original way.

Travels well with: Long Prairie- By Sunrise; Carolyn Kendrick- Each Machine

Satoko Fujii GEN

Altitude 1100 Meters

Libra, 2025

9/10

Listen to Altitude 1100 Meters

The pianist/composer Satoko Fujii expands her horizons with plenty of strings via the 5 adventurous tracks.

“Part 1: Morning Haze” opens the listen with a mysterious haze, as Akira Horikoshi’s subtle drums enter alongside the manipulated violins from Ayako Kato and Yuriko Mukoujima, and “Part 2: Morning Sun” follows with Fujii’s agile keys guiding the ambience that’s a bit haunting, even ominous.

“Part 3: Early Afternoon” lands in the middle and benefits from Atsuko Hatano’s moody viola before the dizzying display of acrobatic drumming enters, while “Part 4: Light Rain” relies on plucked strings and Hiroshi Yoshino’s distorted bass via the cinematic exploration.

“Part 5: Twilight” exits the listen, and it’s 11+ minutes of artistic songwriting that’s tender, dramatic and even jarring sometimes.

Another creative installment of her atypical vision, Fujii puts an inestimable spin on jazz with exciting results.

Travels well with: Satoko Fujii Quartet- Dog Days Of Summer; Natsuki Tamura/Satoko Fujii- Aloft

Evan Rotella

Last Train Home

Backstreet, 2024

10/10

Listen to Last Train Home

The Niagara Fall singer-songwriter Even Rotella returns with a sophomore album, where much introspection enters the acoustic fueled folk songs.

The title track starts with warm harmonica and Rotella’s poetic voice that emits a heartfelt mood of relatable story telling and cozy guitar, and “Maryanne” follows with gorgeous guitar progressions and a swirling folk melody.

“Run Away” and “My Hometown” arrive in the middle. The former is full of eloquent wordplay that showcases Rotella’s distinct and memorable voice that carries a hint of grit, while the latter is a soft and intimate moment of beauty and reflection.

The sincere record exits with “One For The Road”, where the meticulous guitar is met with Rotella’s authentic and touching wordplay.

You’ll hear traces of greats like Springsteen and Dylan in Rotella’s work, and these 7 excellent songs are a must for anyone with an interest in modern folk sounds.

Travels well with: Chris Moyse- Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers; John Dawson- Outlier

Motu

Awareness Or Illusion

Self-Released, 2025

8/10

Listen to Awareness Or Illusion

The Long Island artist Motu returns with a 24th album, where his guitar fueled roots rock is as relevant and memorable as ever.

“Just Shut Up, Stop Talking To Me” starts the listen with Motu’s dense guitar and rugged voice alongside Ed Modzel’s thumping drums, and “Something Has Changed” follows with buzzing guitar and Dee Michelson’s expressive pipes that harmonize with Motu’s raw pipes.

Landing close to the middle, the spirited harmonica and playful dobro suits Michelson’s soaring pipes across “Too Much Bullshit To Normalize”, while “I Look To The East” is a powerful moment of dreamy and authentic songwriting where the pedal steel guitar makes an impression.

The title track arrives close to the end and spotlights the sturdy riffs and hazy keyboards amid a bluesy approach, and “A Company Man” exits with a frisky energy of timeless rock qualities that uses finger tapping and slide guitar techniques.

A diverse body of work that adeptly moves across the rock spectrum via grunge, jam band, Americana, blues, roots and classic rock, Motu (real name Dr. Richard Michelson) handles vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, dobro, pedal steel, bass, mandolin, keys and harmonica for 11 songs that may remind you of Warren Haynes, Keith Richards or Jimi Hendrix.

Travels well with: Motu- The Water Is High; Motu- Acceding To The Apocalypse

Mafalda Minnozzi

Riofonic

Musica Populare Italiana, 2025

8/10

Listen to Riofonic

The inimitable vocalist Mafalda Minnozzi takes on Brazilian classics with her unique vision, where a large cast of players are on hand for the timeless intepretations.

Minnozzi’s warm and cultured voice opens the listen with “Rio”, as Paul Ricci’s flowing guitar and Joao Cortez’s fluid drums add much beauty, and “Corcovado” follows with an intimate spirit that benefits from Roberto Menescal’s smooth pipes via the Jobim piece.

Moving close to the middle, “Eu E A Brisa” is an emotive moment of grace and dreaminess via the soft drums and Marcelo Martins’ airy alto flute, while “Tu Si ‘Na Cosa Grande” welcomes Jorge Helder’s cautious acoustic bass that complements Minnozzi’s gorgeous pipes.

Further still, “The Gentle Rain” employs Jaques Morelenbaum’s gripping violoncello and Ricci’s cozy acoustic guitar amid a very poetic vocal performance, and “Água De Beber” exits with an upbeat mood thanks to the frisky rhythm section and lively scatting of the melodic finish.

This is Minnozzi’s 4th album for the USA and it’s an authentic effort with a colorful tone, swingin’ fun and heartfelt song craft that will resonate globally.

Travels well with: Mafalda Minnozzi- Natural Impression; Mafalda Minnozzi- Cinema City

C'mon Tigre

Instrumental Ensemble- Soundtrack For Imaginary Movie Vol 1

CMT, 2025

9/10

Listen to Instrumental Ensemble- Soundtrack For Imaginary Movie Vol 1

The duo of C’mon Tigre take on an impressive project here, where an alternate view of cinematic music unfolds via a soundtrack for a fictional film that embraces innovative methods.

The strong attention to atmosphere of “Broken Steps/Tokyo Ch 1” opens with soft guitar and light percussion that emits much beauty, and it isn’t long until “Rebirth- Reboot/Tokyo Ch 2” welcomes graceful keys and a twinkling background that unfolds with a hazy demeanor.

Landing in the middle, the cozy vibes of “Fading Futures/ Rio Ch 2” radiates mystery and fluid drumming bouts, while “Something New/ Rio Ch 3” recruits a worldly jazz friendly presence thanks to the animated sax, soulful brass and frisky drumming.

Arriving close to the end, “Dilemma/New York Ch 5” blends the powerful winds into a rhythmic and cautious album highlight, and “Beyond/Tokyo Ch 6” exits with a throbbing backdrop and sci-fi meets classical mood of sophistication and adventurousness.

An extremely detailed 23 tracks, C’mon Tiger flesh out an artistic body of work, where a story about sounds and text draws our ears into a multisensory universe.

Travels well with: C’mon Tigre- Habitat; C’mon Tigre- Scenario

Carolina Lee

It’s Still Now

Marzipan, 2024

8/10

Listen to It’s Still Now

A Berlin quartet with a penchant for dream-pop sounds, Carolina Lee bridge the ideas of the ‘70s and the ‘90s for these 8 personal tracks.

“Letting Go” opens the listen soft and warm, where Lutz Oliver’s crisp drums align with Nadja Carolina’s expressive and soft voice with folk qualities, and “Change Of Mind” follows with Simon Grote’s gentle guitar amid hushed singing and much elegance.

At the halfway point, “A Walk In The Park” radiates a cozy mood via the melodic climate and Leah Corper’s strategic bass, while “If I Try” embraces plenty of pop nods in its poetic and intimate demeanor.

“Seven” and “Ahead Of Me” exit the listen. The former comes with a mesmerizing presence that benefits from the rich rhythm section and a hint of sadness, and the latter touches on soulfulness and modern indie-folk thanks to the cautious and thoughtful song craft.

An effort that’s often minimal, the guitar, bass, keys and drums emit slow and hypnotic bouts that are universally relatable and memorable from beginning to end.

Travels well with: Daydream Three- Stop Making Noise; Creve Coeur- Catastrophes

Monteceneri

Due

Lady Lovely, 2025

10/10

Listen to Due

The Italian quartet Monteceneri bring a diverse set of influences to their atypical version of post-rock, where the 4 songs welcome plenty of electronic ideas, too.

The strong attention to ambience of “Call Of The Void” starts the record with Markus Sotto Corona’s animated bass and Simone Chiodini’s agile drumming adding much to the detailed post-rock, and “Paul’s Holy Hands” follows with dense synth and Massimiliano Bellavia’s radiant guitar making for a mesmerizing climate that’s got some punk flavor.

The back half belonds to “Palm Hero” and “PSKNSS”. The former is a calm moment of intimacy that’s a bit mysterious and builds into a busy, cinematic EP highlight of dynamic instrumentation. The latter emits waves of beauty and grace that are dreamy, memorable and make great use of Victor Untila’s meticulous guitar.

A really intricate affair that’s easily accessible, the nods to ambient rock, psychedelic and metal sure are appreciated via this truly exceptional listen.

Travels well with: The Conformists- Midwestless; Daydream Three- Stop Making Noise

Red 123

Newtown

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Newtown

A basement outfit who began during the Covid lockdown, Steven Bryant speadheads the jazz and folk spirited Red 123, and these 8 tracks sure are fleshed out superbly.

The rich and warm title track begins with Bryant’s radiant guitar amid Tom Cottone’s precise drumming and David Anthony’s well timed percussion, and “There Will Be A Day” follows with a calm mood, where Digba Ogunbiyi’s elegant piano adds much to the melody.

In the middle, “7 Wonders” benefits from Coby McCorry’s well timed upright bass and Rob Tanico’s fluid organ pad, while “Blue Gray” has Bryant also handling strings across the elegant and breezy album highlight.

Residing near the end, “A Change For Cody” is both intimate and adventurous, where the meticulous guitar is complemented by a dreamy mood, and “Wichita Lineman” exits with Rob Paparozzi’s subtle harmonica blending into the mesmerizing and dynamic finish.

Bryant’s finger acrobatics are nothing short of stunning here, and the songs bring to mind the greatness achieved by Metheny and Frisell, where emotion, desire and longing are all part of the timeless delivery.

Travels well with: The Furgos- Retrospective; Hollaway- Jazz-ish

Paul Thorn

Life Is Just A Vapor

Thirty Tigers, 2025

9/10

Listen to Life Is Just A Vapor

The veteran singer-songwriter Paul Thorn has learned many lessons during his 6 decades on the planet, and much of that is present across these 11 new songs via his rootsy sounds.

The thumping and gritty “Tough Times Don’t Last” opens with plenty of melodies and bright brass entering the anthemic quality, and “Courage My Love” follows with the flowing rhythm section and Thorn’s wise singing that touches on the blues.

The title track lands closer to the middle and is an intimate moment that welcomes warm acoustic guitar and some country spirit, while “I’m Just Waiting” is a thicker moment that allows for Thorn’s meticulous guitar which suits the soulful backing vocals and rugged delivery of the album’s best.

Arriving close to the end, the fluid keys and playful delivery of “Wait” comes with relevant storytelling that aligns with plenty of pop and rock fun, and “Old Melodies” exits with heartfelt and sincere song craft that’s soft and full of timeless beauty.

An easily relatable album that borrows from Americana, blues, country and rock, Thorn’s brand of southern music has been consistently released since 1997 and his songs continue to resonate long after the record ends.

Travels well with: Joe Ely- Driven To Drive; Dave Alvin- From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings

Bees Deluxe

Smash Hits

Slapping Cat, 2025

9/10

Listen to Smash Hits

The acid blues rockers Bees Deluxe return with 13 more unclassifiable and innovative tracks where plenty of guests are on hand.

“Somebody Loan Me A Dime” opens with a calm mood of jazz and blues ideas, as Conrad Warre’s gritty yet inviting voice takes help from Paul Giovine’s strategic drumming, and “When Is Yesterday” follows with Adam Sandowski’s playful bass helping cultivate melody amid the grooves.

In the middle, “Blues For The Decline Of Western Civilization” is an example of timeless and meticulous blues that makes an impression without any vocals, while “How To Play 96 Tears” benefits much from Carol Band’s lively keys guiding the dynamic interaction.

Landing near the end, “Crank Part 2” recruits some funk flavor and frisky synth that will get your body moving, and “Gee Whiz” exits with an intimate mood that tugs on the heartstrings.

Self-described as a meshing of Zappa, Steely Dan, Pat Metheny and Stevie Ray Vaughan, these memorable songs are both live and studio recorded, and showcase the Boston outfit’s superb version of modern blues.

Travels well with: Bees Deluxe- Hallucinate; Kelly’s Lot- The Blues Remind Me

New York Festival Of Song

Schubert/Beatles

NYFOS, 2025

9/10

Listen to Schubert/Beatles

The New York Festival Of Song spotlights Theo Hoffman, Steven Blier and Kunal Lahiry, as well as the guests Julia Bullock and Andrew Owens for this innovative blend of classic songs.

The harmonic and warm “The Word” starts with Hoffman’s soaring baritone alongside Sam Weber’s flowing bass, and “Here, There And Everywhere” follows with soft piano from Blier and much beauty via the gorgeous singing from Hoffman.

Further along, the playful nature of “Taxman” welcomes Rubén Rengel’s well timed violin and Bullock’s expressive soprano, while “If I Fell” is a highly intimate moment via the soulful baritone and Owen’s breezy tenor.

Residing close to the end, “Yesterday” showcases Rengel’s meticulous strings amid Hoffman’s emotive and powerful pipes that also recruits sophisticated keys, and “Im Frühling, D.882” exits with Lahiry’s precise piano and much poeticism for the touching finish.

Another truly outstanding effort from NYFOS, this creative pairing of Schubert songs with Beatles songs of similar themes makes for a technical and moving experience.

Travels well with: NYFOS- Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata; Will Liverman and Jonathan King- Show Me The Way

BRÛLEZ LES MEUBLES

Folio #5

Tour De Bras/Circum-Disc, 2024

9/10

Listen to Folio #5

A Quebec duo with a penchant for avant-garde jazz, Brûlez les meubles welcome Ingrid Laubrock, Jonathan Huard and Marianne Trudel for these 7 unclassifiable tracks.

“Argentique” starts the listen with Louis Beaudoin-de la Sablonnière’s warm guitar and Éric Normand’s skilled bass radiating much beauty amid Laubrock’s flowing tenor sax, while “Conscience du tragique” is an abrupt blend of wild sax and keys from Trudel that is both hard hitting and soothing.

Landing in the middle, the dreamy ambience of “Vagues/Spider Song” showcases the rich sax prowess alongside the elegant keys, while “Folio” exits with meticulous guitar in a sparse climate of faint keys, manipulated sax and a haunting versus therapeutic balance.

A highly technical affair that uses Huard’s vibraphone sparingly but effectively, the lack of drums doesn’t detract from the impact, where a free jazz, noise-art and improv vision makes a lasting impression.

Travels well with: Peggy Lee and Cole Schmidt- Forever Stories Of: Moving Parties; Dan Pitt Quintet- Horizontal Depths

The Furgos

Retrospective

Self-Released, 2025

9/10

Listen to Retrospective

The husband and wife duo, The Furgos, takes inspiration from classic pop and rock melodies that cover 35 years across these 12 timeless tracks.

The warm keys and light drumming of “Wonderful World” starts the listen with Jeannette Furgo’s smooth voice guiding the timeless jazz melodies, and “Wicked Game” follows with Henry Beal’s skilled bass plucking making for a memorable version of the Chris Isaak classic.

Further along, Jeff Furgo’s fluid keys illuminate the intimate “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”, as Jeannette’s expressive pipes shine, while “Hand In My Pocket” is strong on atmosphere via the playful drumming from Joseph Carpenter and warm piano.

Deeper still, “The Sounds Of Silence” offers an emotive instrumental that blends the rich rhythm section with heartfelt keys, and “Take The Money And Run” exits with a bluesy flavor that’s powerful and animated.

A really well executed jazz outing that touches on the blues, The Furgos have been at it for 25+ years now, and let’s hope they’re not stopping anytime soon.

Travels well with: Rick Bogart- Rick Bogart Sings Mr. Paganini; Hollaway- Jazz-ish

Gina Été

Prosopagnosia

Backseat, 2025

9/10

Listen to Prosopagnosia

The Swiss singer-songwriter Gina Été returns with a sophomore album, where her distinct version of pop embraces classical and jazz ideas, too.

“Prolog- This Mess I’m In” opens the record with much atmosphere, as soulful singing is met with a dreaminess and warmth, and “Love To Work” follows with a firm beat and glitchy backdrop that recruits expressive singing and soft keys in a lush climate.

In the middle, “The Bet” emits elegant strings and soft melodies that swirl amid the bright and layered singing, while “F***you:you” is percussively strong, mesmerizing and touches on Eastern ideas in its cultured presence.

“My Friend” and “Your Opinion” exit the listen. The former is intimate and gentle, where poetic vocals are met with a haunting demeanor, and the latter welcomes Hannah Adriana Müller’s violin and Polina Niederhauser’s cello for a stylish and sparse version of modern pop that builds into a sophisticated and complex finish.

A highly mature effort that flirts with similarities to Juana Molina, Cat Power or Bjork, Été’s voice is stunning, the use of guitar and synth is also appreciated via this eloquent listen.

Travels well with: Daydream Three- Stop Making Noise; Juni- Late To The Party

Katie Toupin

Magnetic Moves

Symphonic, 2019

8/10

Listen to Magnetic Moves

Formerly handling the keyboards and vocal harmonies with the band Houndmouth, these days Katie Toupin is going the solo route, and she’s bringing much talent and adventurousness to the table.

The title track starts the album with Toupin’s engaging, smokey vocals on an upbeat, stylish version of today’s indie-rock where key and guitars are used strategically, and “Run To You” follows with a calmer setting on folk influenced sounds and subtle reggae nods.

Elsewhere, “Real Love” brings in much atmosphere where acoustic guitars and an orchestral backdrop add much to the tune, while “The Hills Are Calling” relies on a precise rhythm section in the cautious, pop influenced highlight.

Near the end, “I Need You” finds the songstress getting playful in mysterious and rhythmic ways with traces of dream-pop , and “Back In Time” ends the listen with some warm pedal steel on the country influenced exit that radiates beauty.

Though her previous band was well known for their indie-rock influenced Americana, on her own Toupin spreads her wings into many genres in soulful, sometime quirky and always thoughtful ways. Perhaps most closely sounding rooted in ‘70s ideas, this is a debut solo effort not to be missed.

Travels well with: Harry Nilsson-Pussy Cats; Moon Taxi- Daybreaker