Tangerine
Moonsong, 2026
9/10
The always impressive Minnesota legends GB Leighton returns with 12 new songs that mesh their country and rock ways with relatable and heartfelt storytelling that carries a working class spirit.
“Tangerine” opens with warm acoustic guitar and Brian Leighton’s cozy voice guiding the reflective mood as the setting builds into a thicker climate, and “Never Have To Worry About Me Again” follows with Ryan Inselman’s galloping drums that helps balance ruggedness with melody.
Moving along, “Waiting For Never” benefits from Smokey D’s skilled bass and Tommy Barbarella’s flowing piano via a sing-along tune, while “‘Til I See You Again” is a powerful moment of soaring vocals and emotive songwriting that has built the band such a strong fanbase in the midwest.
“Something Good” and “You Better Not Run ‘84” exit the listen. The former offers a festive country rocker that recruits Kevin Bowe’s bass and the latter enlists Mike Chaput’s drums in a raw moment that illustrates what Leighton’s songwriting was like at age 14, when he penned it.
Leighton and his band are known for their high energy shows that number 200+ a year, and the similarities in spirit they share with Springsteen and Mellencamp continue here for an introspective and timeless nature that just might be one of their best.
Travels well with: Turn Turn Turn- All Hat No Cattle; The Scarlet Goodbye- Speedway