Ekmeles

Nonsongs

New Focus, 2026

8/10

Listen to Nonsongs

The vocal ensemble Ekmeles return with a 3rd recording, where the director Jeffrey Gavett guides the 3 complex and rhythmic tracks.

Wolfgang von Schweinitz’s “Plainsound Motet for Ekmeles: DADA NONO & REJOICE” opens with tonally expressive singing, where Charlote Mundy’s expressive soprano complements Gavett’s baritone via the 22+ minutes of flawless vocals.

“forgetting”, by Katherine Balch, lands in the middle and enlists tinkering and whispers, where the percussive ratchets align with rich pitched and non-pitched gestures that can harmonize strategically.

George Lewis’ “Lone Coast” exits, and showcases Iwo Jedyneki’s accordion alongside the lower registers and theatrics that spans all sorts of vocal acrobatics.

The sextet are in fine form here, where microtonality, atypical textures and unconventional structures surround the avant-garde experience.

Travels well with: David Bird- Hinterlands; Noah Meites- Counting

Earnhardt

Earnhardt

Self-Released, 2019

9/10

Listen to Earnhardt

A Brooklyn 5 piece who emits sounds that seem from much further south and often from earlier decades, too, Earnhardt embrace a genuine, rustic approach where variations of country and rock reside in compelling ways.

“Drywall” starts the debut album with rich riffs and a formidable southern rock feel with heartfelt vocals, and “Neversink” follows and carries a hypnotic tone where power-pop influences invade the smooth Americana ways.

At 9 tunes, this is a quick album, but each tracks leave an indelible mark, such as the cautious rock of “Digoxin”, as well as the fluid and thoughtful “Nature”, while the turbulent yet calculated “Transmissions” shows an intimate chemistry between the members.

Near the end, “Women Without Whiskey” is an alt-country gem with guitar solos and pedal steel from the always impressive Mike Mogis, and “KT” ends the listen with proficient melodies and an undeniable lasting quality that’s on par with Tom Petty or Drive-By Truckers.

As far as debut albums go, this one is gold, and let’s go ahead and put Earnhardt in a category of up and coming Americana outfits that we should all be paying attention to.

Travels well with: Steve Earle- Guy; Hiss Golden Messenger- Virgo Fool