Apparition
Sofa Burn, 2026
9/10
The Indiana guitarist and singer-songwriter Nick Dittmeier channels the ins and out of Midwestern life through his rootsy vision, where The Sawdusters, plus others, join him for the 10 authentic tracks.
The busy and raw “Reckless” opens with Dittmeier’s quick riffs alongside Josh Bradley’s scrappy drumming, and the melodic and crisp “Revenge” follows with Shelley Anderson’s bouncy bass and Aaron Biebelhauser’s flowing keys adding much to the sing-alongs.
In the middle, “Black Dad/White Mom” benefits from warm singing and a rugged version of Americana that invites introspection, while “Apparition” thumps with a rootsy flavor via the vivid storytelling and strategic pedal steel thanks to Biebelhauser.
Residing close to the end, “Wasting My Time” bop and shakes with a rural dance floor mood, and “Running Away” exits with Dittmeier’s heartfelt harmonica and intimate pipes guiding the soft finish.
Dittmeier sings songs like a novelist, and the hooks versus gritty moments make for an alt-country record that I dare you not to be smitten with.
Travels well with: Chad Price Peace Coalition- A Perfect Pearl; Mosant- Midnight Television