The Tirith

Quetzalcoatl

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Quetzalcoatl

The UK prog-rockers The Tirith return with a myriad of influences surrounding these 12 meticulous tracks.

The brief and atmospheric “Intro” starts with much grace, and the title track follows with Tim Cox’s dense guitar chugging, as a dreamy backdrop enters the harmonic delivery.

Getting close to the middle, “Back To Space” benefits from Paul Williams’ fluid drumming that suits Dick Cory’s smooth pipes, while “Dancing With Vampires” trims the pace back with Anthony Hill’s bright keys amid the melodic singing and swirling prog-rock.

Arriving late, “Save The Oak” carries an infectious energy that’s anthemic and invites singing-along, and “The Riddles” exits with the dynamic rhythm section, well timed keys, lush guitar and expressive vocals illustrating a tremendous chemistry between the band.

Somewhere between classic rock, symphonic rock and indie-rock while still being very indebted to a progressive template, The Tirith reunited in 2010 after a 3 decade break, and are certainly one of the best in today’s modern prog scene.

Travels well with: Built For The Future- 2084 Empire; Enigmatic Sound Machines- Divided By One

Alex Van Gils & Carrie Frey

Lesser Arcana

Long Echo, 2026

9/10

Listen to Lesser Arcana

The New York City violist, improviser, and composer Carrie Frey and electronics wizard Alex Van Girls come together for an adventurous 8 songs of improvisation and electroacoustic prowess.

“Five Of Cups Reversed” opens the listen with much warmth, where the buzzing synth and stirring viola radiate tremendous grace before the exploration and cinematic qualities enter, and “Laugh Track” arrives soon after with manipulated strings and vocal gestures of ambience.

Moving along, we’re treated to “Whale Joke”, which uses talking and what nearly seems like field recordings from another dimension, while “Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing” seems like it could soundtrack a sci-fi flick via its screeching and moody tinkering.

“Fortitude & The Eight Of Wands” exits, and it mashes the bright synth stabs with rich viola amid a very distinct tonality of awe and wonder.

This is the first album from the duo and let’s hope it isn’t the last, cause their inimitable talents make for an unpredictable, exciting and memorable version of contemporary classical meets experimental sounds.

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

Jim Allen

Maybe Things Will Be Alright

Self-Released, 2026

9/10

Listen to Maybe Things Will Be Alright

The New York singer-songwriter Jim Allen blends power pop, folk and roots ideas into these 12 authentic songs that invite some excellent guests.

“Maybe Things Will Be Alright” opens with Peter Holsapple’s warm voice and flowing guitar that adds much to the harmonic folk climate, and “Panic Button” follows with C.P. Roth’s bright keys that suit Allen’s smooth voice as the tune builds into a frisky delivery.

“Cry Until You’re Done” arrives in the middle and makes great use of Steve Goulding soft drums via the intimate mood, while “Underground” enlists Paul Foglino’s skilled bass and Erica Smith’s harmony vocals for the rich album highlight.

Getting close to the end, “Where I Am” welcomes Dorothy Moskowitz’s voice and Paul Conly’s keys to the cautious delivery of sophistication, and “It’s Hard” exits with Matt Applebaum’s animated electric guitar that adds much to the soulful and crisp roots rocker that will have you singing along pretty quick.

A really diverse effort that excels in balladry just as it does rhythmic and dance floor ready bouts, Allen and company flesh out a rock focused effort that’s timeless and instantly memorable.

Travels well with: Peter Holsapple- The Face Of 68; Holsapple & Stamey- Our Back Pages

Fruit Bats

Gold Past Life

Merge, 2019

8/10

Listen to Gold Past Life

Fruits Bats are embarking on a new chapter with this 8th album and first for the Merge label, and not so surprisingly, themes about moving on make up the bulk of Gold Past Life, both literally and metaphorically.

“The Bottom Of It” starts the album strong with ambiance, breezy melodies and Eric Johnson’s inimitable vocals guiding us through a dreamy brand of indie-pop, and “Gold Past Life” follows with strummed acoustic guitars and ‘70s influences that are soulful, almost psyche-rock flavored.

Moving along, “Drawn Away” moves with a quick pace and warm, retro-rock influences, while “Cazadera” brings the atmosphere down to calmer territory with a punchy folk-rock spirit where keys complement the affair.

The second half of the album offers the strong beat and pedal steel of “Your Dead Grandfather”, the piano balladry of “Barely Living Room”, and the album highlight, “Mandy From Mohawk (Wherever You May Be)”, where elegant yet playful indie-rock resides. The album ends on “Two Babies In Michigan”, a synth fueled exit where Johnson strategically uses reverb and nostalgia.

A record most closely rooted in folk-rock, there’s surf moments, psychedelic stabs, and plenty of pop sensibilities to be had on this reflective, thoughtful effort from the always creative mind of Johnson. Now 20+ years old, if Fruit Bats are going to expand their audience significantly outside of indie-rock circles, Gold Past Life will be the impetus and rightfully so as it’s a standout in a glowing catalog.

Travels well with: Ages And Ages- Me You They We; The Shins- Oh, Inverted World