Leopold And His Fiction

Darling Destroyer

ILA, 2017

9/10

Listen to Darling Destroyer

The Austin outfit Leopold And His Fiction are equal parts garage rock, folk rock, and psyche-rock, as they bottle their furious formula into an incredible album of uncontainable energy.

“Cowboy” starts the album and makes an immediate impression with its bright vocals, propulsive drumming and soulful version of garage rock, and this continues to the stompin’, melodic approach of the ‘70s rooted “It’s How I Feel (Free)”, as well as the nearly gospel like rhythm of “I’m Caving In”.

Halfway through, “Ride” offers a quieter setting as calm percussion and warm piano complement the expressive vocals from Daniel James, while the thumping “Saturday” is a bluesy, garage rock rager made for festivities of the highest caliber.

Closer to the end, the horns are a nice touch on the R&B inflected “Flowers”, and “If You Gotta Go, Go Now” exits the listen loud and rowdy as a charged display of proto-punk populates the Bob Dylan cover.

A 4th album that sounds like it would have been birthed in Detroit decades ago, the feral riffs, heavy doses of fuzz and Motown nods make Darling Destroyer a stand out record in Leopold And His Fiction’s impressive catalog.

Travels well with: Ron Gallo- Really Nice Guys; Acid Dad- Acid Dad

Fatal Fusion

Dissonant Minds

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to Dissonant Minds

The esteemed Norwegian rockers Fatal Fusion return with a 4th album, where the 4 dynamic and varied tracks leave quite an impression as the quintet explore plenty of inviting and challenging sounds.

“Coming Forth By Day” starts the nearly 5 minutes of prog-rock sounds before soulful vocals enter a calmer landscape of soaring rock, and “Quo Vadimus” continues the unpredictable nature with wandering rhythm, sturdy guitars riffs, and plenty of keyboard fills for a rowdy yet calculated journey.

The back half of the brings us the soft and gospel friendly “Beneath The Skydome”, which is entirely instrumental and recruits marching band drumming in its compelling atmosphere, while “Broken Man Pt. 2” exits the listen with 16 minutes of rugged singing alongside eloquent wordplay and emotive musicianship.

An extremely eclectic affair where blues, jazz, classical, funk and even metal are part of their unique formula, anyone with an ear for prog-rock will find much to enjoy here.

Travels well with: Laughing Stock- The Island ; Aadal- Silver

Laughing Stock

The Island

Apollon, 2020

8/10

Listen to The Island

The meticulous Norwegian prog-rockers Laughing Stock return with a concept album that surrounds the obstacles of living as an adult in today’s often difficult, deranged world.

The title track starts the listen and indeed sounds like an island song with its laid back and serene approach that almost comes off as meditative before bursting into a thick bout of prog-rock, and “That Face” continues the mysterious landscape with a hazy execution that also gets bare with warm keys.

With more than half the songs surpassing the 5 minute mark, Laughing Stock explore a lot of ideas here, including the 10+ minutes of “Vultures, Bats & Reptiles”, where loud guitars and a swirling atmosphere of melody leads into quieter moments with soundbites, while “Canyon Crawlers” remains soft and folk-influenced for its entire duration.

Deeper cuts bring us the dreamy “30 Years”, that ends up in ominous territory near the end, and “Nothing More” exits the listen with a cinematic quality where calculated tension unfolds amid a very creative vision.

Originally self-released in 2018, this version of the album will likely reach more ears due to Apollon’s strong reputation for inventive and exciting music, as Laughing Stock bring bits of Pink Floyd, Brian Eno and Talk Talk to their very unique genre mashing that’s not easy to classify but entirely easy to enjoy.

Travels well with: Aadal- Silver; The Opium Cartel- Valor

The Holy

Mono Freedom

Playground, 2020

8/10

Listen to Mono Freedom

A quintet from Finland who have already been EMMA Nominated (the Finnish version of a Grammy), The Holy return with a sophomore album here, where 2 guitars and 2 percussionists help them forge a very unique sound where Kraut-rock and alt-rock ideas are never in short supply.

“No Trial In The DarK” starts the listen with a fuzzed out display of anthemic rock that’s on par with grittier side of stadium rock, and “Twilight Of The Idiots” follows with glorious keys and swirling melody in the layered alt-rock where the vocals soar high.

Closer to the middle, the percussively heavy “Love Is Just A Word That We Use” moves with much beauty that points at dream-pop, while “Ageing Boxer” brings the listen into post-punk territory as the energetic rhythm section anchors a very agile climate.

Near the end, the spacey “Dada Love” builds into a busy delivery of pop-friendly modern rock, and “Museum Of Modern Hearts” exits the listen initially calmer, before settling into a sonically intriguing and dynamically charged version of their unclassifiable formula.

The Holy are already well known in their part of the world, and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if this strong album garners them worldwide attention, as their pop, prog, punk, and metal hybrid is all substance and no flash.

Travels well with: Kidsmoke- A Vision In The Dark; Moving Panoramas- In Two

Godcaster

Long Haired Locusts

Ramp Local, 2020

9/10

Listen to Long Haired Locusts

A Philadelphia 5 piece with a very atypical view of eccentric rock sounds, Godcaster recorded this debut album live to tape, where their uncontainable energy and thrashy ways were captured with plenty of rawness that’s never short on surprises.

“Even Your Blood Is Electric” starts the album with a busy display of lively rock that certainly borrows from the past with plenty of modern ideas, too, and “Apparition Of The Virgin Mary In My Neighborhood” continues the busy landscape with propulsive drumming and guitar acrobatics amid the art-punk.

At 14 tracks, the band cover much ground here, including the stomping fun of the cabaret rock on “Serpentine Carcass Crux Birth”, while the quick burst of fury that is “Christ In Capsule Form” brings melody to its experimental punk prowess. “Sexy Heffer”, one of the album’s best, then recruits jagged rhythm alongside exceptional flute in the controlled chaos that even brings in falsetto vocals.

Closer to the end, “The Skull!!!” is a speedy and frantic rocker, and “Outro” exits the listen with noisey swells as well as soft ebbs of beauty and grace.

A feral rock experience unlike anything else out there, Godcaster are prone to shrieks of ebullience just as they are moments of delicacy on this very unpredictable and distorted affair that might remind you of Frank Zappa or Primus, and doesn’t shy away from psychedelic, progressive or even funk sensibilities.

Travels well with: Palberta- Roach Goin’ Down; RVIVR- The Beauty Between

New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers

Volume 1

Stony Plain, 2020

8/10

Listen to Volume 1

A supergroup consisting of Luther and Cody Dickinson of North Mississippi Allstars, as well as ex- Squirrel Nut Zipper frontman Jimbo Mathus and blues legends Charlie Musselwhite, Alvin Youngblood Hart, and Jim Dickinson, this batch of tunes by New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers was actually recorded way back in 2008.

Recorded in one take off the floor over a couple of late nights, the players took turns playing and singing into the microphones, often improvising along the way, and they sure had a lot of fun in the process.

“Blues Why You Worry Yourself” starts the listen with spirited harmonica from Musselwhite guiding the upbeat blues, where smooth vocals align with proficient musicianship, and “Pony Blues” follows with Hart’s strong guitar prowess adding much to the swampy swagger.

Halfway through, “K.C. Moan” is a more restrained offering with group vocals, while “Let’s Work Together” recruits Jim Dickinson’s rugged pipes for the rhythmic album highlight. “Strange Land”, another stand out tune, then displays playful and intricate chemistry among the roots rockers in the Musselwhite original.

Near the end, “Stone Free” recruits plenty of classic rock swagger into the busy interpretation of the Hendrix tune, and “Stop And Listen Blues” finishes off the listen with a raw yet playful energy between the ensemble.

Sadly, Jim Dickinson passed away in 2009, so there won’t be anymore new music from New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers. However, there are 11 more tunes from the sessions to be released as Volume 2 in Spring 2021, and if it’s even half as much fun to listen to as these selections, it will be worth the investment.

Travels well with: North Mississippi Allstars- Up And Rolling; Bobby Rush- Rawer Than Raw

Emily Barker

A Dark Murmuration Of Words

Thirty Tigers, 2020

9/10

Listen to A Dark Murmuration Of Words

The always impressive UK artist Emily Barker returns with a solo album, where she explores topical issues like racism, sexism, climate change and the misinformation surrounding economic progress in her inimitable and thought provoking fashion.

“Return Me” starts the album bare and elegant with Barker’s pretty, soaring pipes guiding the string friendly setting of the love song, and “Geography” continues the sophistication with a light Americana touch across the soulful and stunning climate.

Near the middle, “Where Have The Sparrows Gone?” recruits a percussive quality amid the light and reflective tone that builds into a fuller display of timeless folk tendencies, while “Strange Weather” strips the setting bare with expressive, sublime beauty amid the fingerpicking. “When The Stars Cannot Be Found”, one of the album’s best tunes, offers a chunky banjo and gentle backing vocals as Barker mirrors the greatness achieved by Natalie Merchant.

At the end, “Any More Goodbyes” is a louder delivery of collaborative singer-songwriter prowess, and “Sonogram” exits the listen with warm piano anchoring the intimate, stirring lullaby.

Barker is supported by Rob Pemberton, Lukas Drinkwater, Pete Roe, Misha Law, Emily Hall and Greg Freeman on this 4th solo studio album, and while she embraces many of the hallmarks of Joni Mitchell, her sharp attention to detail and eloquent wordplay set her apart from the legions of folkies today, while earning her a spot right near the top.

Travels well with: Ana Egge- Is It The Kiss; Shook Twins- Some Good Lives

Andy Watts

Supergroove

VizzTone, 2020

9/10

Listen to Supergroove

The Israel Ambassador of the Blues, Andy Watts brings his inimitable guitar prowess to this very calculated listen where guest vocalists include Joe Louis Walker, Eliza Neals, and Roy Young, among others on this mix of covers versus Watts originals.

The title track starts the listen on a very high note with soulful guitars, a frisky rhythm section and plenty of bright horns populating the energetic and R&B influenced opener, and this continues to the harmonica friendly and vocally rugged “Living Hand To Mouth”, as well as the organ fills of the rhythmic “Strait Shooting Woman”.

At the halfway point, “Pack It Up” brings some vocal acrobatics amid spirited guitar work and punchy brass, while “Blues Of The Month Club” recruits vocals from Neals on the groove and funk filled atmosphere of timeless blues. “Don’t You Let Me Down”, the album’s best, then pairs intricate guitar with warm organ as smooth singing complements the dynamic chemistry and Latin nods.

“Raw” and “Supernatural” bookend the listen, where the former displays a retro rock’n’roll swagger that’s immediately infectious, and the latter exits the listen dreamy, reflective and vocal-less where sublime beauty enters the equation.

An aptly titled record, Watts and company execute a top notch album, where the variety of singers and exceptional musicianship make Supergroove a modern blues masterpiece.

Travels well with: JW-Jones- Sonic Departures; The Lucky Losers- Godless Land

Carolina Story

Dandelion

Black River, 2020

9/10

Listen to Dandelion

The sophomore album from the husband and wife duo of Ben and Emily Roberts, as Carolina Story the pair offer personal, autobiographical stories rooted in their own brand of Americana as radiant harmonies and authentic songwriting populate these 12 thoughtful tunes.

‘Light Of The Moon” starts the album with a warm duet as aching pedal steel and crisp drumming set a very emotive landscape of sublime sounds, and “Lay Me Down Easy” continues the organic formula with some folk ideas amid the bare but impactful atmosphere.

Closer to the middle, “Wildflower” brings piano into the pretty, country influenced album highlight where Ben hits some pretty high notes, while “Time Well Spent” is a vocally strong dip into orchestral territory with moody strings. The title track, another stand out tune, then recruits strategic harmonica in a gorgeous and tuneful Americana gem that’s breezy and immediately memorable.

Deeper cuts bring us the Emily led “I Wish It Would Rain”, which flirts with roots rock and “Carolina” exits the listen in balladry as the duo illustrate dynamic chemistry and top notch song craft.

An extremely raw but beautiful display of massive skill and adventurous genre mashing, Carolina Story brings the best parts of classic country, gritty alt-country and timeless folk music, as Dandelion is an exceptional listen that anyone with an ear for Americana will appreciate and revisit often.

Travels well with: Will Stewart- County Seat; Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters- Christmas On A Greyhound Bus

Grant-Lee Phillips

Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff

Yep Roc, 2020

9/10

Listen to Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff

The ‘90s were good to Grant-Lee Phillips, who fronted Grant Lee Buffalo across 4 successful albums and tours with names like R.E.M, Pearl Jam, and The Cranberries. After the band dissolved, Phillips has been solo ever since, and the multi-instrumentalist has made his way onto TV, too.

This 10th album on his own has Phillips doing what he does best, i.e. writing memorable songs that are both musically and lyrically stirring, and he’s got an all star cast with him on the recording.

“Ain’t Done Yet” starts the album with warm, elegant Americana where a horns adds much to the busy, playful climate, and “Drawing The Head” follows with hushed yet expressive vocals from Phillips guiding a richly textured atmosphere.

At the halfway point, “Mourning Dove” displays strong drumming from Jay Bellerose as Eric Heywood’s pedal steel makes an impression in the folk influenced album highlight, while the key heavy “Sometimes You Wake Up In Charleston” benefits from eloquent storytelling. “Gather Up”, one of the more upbeat selections, then brings a soulful, gospel quality to the varied effort.

Close to the end, “Coming To” moves soft and gently, where country nods enter the thoughtfulness, and “Walking In My Sleep” finishes out the listen with soothing acoustic guitar accompanying the largely wordless vocals that add much charm.

Phillips is nothing if not consistent. Now 15+ albums deep including his full band work, he’s never short on stories to tell, and is always reinventing his approach to his song craft in subtle, yet effective ways. The album is titled after something his 12 year old daughter said, who’s a constant source of inspiration that’s helping him create his best work to date.

Travels well with: The Jayhawks- XOXO; The Long Ryders- Psychedelic Country Soul 

TFG

Swallow Sperm

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Swallow Sperm

A pro-LGBT and anti-GOP New York City outfit who use electronica and guitars to tell very detailed stories about sexual encounters that are quite comical in a Howard Stern meets Pansy Division at a goth show sort of way.

“Plenty Of Gays In New York State” starts the listen with monotone talking alongside jackhammer type electronica, buzzing synth and thick guitars, and “Condoms Go On All 4 Penises” continues the unusual landscape with a droning quality amid screechy guitars and further descriptive sexual commentary.

In the middle, the title track brings plenty of ‘80s post-punk nods to the hypnotic landscape, while “Marilyn Manson I Will Suck Your Dick” weighs the pros and cons of Marilyn Manson versus Marilyn Monroe, which, of course they are far more infatuated with the former, and all of his orifices.

Near the end, “Put Your Balls On My Goatee” is musically the highlight as a dynamic crunchy rock setting soundtracks the graphic wordplay, and “Butt Sex With Morgan Freeman” exits with a dance-rock quality that would only get played at the most adventurous type of club, if you know what I mean.

Anyone with an open mind for sexual liberation and distorted guitars will find much to laugh about here, and in what seems like an ideal pairing, the very controversial comic artist Mike Diana handled the visual part of the release, although I doubt he’ll get arrested this time for his artistic contributions.

Travels well with: Tribe 8- Fist City; Pansy Division- Nine Inch Males

Royal Forest

Waiting Drum

King Electric, 2020

8/10

Listen Waiting Drum

An Austin, Texas quintet with an affinity for sonically engaging pop-influenced songs, Royal Forest have recorded albums in some pretty unusual places, and this time it was an 80 year old farmhouse in Arkansas.

“Every Other Bird” starts the listen with buzzing synth and a dense beat as warm bass lines enter dreamy affair, and this theme continues to the playful, soulful indie-pop of “Sometimes”, as well as the highly melodic “Can’t Be Happening”.

The back half of the listen offers the dance friendly, Brazilian beat savvy “Memories Thinning”, while “Featherweight” uses synthetic percussion strategically as precise guitar work anchors the thoughtful climate. “Mourning State” exits the listen on a high note, as cautious yet adventurous songwriting meets at a very stylish intersection of pop and indie-rock and certainly doesn’t shy away from World Music ideas, either.

Recorded to tape in just 2 days, although the band was closer to country sounds on previous albums, this superbly rhythmic and electronic fueled outing references West African and Brazilian songwriting as Royal Forest bring us on an exciting journey through their very creative song craft.

Travels well with: Abram Shook- Love At Low Speed; Ski Lodge- Big Heart

Giuda

Number 10/ Crazee

Got Kinda Lost, 2018

8/10

Listen to Number 10/Crazee

The Got Kinda Lost label comes through again with another first time US pressing of an early Giuda record, and this time it’s their 2nd single that sees its first repress since 2012.

“Number 10” starts the listen with a snappy and thumping proto-punk feels that’s got a sing-along appeal with plenty of gritty ideas amid the glam and pub-rock tendencies that instantly make this anthemic tune memorable.

“Crazee” resides on the B-Side and brings intricate guitar work alongside a ‘70s swagger that’s brief but exciting in its upbeat and peppy landscape where retro fun and riff heavy ideas unfold in just over a minute.

This one’s limited to just 700 copies (500 on black, 200 on orange-gold), so if names like Wayne Kramer, Gary Glitter, and Dr. Feelgood strike a chord, it would be wise to familiarize yourself with these Rome rockers.

Travels well with: The Dickies- I Dig Go-Go Girls/The Dreaded Pigasaurus; The Blankz- I’m A Gun/Bad Boy

Alarms & Controls/Secret Smoker

Split 7”

Protagonist, 2015

9/10

Listen to Split 7”

An exceptional split 7” from two bands who are very firmly rooted in the world of underground, DIY punk and hardcore, Secret Smoker, from Baton Rouge, and Maryland’s Alarms & Controls both offer 2 songs each of their esteemed and creative song craft.

Alarms & Controls, who consist of members of the 1.6 Band, The Crownhate Ruin and Circus Lupus, take Side A, where “Your Mama’s Sleek Ride” offers an angular and funk friendly jaunt into their creative brand of post-punk, while “Flood Plane” moves with a swirling approach as math-rock, hypnotic swells and a precise rhythm section are present and welcomed.

Secret Smoker occupy the B-Side and are a much more forceful outfit, as the raw delivery of “Everything All At Once” mirrors the intensity and impact of post-hardcore bands like Heroin or Reach Out. “Sun Eaters” exits the listen, and, much like the previous tune, buries melody under bristling and dissonant displays of emotive power.

Both Alarms & Controls and Secret Smoker have excellent albums available, too, (Clovis Points, and Terminal Architecture), but this shorter affair is a good way to test the waters of their D.C. influenced songwriting that wastes no time earning your attention.

Travels well with: Hoover- The Lurid Traversal Of Route 7; Greyhouse/Dahlia Seed- Split 7”

The Dickies

I Dig Go-Go Girls/The Dreaded Pigasaurus

Slope, 2019

8/10

Listen to I Dig Go-Go Girls/The Dreaded Pigasaurus

It’s been awhile since we’ve heard any new material from the legends The Dickies (there have been a few live albums in recent years), and here they certainly make up for the absence with a pair of strong tunes executed in their trademark harmonic and pop influenced punk rock fashion.

“I Dig Go-Go Girls”, a Cheap Trick tune, retains all the power-pop spirit of the original with propulsive drumming, plenty of gritty melodies and biting yet tuneful vocals from guest singer Monkey, who fronts the iconic outfit The Adicts.

The B-Side, “The Dreaded Pigasaurus”, is the first new tune from The Dickies since 2001, and is their gift to Japan and Stan Lee. The dynamic track leads with a throbbing bass line, as an organ and horns enter the energetic landscape that’s forceful but with plenty of tuneful punk swagger that leaves an indelible mark.

The Dickies have been plugging away since 1977, and unfortunately this 7” is a precursor to what will probably be their final album. Certainly worth picking up for the novelty of it being their last EP, it’s also worth it for the two blasts of timeless, charged and melodic punk rock that’s on eye catching pink wax.

Travels well with: Foxy- Can’t Stop Us; The Lawrence Arms- Skeleton Coast

Daniel Rodriguez

Sojourn Of A Burning Sun

Renew, 2020

8/10

Listen to Sojourn Of A Burning Sun

Formerly an integral player in the always impressive folk outfit Elephant Revival, these days Daniel Rodriguez is on his own, and on this debut solo album he brings in guests from Mandolin Orange and Greensky Bluegrass to help flesh out the folk and bluegrass friendly sounds.

After the brief radio static of the AM dial opener “Static Splash”, “As I Am” brings birds chirping that leads into warm acoustic strumming where pedal steel and backing vocals add much to the pretty, rootsy climate.

Further along, the title track is a bare display of guitars and piano interacting fluidly with a celesta, while “Snowman” offers careful picking and greater presence from drums where a mandolin adds much to the thoughtful landscape. “This Is Life”, a standout track, then brings horns into its rich textures and playful atmosphere that hints at New Orleans influences.

Closer to the end, “World Of Broken Hearts” is particularly more moody as strings give it an orchestral slant, and “The Unknown” exits the listen pairing keys alongside Rodriguez’s expressive pipes, where chamber ideas are strategically included on the melancholy finish.

An album that took 2 years to make, 2018 wasn’t an easy year for Rodriguez as both his band and 14 year relationship dissolved, but don’t mistake Sojourn Of A Burning Sun for a break up record. It’s a new beginning, a fresh chapter that illustrates Rodriguez’s immense talent with eclectic, poetic and timeless song craft.

Travels well with: John Craigie- Live-Opening For Steinbeck; Erika Wennerstrom- Sweet Unknown

Folks Like Them

Open The Door

Self-Released, 2020

8/10

Listen to Open The Door

A father and son duo who each have a decade of experience under their wings that often entails writing songs for others, now Chris and Allen are making music as Folks Like Them, where their strong country ideas are fleshed out precisely on this 2nd EP.

“I Love The Backroads” starts the album with a memorable mashing of twang friendly country and spirited pop prowess alongside soaring vocals, and “Open The Door” follows with piano balladry, as sublime singing aligns with a powerful delivery.

The back half of the EP offers the playful and highly memorable “Keep On Growing”, where exceptional guitar playing complements the aching pedal steel, while “I’m With Her’, the EP standout, displays a lush and very thoughtful landscape of gentle beauty. “How’s She Doing” then finishes off the listen similar to how it started- warm, tuneful and rooted firmly in country, rock and pop.

Considering their impressive resumes, it’s not surprising that Folks Like Them would be off to such a luminous start, as their timeless storytelling and careful attention to detail help make this effort a must hear for those who prefer some universal pop presence amid their classic country music.

Travels well with: James Robert Webb- James Robert Webb; John Baumann- Country Shade

The Milwaukees

The Calling

Mint 400, 2020

9/10

Listen to The Calling

A long running and highly respected outfit from New Jersey, Dylan Clark has been the heart and soul of The Milwaukees since day one, though lead guitarist Jeff Nordstedt has been around for 20 years now. This 6th album has the band doing what they do best, i.e. delivering one memorable and heartfelt guitar rock tune after another, where names like Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg, Craig Finn and even Matthew Caws come to mind.

“No Way Out” starts the album on a very high note with its driving guitar work, anthemic chorus and gritty yet melodic presence that’s part modern rock, part punk and part indie-rock, and “Wild Heart” follows with a calmer approach, where strong singing and restrained musicianship remind us of early Goo Goo Dolls with a gym membership.

In the middle, “Falling” pushes and pulls with emotive and rhythmic tension amid the mid-tempo climate, while “Our Blues” certainly hints at the blues both musically and lyrically with a poetic, soulful approach, “Proud Of Me”, the album highlight, then picks the pace into charged rock’n’roll territory with a sing-along chorus that’s the quintessential bar rocker.

Near the end, the punk spirited “Burn & Shame” moves with all the hallmarks of late period The Replacements, which of course no one could be disappointed with, and the title track finishes out the listen initially in piano balladry before building into a fuller, dynamic exit that’s pure power and melody.

Now with new drummer Austin Faxon as well as bassist Donovan Cain, who’s been in the band since 2007, handling the rhythm section, The Milwaukees again prove why they’ve lasted longer than most of their peers, and why, 20+ years later, their songs resonate so well. These guys just love to write authentic and sincere rock tunes that sound as great today as they will 30 years from now.

Travels well with: The Gaslight Anthem- The ‘59 Sound; The Hold Steady- Stay Positive

Sneaks

Happy Birthday

Merge, 2020

8/10

Listen to Happy Birthday

The recording moniker of Washington DC’s Eva Moolchan, as Sneaks she made me a fan pretty quick with 2019’s Highway Hypnosis, and on this effort the artist expands her melodic repertoire into even more unclassifiable textures that highlight her creative vision.

“Do You Want To Go Out Tonight” starts the listen with buzzing electro-pop where ambience and mood are certainly part of the stylish equation that banks on repetition, and the percussively strong “Faith” follows with strong vocal work in a dance friendly setting where synth stabs and plenty of rhythm are present.

Elsewhere, “Scorpio On Your Side” moves calmer with a dreamy quality entering the nearly R&B inflected grooves, while “Slightly Sophisticated” pokes and prods with post-punk ideas alongside some quirky cinematic nods in its busy climate.

Closer to the end, “Winter Weather” recruits talk/singing in the eccentric spoken word meets and hip-hip mashing, and “You’ve Got A Lot Of Issues” exits the listen with one of the best tracks, as hypnotic and dynamic musicianship work with relevant, important wordplay about today’s social/political issues.

Somewhere between post-punk, hip-hop and experimental pop, Happy Birthday might be the most adventurous outing yet for Sneaks, which, if you’ve been following along, says much as she’s rarely stayed in one place very long, always defies convention, and continually challenges the status quo.

Travels well with: French Vanilla- French Vanilla; Ritual Howls- Their Body

Marcus Hamblett

Detritus

Wilkommen, 2019

8/10

Listen to Detritus

The UK artist Marcus Hamblett is in great company here, as Colin Stetson and Etienne Jaumet, among others, all contribute to these genre defying tunes where post-rock, classical and aberrant pop ideas are all in attendance.

‘Lost At Sea”, featuring Kate Stables on vocals, starts the listen with smooth melodies and jazz influences on the agile opener where ambience is present, and “Ghost Socks” follows with 12 minutes of experimental stabs and sound manipulation in a creative setting where looping is turned into a highly refined art.

The back half of the album is equally interesting, including the cautious and skilled delivery of “The Warren (Part 2)”, where an orchestral back drop glides alongside spirited guitar work, while “Gardner’s Basement” brings us back to electronica as a trombone and tube add much to the glitchy atmosphere.

“Vibraphone Piece” ends the listen with flutes, violins, and vocals alongside vibraphone on an adventurous and gorgeous display of gracefulness that retains a sweeping quality.

This second solo album from Hamblett once again showcases his inimitable talent and ability to incorporate jazz nods, indie-rock sensibilities and post everything ideas into one extremely captivating listen.

Travels well with: Stereolab- Sound-Dust; Aphex Twin- Syro