Kabir Dalawari

Awareness

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Awareness

The Chicago drummer Kabir Dalawari turns in an impressive debut here, where Kyle Brooks, Eric Arroyo, and Matt Ulery accompany him across 7 originals of rich and creative modern jazz.

“A Moment In Time” starts the listen with Brooks’ soulful sax prowess before Dalawari’s fluid drumming and Arroyo’s agile keys enter the warm climate, and “Action Potential” follows with swift drums, firm keys and Ulery’s precise bass making for an exploratory album highlight.

Further along, “Woven, Found” moves quickly amid a playful, contemporary jazz spirit, while “Expedition” bring both busy and bare settings to its nearly 10 minutes of charming, sometimes moving, sensibilities. “Awareness” exits the listen, and presents a very cozy demeanor of skilled brass, hypnotic bass, meticulous drums and well timed keys.

A listen that’s soaked in rhythmic energy, plenty of unpredictable melodies, and incredible interaction between the quartet, Dalawari is to a fantastic start with this stunning first album.

Travels well with: Roland Tempelaar- New York Chapter; Victor Gould- In Our Time

Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus

Going The Distance

Berkalin, 2022

8/10

Listen to Going The Distance

The Austin duo of Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus align themselves with an impressive band on these folk-friendly tunes that Patton penned during the first 2 years of the pandemic.

The title track opens the listen with breezy acoustic strumming and gritty, welcoming vocals from Patton as Brokus brings soothing harmonies to the warm folk-rock, and “That’s What I Do” follows with Rich Brotheron’s intricate mandolin making a big impression alongside the charming vocal harmonies.

In the middle, Warren Hood’s skilled fiddle illuminates the poetic “Golden Boy”, which also recruits keys from Ron Flynt, while “Brand New Love” is a bit rugged and scrappy as the spirited electric guitar and John Bush’s agile drumming don’t disappoint.

“Austin Night” arrives near the end and showcases Bill Kirchen’s strong Telecaster prowess amid the rock’n’roll template, and “I’m Still A Dreaming Man” exits the listen with a stirring intimacy that’s full of eloquent strings, mesmerizing guitar and dreamy vocals from the pair.

Lyrically, themes of loneliness, plans going awry and making love work will strike a chord with anyone during these trying times, and Patton and Brokus’ chemistry might remind you of Richard and Linda Thompson, or Emmy Lou Harris and Bob Dylan.

And who could have a problem with that?

Travels well with: Jefferson Ross- Southern Currency; Pete Mancini- Killing The Old Ways

Wes Collins

Jabberwockies

Crids, 2022

9/10

Listen to Jabberwockies

The North Carolina artist Wes Collins may have gotten a late start on being a songwriter (he penned his first tune at age 44), but he’s quickly making up for lost time with very honest and rich music that finds a cozy spot to reside between folk, roots, Americana and pop.

“Jenny And James” gets the listen off to a very fluid, roots friendly start, where Collins’ smooth vocals and breezy melodies make an immediate impression, and “Under My Fingers” follows with a warm, folk-rock demeanor that’s lyrically insightful and vocally harmonic.

“Look Out” lands in the middle and flows with sublime beauty in its intimate spirit, as does the cautious and eloquent “Grease Fire”, where Collins’ brings a very poetic appeal to the sparseness.

Deeper still, the rugged and louder “Sugar Skull” shows us a more firm vision of his timeless song craft, and the title track exits the listen with a very dreamy and gorgeous meshing of vocal harmonies and bowed strings.

Collins is accompanied by Chris Rosser (keyboards), River Guerguerian (drums, percussion), FJ Ventre (bass), and Scott Dameron. Backing vocals were contributed by Jaimee Harris, Crystal Hariu-Damore and Pete Damore, of Ordinary Elephant, and together it makes for a very moving and wise body of work that resonates with much grace.

Travels well with: Peter Donovan- This Better Be Good; Bill Scorzari- Now I’m Free

Matt Simons

Identity Crisis

Pias, 2022

8/10

Listen to Identity Crisis

The 4th album from the multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Matt Simons, Identity Crisis finds the artist continuing his forthright and very sincere song craft that carries universal lyrical themes and the sort of songwriting that embraces equal parts pop and rock.

The title track starts the listen with a flash of atmosphere before upbeat electro-pop unfolds with plenty of beats and melody packed into the introspective wordplay, and “Too Much” follows with a soulful quality that even welcomes horns into the radiant delivery.

Halfway through, the intimate interlude that is “In My Head” find a poetic place to reside with its dreamy backing vocals and R&B nods, while “In Case You Missed It'“ offers a snappy and animated display of very modern pop-rock that’s tailor made for the FM dial.

Near the end, “Always Have My Love” lands in intimate territory that’s romantic and playful, and “The Boxer” exits the listen with a genuine folk song that’s stripped bare to a very warm finish.

Simons has achieved massive success in Europe already, and how he’s escaped being a household name in the U.S. is beyond me. He’s got the voice, the songs and the melodies, as evidenced by this very well done record.

Travels well with: Mat Kearney- Just Kids; Jon Stancer- In Light Of

Cheryl Cawood

Bullet In The Cabin Wall

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Bullet In The Cabin Wall

A guitarist and vocalist who describes her music as ‘Kentucky jams melded with jangly folk rock’, Cheryl Cawood brings along an all star cast for these 12 tracks that are rich and soulful.

Cawood puts the title track in the lead off position, where complicated mandolin from Jack Saunders’ suits the warm, expressive singing from Cawood in the eloquent Americana, and “L&N Don’t Stop Here” follows with a more firm approach that recruits charming banjo from Saunders amid Rick Richards’ agile percussion.

Elsewhere, “Ballad Of Spade Cooley” is full of cozy intimacy that showcases Cawood’s sublime singing alongside Eleonore Whitmore’s fiddle, while “Deep Down In Your Bones” is full of gritty, rural song craft that sounds right at home in the Southern US.

Edging close to the end, “Crossing Mountains” showcases Michael Bobbitt’s jumpy piano and soothing vocal harmonies on the dance friendly album highlight, and “Daddy’s Hometown” exits the listen with a breezy, country spirit that’s full of beauty and grace.

This is Cawood’s debut solo album, though she’s had much success in cover bands. An artist who has endured much tragedy, she has taken those experiences and turned it into songs about addiction, mental illness and healing, and it makes for a very substantial first record.

Travels well with: Surrender Hill- A Whole Lot Of Freedom; Bill Scorzari- Now I’m Free

Minas

Beatles In Bossa

BlueAzul, 2022

8/10

Listen to Beatles In Bossa

An outfit who have been at it for 4 decades now, Minas is spearheaded by Orlando and Patricia Haddad, and it’s quite obvious they have an affinity for the Beatles. Here they inject American jazz, the Brazilian styles of Bossa Nova, Samba, Choro and Partido across these 14 interpretations from the Fab Four.

“Blackbird” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar, where plenty of cultured rhythm enters thanks to Tom Cohen’s agile drums and Andrew Neu’s well timed brass, and “Come Together” follows with Jim Stager’s playful bass lines complementing Patricia’s vocal acrobatics.

Further along, “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” flows with a hazy, almost psychedelic approach, while “Can’t Buy Me Love” is just as memorable as the original, where the fluid vocal harmonies benefit from John Swana’s skilled trumpet.

Deeper still, “Here Comes The Sun” emits a cozy intimacy with acoustic guitar and Orlando’s smooth pipes, and it isn’t long until Neu’s flute enters, too, and “Get Back” exits the listen with a busy and swift delivery of punchy drums, glowing brass and Rob Hyman’s excellent accordion prowess.

We’ve all heard these songs before, but they’ve never sounded quite like this, as the Haddad’s and company make for a very worldly and exciting take on classics that you’ll want to hear again and again.

Travels well with: Antonio Adolo- Jobim Forever; Miguel Espinozo Flamenco Fusion- Veneta

Aaron Seeber

First Move

Cellar, 2022

8/10

Listen to First Move

On this first recording as bandleader, the esteemed drummer Aaron Seeber brings along Ugonna Okegwo (bass), Sullivan Fortner (piano), Tim Green (alto sax) and Warren Wolf (vibraphone) for a live set from the Ornithology Jazz Club in Brooklyn on October 19, 2021.

“Brandyn” starts the listen with frisky drums and firm keys as the playful vibes add much to the busy, dynamic opener, and “Out Of The Past” follows with a calmer pace of soulful sax and no lack of warmth in the well thought out delivery.

The title track and sole original lands in the middle and flows with a very rhythmic and adventurous spirit, while “Unconditional Love” finds a romantic place to reside, where intimacy is key thanks to the poetic brass, strategic vibes and precise drumming. “Klactveedsedstene” exits the listen quick, animated and full of busy textures that showcases an unparalleled chemistry between the quintet.

Seeber interprets the work of legends like Charlie Parker and Charles Mingus, as well as more modern stars like Geri Allen and Mulgrew Miller, and together with his esteemed band he solidifies himself as a rising talent in today’s jazz scene.

Travels well with: Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead- Poetic; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Jonathan Barber & Vision Ahead

Poetic

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Poetic

The powerful drummer Jonathan Barber returns with his esteemed band for 8 originals that touch on all the hallmarks of jazz that we will never tire of.

The title track opens the listen and is indeed poetic with its crisp drumming and soulful alto sax from Godwin Louis, as much warmth enters the timeless jazz climate, and “Gathering” follows with Taber Gable’s elegant keys alongside Andrew Renfroe’s agile guitar lines in the dreamy landscape.

At the halfway point, “Acceptance” recruits a stirring intimacy in the pretty, glowing delivery, while “Lead Us Not Into Temptation” emits firm drumming, bright brass and spirited guitar lines in the album’s best track.

Near the end, “Now and Forever” simmers lightly amid hypnotic keys and well timed bass from Matt Dwonszyk in the melodic song craft, and “South” exits the listen with acrobatic drumming and radiant tones that only make us wish there were more than 8 selections present.

Barber and Vision Ahead have been playing together for over a decade, and that chemistry is very apparent across these exploratory, dynamic and refined compositions that make this 3rd album a top notch jazz outing.

Travels well with: Anthony Fung- What Does It Mean To Be Free?; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Phil Venable

Bassworks Vol. 1

Soul City Sounds, 2022

9/10

Listen to Bassworks Vol. 1

Phil Venable knows his way around an upright bass, and here he offers 3 lengthy pieces that explore his free jazz vision and were recorded live with no overdubs.

“Basswork No. 1” opens the listen with a playfully manipulated tone, as acrobatic plucking enters the very skilled and unpredictable appeal of the atypical gestures that tips it hat to Greg Norton’s (Husker Du) work. “Basswork No. 2” follows, and recruits plenty of atmosphere that emits percussive sounds against the low bass playing that can retreat to bare moments in a cinematic sort of way.

“Basswork No. 3” exits the listen, and drones cautiously amid Middle-Eastern hints that really allow Venable’s inestimable talent to shine in the textured, cultured finish.

Venable has a history playing rock music, and is currently the bassist of Tragic Assembly. He brings a wealth of talent and experience to these exploratory compositions that are as impressive as they are exciting.

Travels well with: Jaki Shelton Green- The River Speaks Of Thirst; Tragic Assembly- Instability

Brad Absher And The Superials

Tulsa Tea

Horton, 2022

8/10

Listen to Tulsa Tea

The roots friendly Brad Absher and his band return with a new batch of southern fueled songs that are fit for the brass spirited New Orleans, just as they are the groove nods of Houston.

“Be The Luv” starts the listen with Absher’s booming voice amid soulful instruments that benefits from Matt Martin’s drums and Danny Timms’ Wurlitzer, and “Neutral Ground” follows with a very cozy appeal that showcases Dylan Layton’s clever bass alongside the expressive singing from Absher.

“As Hard As I Can” lands in the middle and recruits a stirring intimacy alongside the heartfelt song craft, while “Hard Times” picks up the pace and volume with a sturdy roots rocker that illuminates Jake Hemphill’s guitar prowess.

Near the end, “Should Be Prayin’” emits a soothing gospel flavor as Charlie Redd & Briana Wright contribute backing vocals, and “Should Turn Up” exits the listen with much emotion, soul and sincerity in the exceptional finish.

This is Absher’s 8th album, and like everything he’s done, it resonates with buzzing guitars, an occasional waltz, and even a tune about heartbreak across the diverse and precisely crafted 8 tunes.

Travels well with: Mike Stevens- Breathe In The World, Breathe Out Music; The Kenneth Brian Band- Keys To The Kingdom

Elsa Nilsson

Atlas Of Sound, Coast Redwoods, 41°32’09.8”N 124°04’35.5”W

Ears & Eyes, 2022

8/10

Listen to Atlas Of Sound, Coast Redwoods, 41°32’09.8”N 124°04’35.5”W

The debut record from the flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson, she brings along Jon Cowherd on piano and Chris Morrissey on bass for these 10 lush and somewhat improvised tracks.

“Sunshift Haze” starts the listen bare and warm, where the delicate piano, soothing flute, and carefully plucked bass make for a mesmerizing opener, and “Catching Droplets” follows with a quicker approach of agile flute and playful bass patterns that are quite charming.

“Proof Of The Unseen” arrives at the halfway point with a cautious, reflective tone that meshes the instruments sublimely, while “Epicormic” recruits an adventurous spirit that’s unpredictable in its abstract vision.

Nearing the end, “Molted Steps” offers a rich and dreamy album highlight, and “Hold Onto Each Other” exits the listen with strong attention to tempo and gesture that’s quite captivating.

An excellent starting point for the poetic artist, there’s a nature-esque theme running beneath these tracks, and with the help of Cowherd and Morrissey this first album sure does not disappoint.

Travels well with: Mike Allemana- Vonology; Noa Fort- Everyday Actions

Tristan Roma

Primo Scenario

Baciami Disques, 2022

8/10

Listen to Primo Scenario

A Paris musician who is half singer, half Italian and entirely immersed in throwback sounds, this quick EP illustrates Tristan Roma’s affinity for Franco-Italian cinema from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

“Magnolia” starts the record with retro dance-rock that’s a bit warbly, certainly upbeat and soulful in a dreamy sort of way, and “Vision Mer” follows with a curious approach of glowing keys, reserved drumming and plenty of atmosphere surrounding the cautious landscape.

“Paradiso” occupies the middle spot and recruits a playful beat and plenty of charming buzzing in the cinematic display, while “La Vallée Rose”, the EP’s best track, offers a lively and scrappy garage rock influenced version of Roma’s nostalgic rock appeal. “Le Télégramme” exits the listen with some futuristic ambience and plenty of ‘80s synth stabs illuminating the creativeness.

Clarisse Royant provides additional vocals on a couple of tracks here, and it sure does accent Roma’s timeless vision that will get your body moving.

Travels well with: Almeeva- To All My Friends; Benjamin Schoos- Doubt In My Heart

Ohyung

imagine naked!

NNA, 2022

8/10

Listen to imagine naked!

The recording moniker of the Brooklyn-based, Asian American musician and composer Robert Ouyang Rusli, as Ohyung he wrote and recorded this very atypical record in a 72 hour period, and incorporates plenty of atmosphere and emotional depth into the iconoclastic songwriting.

“my torn cuticles!” opens the listen with a hazy warmth, where minimalism and repetition are blurred for 15 minutes, and “my hands hold flora!” follows with a bit of a darker tone that emits a light buzzing amid the sounds of tinkering.

Further along, “tucked in my stomach!” recruits an almost sci-fi quality to the adventurous sound manipulation, while the title track is exceptionally serene, almost meditative in a cinematic sort of way.

Deeper still, “philodendrons trail!” embraces a nearly spiritual appeal that can get a bit more forceful amid some firm drumming sounds, and “releases like gloves” exits the listen with 37+ minutes of rich and mesmerizing reflection and ambience that, even at its lengthy duration, doesn’t out welcome its stay.

Certainly artistic and substantial in scope, Ohyung says plenty without words, as all the songs are titles from the poem vegetalscape by the wonderful t. tran le. Musically, this is a shift from the hip-hop and noise ideas of their earlier work, but no less captivating in its fascinating gestures.

Travels well with: Sally Decker- In The Tender Dream; Robbie Lee & Lea Bertucci- Winds Bells Falls

Anthony Fung

What Does It Mean To Be Free?

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to What Does It Mean To Be Free?

The drummer-composer Anthony Fung returns with a 3rd album, where 8 originals and 1 Wayne Shorter tune are fleshed out with David Binney (alto sax), Luca Mendoza (piano), Luca Alemanno (bass) and several guests.

The title track starts the listen with Alemanno’s bass and Mendoza’s piano complementing Fung’s drumming acrobatics as Binney’s soulful and unpredictable sax makes an impression, and “El Paso” follows with a much calmer pace that benefits from the keys, brass and drums aligning for an intimate spirit.

In the middle, “Flashpoint (Revisited)” is full of rich, modern jazz textures that are delivered flawlessly, while “Sonny’s Blues” showcases the intricate guitar of Marcel Camargo in the cautious landscape.

Making our way towards the end, “Let Us Not Forget To Be Kind” recruits Roni Eytan on harmonica for the reflective, moody album highlight, and “Sightseeing” exits the listen upbeat, dynamic and with firm drumming amid the precise layering.

Fung has a lengthy resume that includes being under the mentorship of Herbie Hancock and Danilo Perez, and his time at prestigious schools and worldly approach help make this body of work an exciting display of contemporary jazz greatness.

Travels well with: Calvin Johnson Jr.- Notes Of A Native Son; The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago

Angela O'Neill And The Outrageous 8

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Outrageous 8, 2022

8/10

Listen to Light At The End Of The Tunnel

The 3rd release from the esteemed vocalist Angela O’Neill and her octet, these exciting tunes put a very playful spin on big band jazz sounds, where the emotion built up from the pandemic is parlayed into an energetic and animated record.

“I’ve Grown Accustomed To His Face” starts the listen with much warmth and rhythm, where bright brass and crisp drumming complement O’Neill’s inviting voice, and “Cry Me A River” follows with much soul populating the thick and layered jazz delivery.

Halfway through, the hypnotic bass of “Now And Again” suits the dynamic horn interaction that flows with much adventurousness, while “On A Clear Day” recruits Al Timss on vocals for the smooth and timeless jazz spirit that soars high.

Closer to the end, “Hallelujah I Love Him So” showcases Michael Rosen’s harmonica amid plenty of rich backing vocals for the R&B traces of the album’s best, and “When The Sun Comes Out” exits the listen layered with firm drums, throbbing bass, charming brass, and, of course, O’Neill’s charming voice.

A very well done listen, O’Neill hosts Paul Litteral on trumpet (Rolling Stones), and Tony Pia on drums (Doobie Brothers), plus many others, and Harry Smallenburg and Rocky Davis arranged the affair. The collective talent of the players and O’Neill’s inimitable pipes make this a must for jazz fans.

Travels well with: The Diva Jazz Orchestra- DIVA Swings Broadway; The Grace Fox Big Band- Eleven O’Seven

Chimytina

Constellations

la reserve, 2022

8/10

Listen to Constellations

The vocal-bass duo of Martina Dasilva and Dan ‘Chimy’ Chmielinski, as ChimyTina, the pair interpret jazz classics and toss in a couple of originals with much imagination and sincerity on this sophomore album that welcomes plenty of guests, too.

“I Want To Be Happy” starts the listen with Dasilva’s bright, soulful singing alongside Marquis Hill’s glowing trumpet and the dancing bass lines from Chmielinski, and “As Praias Desertas” follows with Ken Kubota’s stirring cello to complement the poetic singing in Portuguese.

Further on, the free jazz nods of “I’ll Never Be The Same” welcomes Lucas Pino on tenor sax as the strategic bass sure does impress, while Andrew Renfroe’s soothing guitar, breezy melody and the gorgeous singing of “It’s All In Your Mind” makes this the album’s best.

Making our way towards the end, “Trouble In Mind” places Grace Kelly on alto sax for the charming and soaring interpretation, and “Lush Life” continues the sophistication with a very emotive delivery from the pair.

A heartfelt listen that’s not short on introspection and heartfelt song craft, Dasilva and Chmielinski are capable of swinging playfully and exploring intimacy with much skill and timelessness.

Travels well with: The Adam Larson Trio- With Love, From Chicago; Bill O’Connell- A Change Is Gonna Come

The Margaret Slovak Trio

Ballad For Brad

Self-Released, 2022

9/10

Listen to Ballad For Brad

The jazz guitarist Margaret Slovak returns after a serious car accident left her overcoming massive physical obstacles, and she’s got the bassist Harvie S and the drummer Michael Sarin along for the 10 glowing originals.

“Again” starts the listen with Slovak’s warm and comforting guitar alongside proficient drumming in the elegant climate, and “Flowers For Marie” follows with a darker quality that allows for hypnotic guitar playing and showcases the playful plucked bass.

“Forty-Four” lands in the middle and emits much sublime beauty as Slovak’s progressions on guitar are stunning, while “Courage, Truth And Hope” continues this meticulousness with soothing melodies and dynamic musicianship between the players.

Approaching the end, “Thirty-Three” showcases a rich interaction between the trio, and “Will You Ever Know?” exits the listen with a very complex vision that’s universally welcoming.

Slovak handles nylon and electric guitar with incredible fluidity, and this 4th album as leader and comeback recording after many operations is full of gorgeous waltzes and intimate balladry that’s dedicated to her husband, Brad, who has fought and beat cancer.

Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Overtones; Dave Stryker- As We Are

Allen Austin-Bishop

Why Go?

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to Why Go?

An impressive vocalist with a powerful and diverse set of pipes, Allen Austin-Bishop finds a very interesting place to reside between jazz and pop across these 14 well thought out tunes that aren’t short on grooves.

“Do I Wanna Know?” starts the listen with warm bass plucking from Mayo Yamada, as Austin-Bishop’s soulful wordplay finds a very stylish and electronica friendly climate, and “buffalo ghosts” follows with Katie Edwards’ soulful sax amid the dreamy demeanor of poetic singing.

Nearing the middle, “Memories” showcases Rob Hervais-Adleman’s precise drumming alongside the vivid storytelling in a more haunting delivery, while “Both Sides Now” allows Dorian Ford’s glowing keys to shine in the eloquent and cozy album highlight.

Arriving near the end, “Pass Me Not” shakes and bounces with frisky melody that blends brass, keys, and crisp drums playfully, and “Laugh? I Thought I’d Die” exits the listen with a futuristic vision of charming vocal effects, electronic manipulation and much attention to detail.

Austin-Bishop is quickly making a name for himself in the area of modern jazz, and his conversational moments and nods to pop, funk and electronica, as well as the exceptional players in attendance, makes for a very eclectic and inviting listen.

Travels well with: San Gabriel 7- Under The Stars; Jo Harrop- The Heart Wants

Architek Percussion

6 Changes

Self-Released, 2022

8/10

Listen to 6 Changes

The Montréal quartet Architek Percussion have taken on some exciting collaborations in their 10 year career, but this time they deliver one single work that’s spearheaded by Ben Duinker and his bandmates.

“When Will I Realize?” starts the listen with a bright tone that welcomes light buzzing and some minor rumbling later on, as the skilled drumming anchors the adventurous climate, and “Perspective” follows with a minimal approach of warm piano that’s paired with dreamy vibraphone.

Halfway through, “When Change Is Bad” recruits a firm rock foundation amid the hazy synth and subtle percussive timbre, while “Your Definition Of Homes Is Dependent On The Constants In Your Life” finds a hypnotic groove to reside in, and benefits much from shifting moods of sublime creativity.

The final two tracks, “Sitting The Next Few Plays Out” and “Dark Horse Fan”, are just as exceptional, where the former displays a unique sense of rhythm, and the latter blurs synth and vibraphone into a bare but impactful exit of thumping drums.

A fascinating listen that traverses plenty of textures, tones, gestures and rhythm, Noam Bierstone, Ben Duinker, Alessandro Valiante and Alexander Haupt, i.e. Architek Percussion, are an incredibly focused and dynamic on this fantastic 3rd album.

Travels well with: Third Coast Percussion- Perspectives; Noam Bierstone- Mountains Move Like Clouds

Lesibu Grand

The Legend Of Miranda

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Legend Of Miranda

An Atlanta duo comprised of Tyler-Simone Molton and John Renaud, as Lesibu Grand the pair bring a songwriting chemistry that’s rare and thriving on this debut EP.

“Hush Hush” starts the listen with a pop influenced rock tune where a throbbing bass and spacey melodies are weaved around the grooves, and “Runnin’ Round” follows with crashing percussion amid the ‘90s alt-rock rocker.

Further on, “Miranda” gets grittier around fuzzy guitars and a visceral crunch that brings us back to the early days of the Pixies, while “Only American In The Room” offers us some of the prettiest singing in the harmonic setting. “Mi Sueno” ends the EP atmospheric and dreamy on the adventurous, multifaceted exit.

Molton and Renaud both bring a wealth of influences to the table, which is quite obvious across the 5 tunes where all sound different. An extremely versatile and easily embraceable first effort, it will be exciting to see what these two can do with an LP that’s hopefully on the horizon.

Travels well with: Talking Heads- Little Creatures; The Motels- Little Robbers