Wavves – Afraid of Heights | CD Vinyl MP3
This album is a throwback to the strepitous sounds of 90’s alternative – catchy music, depressing themes, fuzzed out guitar rock. Guitarist Nathan Williams and bassist Stephen Pope sound like a combination of The Pixies, Weezer, Nirvana, and maybe a little R.E.M., through the filter of the last twenty years.
The Howlin’ Brothers – Howl | CD Vinyl MP3
Download “Gone” (mp3)
The Howlin’ Brothers are a hard driving bluegrass band that incorporates aspects of Dixieland, country blues, and jazz into their music. They’ve made a handful of records over the past few years that are available at their live shows, but Howl is their nationally distributed album. Produced by The Raconteur’s Brendan Benson and with a guest appearance from Warren Haynes, Howl is an energetic combination of originals and traditional covers.
Caitlin Rose – The Stand-In | CD Vinyl MP3
Download “I Was Cruel” (mp3)
For her second album, Caitlin Rose assembled a consistently stellar country rock parcel. There are two covers (The Deep Vibration’s “I Was Cruel” and The Felice Brothers’ “Dallas”), two songs co-written with Gary Lourdis (The Jayhawks), and a wealth of catchy moments. The album has characteristics of Rose’s influences – from Patsy Cline to Linda Ronstadt – while still maintaining her own signature. These songs swell with a pristine quality that supports the mellifluous melodies.
Hollis Brown – Ride On The Train | CD Vinyl MP3
Download “Nightfall” (mp3)
Hollis Brown sounds similar to The Band, Bob Dylan’s backing band for his initial electric period, and it may be no surprise that the band’s name is a direct reference to a Dylan song. It’s rock and roll, but with country, folk, and soul infused into the guitar-driven sound. The band’s first EP, Nothing & The Famous No One, was one of my favorite shortplayers of last year. All fours songs off that album are included on Ride On The Train and the remaining songs are equally as potent.
El Sportivo & The Blooz – Nights & Weekends | VinylMP3
Download “Waking World” (mp3)
Night & Weekends has a loose, smoky sound with a countrified and bluesy feel. Daron Hollowell (El Sportivo) maintains the raw aspect of his previous punk-based bands, but the album is full of swelling steel guitars, a rocking but laid-back backbeat, and El Sportivo’s raspy drawl.
