New music: Ringo Starr, Peter Case, Rick Vito, Wormstew

In this column I showcase four fantastic new audio titles available now.

Artist: Ringo Starr
Title: Long Long Road (Ringo Starr)
You might like if you enjoy: Ringo Starr, The Beatles, Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings

Tell me more: Beloved singer-songwriter/drummer Ringo Starr is back with yet another wonderful studio album, the aptly titled Long Long Road. The 10-track Nashville-mining album features a slew of musical heavyweights who add their talents to bolster the T Bone Burnett-produced LP. Indeed, Sheryl Crow, Sarah Jarosz, Molly Tuttle, St. Vincent and Billy Strings are among the notables featured on Starr's 22nd solo album; the original songs on the disc were co-written by Starr alongside Burnett as well as with Daniel Tashian and Bruce Sugar. Early highlights on the album abound; the breezy Appalachia-tinged "Returning Without Tears" finds Starr's signature vocals a perfect fit with harmony vocals courtesy of Tuttle's lovely soprano (she also plays acoustic guitar on the track). The breezy "Baby Don't Go" (the latter featuring some flashy acoustic guitar work from Strings), the driving "It's Been Too Long" with Starr's masterful drumming front and center (his outstanding lead vocals blend perfectly with backing vocals provided by Tuttle and Jarosz), and the buoyant gem "Why," the latter featuring stellar acoustic guitar work from both Tuttle and Strings are fantastic. The last half of Long Long Road continues to cast its magic via the shimmering "You and I (Wave of Love)," lovely "My Baby Don't Want Nothing" and Beatlesque "Choose Love." Bringing it all home is the pedal-string swept title track that finds a grateful Starr looking back at his incredible life and how — no matter the challenge — he continues to live each day with purpose, love and strength. Long Long Road is available on audio CD, vinyl LP, "Ultraviolet Dream" color vinyl and via all streaming/download services. Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band have a number of upcoming concert dates on the West Coast this spring, including a performance at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Information: ringostarr.com. 

Artist: Peter Case
Title: My Life To Live: Peter Case At McCabe's (Sunset Blvd Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Peter Case, Bob Dylan, The Nerves, The Plimsouls
Tell me more: Three-time Grammy nominated artist Peter Case's stellar legacy is celebrated across the new commercial concert recording My Life To Live: Peter Case At McCabe's. Recorded during a sold-out two-night stand at McCabe's in Santa Monica, CA, the stellar songwriting and top-tier vocal delivery of Case shines across the recording that highlights material from across his celebrated discography. Highlights include the melodic "Estella Hotel," nuanced "Ain't Gonna Worry No More," blues-folk political sortie "Water From A Stone," poetic "Underneath The Stars," piano-anchored "Oldest Story In The World" and literate thought-provoking cut "Every 24 Hours." Nothing captures the "unplugged" magic of the album's sweep like the authentic take of "Somebody Told The Truth" which features Case's a cappella vocals and blues harmonica blasts perfectly framed by the spot-on clapping accompaniment of the entire audience. Information: petercase.com. 

Artist: Rick Vito
Title: Slidemaster (MoMojo Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Bonnie Raitt, Derek Trucks
Tell me more: If you love slide guitar, you are going to absolutely love Grammy-nominated guitarist Rick Vito's aptly-titled Slidemaster. This truly unique album features Vito's all-instrumental selections played exclusively on slide guitar. Standouts on the dozen-track collection include the fiery opener "Vegas Jump," emotive slow Chicago blues-flavored "Steal Away," the moody '60s-mining "The Danger Zone," and "Soul Shadows," sumptuous reading of Peter Green's "Albatross," a nuanced version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and ambitious original "River Of Blues." Information: rickvito.com. 

Artist: Wormstew
Title: The Last Days Of Loma (Big Stir Records)
You might like if you enjoy: They Might Be Giants, Del Amitri, The Kinks, sparkle*jets u.k.
Tell me more: Released on April 24, Wormstew's debut album The Last Days Of Loma is loaded with originals that are artful, melodic, intelligent and never less than alluring. Mike Schnee (lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, percussion), Teresa Cowles (bass, vocals, keyboards) and Michael Simmons (drums, vocals, electric guitar, keyboards and more) are a formidable trio, conjuring up past masters while bravely crafting a sonic palette all their own. The melodious jazz-tinged opener "Spinning," tuneful "Sheriff Brody" (a literate look back at the protagonist from the classic movie "Jaws"), shining harmonies sortie "Letters On The Wall," delightfully driving Americana nugget "Movin' Along" and haunting "J.P. McCartney" are among my early faves on the 14-track disc. The exuberant bluegrass gem "Assholes," wistful "Irony At Its Finest," melancholy-filled Kinks-flavored "When Cats Are Sad," soaring "When Our Worlds Collide" and sophisticated "Another Stupid Song" thrill on Side 2 of the masterwork. The Last Days Of Loma is available on vinyl, audio CD and via streaming services worldwide. Information: bigstirrecords.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Coachella Festival 2026 Weekend 2 Recap

"Visage Brut" by the Los Angeles
Design Group

What: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Who: The xx, Lykke Li, David Byrne, Sombr, Alex G, Foster the People, more 

When: April 17-19, 2026

Where: Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Editorial note: You can read coverage on the Desert Local News website that includes writer George A. Paul's favorite performances of Weekend 2 HERE

Additionally, George A. Paul's complete coverage of his experience at Weekend 2 of Coachella is available on his Music Minded blog HERE

Artist Kyriakos Chatziparaskevas' "Starry Eyes" art installation made quite an
impression with Coachellagoers this year.

Friday, April 17

My Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Weekend 2 experience began with a chance to get an authentic flavor of the Coachella Valley's rich history via an outstanding performance by Cahuilla Bird Singers and Dancers (as seen in the image above). While a large group of men stood on stage and sang/chanted and told stories behind the selections sung in their original language, about a dozen women stood in the area in front of the Gobi Stage and danced throughout the 30-minute performance.

Following that, the Bob Baker Marionettes brought bona fide fun to the Gobi Stage. The fast-moving variety show blended a number of musical styles as elaborate string puppets were brought to life by skilled marionettists. What's more, Irish singer CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) joined the Marionettes to singer her own song "Take a Sexy Picture of Me" during the 40-minute set. She joined the principal marionette, "Pink Cat," to sing the song. You can learn more about the Los Angeles area-based Bob Baker Marionette Theater HERE.

 

Lykke Li performing in front of a large crowd gathered in front of the
Outdoor Theatre on Friday afternoon.

One of the genuine joys of my more than 20 years of attending Coachellafest is the discovery of groundbreaking artists new to me. On Friday, April 17, I caught Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li's 50-minute set on the Outdoor Theatre stage. An artist whose ambition is matched equally by her on-stage persona and originality blending electropop, dance pop and indie stylings, her performance was never less than compelling. The songs had strong dynamics and even when the intent may have simply been to get concertgoers to move in rhythm to the music, there was emotional weight to the originals. My favorites included the introspective ballad "Highway To Your Heart," synthesizer-swept "Sick of Love," and romance-minded dance "Little Bit."

The xx thrilled throughout their fast-moving set on April 17. Pictured on the big
screens, from left, are guitarist Romy Bradley Croft and bassist Oliver Sim.

I was no stranger to the magical power of The xx, having previously caught them at the Empire Polo Club grounds in 2017 (you can read my review of that event HERE). The band's appearance this year again proved why the acclaimed British trio is so compelling, with their distinctive approach the perfect fit with the magic of performing on the Coachella Stage at dusk. Atmospheric and dreamy standouts included the lovely opener "Crystalised" and followup "Say Something Loving" (with guitarist Romy Bradley Croft and bassist Oliver Sim sharing lead vocal duties on both tracks), "Angels" and tender "Shelter"; The xx was more forceful on the sweeping "Fiction" and aptly-titled "Loud Places." The soaring masterwork "Intro" closed out the bewitching 55-minute performance.

Saturday, April 18

Kacey Musgraves, lower left, performing in the Mohave Tent on April 18.

Weekend 2 attendees scored a musical jackpot with the addition of Texas country music superstar Kacey Musgraves who performed in a packed (and I mean packed!) Mohave Tent on Saturday afternoon; this also marked her first performance at Coachella in seven years. The beloved songstress made the most impressive entrance of the weekend when she rode a horse to the side entrance of the tent, and then proceeded to kill it with one of the most memorable sets of the weekend. Opening with the wistful title track off her forthcoming album Middle of Nowhere (due May 1, 2026), she treated concertgoers to several other nuggets from the album including the infectious "Uncertain, TX" (complete with country line dancers sharing the stage with Musgraves and her seven-man band), and beautiful pedal steel-swept "Back on the Wagon." Other highlights of the 53-minute set included the romantic kiss-off "Space Cowboy," mid tempo "Slow Burn," shimmering "Golden Hour," a rousing cover of George Strait's "All My Ex's Live in Texas" and playful "Dry Spell."

Alex G photo credit: Anna Downs
Photo courtesy of Coachella

The sonic echoes of Dinosaur Jr., Band of Horses, the Hooters and a slew of other personal faves seemed to emerge during singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Alex G's wide-ranging Saturday 50-minute afternoon set on the Outdoor Theatre stage. Some selections were super dense and heavy (the post-goth opener "Louisiana" comes to mind) or wonderfully melodic ("Gretel"), while others landed in a genre-defying area ("June Guitar" where Alex G played an extended solo on accordion) or even tapped into classic rock and punk territory. 

Sombr photo credit: Alden Bonecutter
Photo courtesy of Coachella

Billy Idol photo credit: E Tantra
Photo courtesy of Coachella

If you have not yet heard of singer-songwriter Sombr (the moniker for New York City native Shane Michael Boose), you can be sure this mini-review will not be the last time you hear about the rising 20-year-old talent. 

Armed with model looks, charisma aplenty and a terrific voice, the rising star impressed at every turn. And it didn't hurt that he brought Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens to the stage to perform a great version of Idol's 1983 hit "Eyes Without a Face" about half way through his 50-minute performance. Other standouts in the set included a moving take on Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees," as we'll as his own "Back to Friends" and "Undressed." Don't be surprised if Sombr returns to Coachella soon.

Saturday night I caught two more great performances at the festival; both The Strokes (performing on the Coachella Stage) and David Byrne (at the Outdoor Theatre) afforded me to check off two artists from my bucket list I hadn't previously seen. New York-spawned quintet The Strokes rocked through a slew of their garage rock revival-styled originals including the speedy opener "Hard to Explain," the favorite "Someday," super catchy "The Adults Are Talking" and haunting "Selfless."

Singer-guitarist David Byrne performing on the Outdoor Theatre Stage.

Byrne brought a mix of beloved fide Talking Heads classics and outstanding solo material for an hour-long set that challenged and rewarded an enthusiastic crowd. Highlights abounded included an exuberant take on "And She Was" and "Psycho Killer," as well as a finale bringing both "Once in a Lifetime" and "Burning Down the House" fully to life via a large ensemble enhancing the '80s hits.

Sunday, April 19

Foster the People delivering a top-tier set of originals at Coachella on April 19.

I caught a handful of great performances on Sunday but my favorite was by Los Angeles-spawned outfit Foster the People. Led by frontman and founder Mark Foster, the band's winning blend of synth-pop, modern rock and indie pop resonated with the large audience gathered in front of the Outdoor Theatre for the fast-moving set. Dynamic state-of-the-art visuals and a modern stage design enhanced the 12-track set. Foster is a terrific singer, and used both his full voice and an expressive falsetto to bring depth to the dance-minded opener "Helena Beat," infectious "Houdini," disco-flavored "Lost in Space," sumptuous "Coming of Age" and tuneful "Sit Next to Me." The troupe had everyone moving (as well as capturing the musical proceedings with their cell phones) on the set-ending hit "Pumped Up Kicks."

Wet Leg singer Rhian Teasdale on the large project screens on the Coachella Stage.

Earlier that day I caught several other strong sets staged on the Coachella Stage, including Tijuana Panthers and an even more powerful turn from the hard rocking English outfit Wet Leg.

Check out a number of other images I captured during Weekend 2 below...Robert Kinsler

Artist Dedo Vabo's ambitious, thought-provoking "Network Operations."

What better way to celebrate Record Store Day than to browse at the Record
Safari that is part of Coachella's shopping options.

Coachella at night brings magic to the Empire Polo Club.

Kacey Musgraves and company during an outstanding performance of the new
song "Uncertain, TX" in the Mojave Tent on April 18.

Another compelling moment during David Byrne's April 18 performance.

What a line to get into Starbucks! No, I couldn't wait that long for my java fix and 
I snagged my Americano elsewhere...

"Balloon Chain" offers Coachellagoers the
perfect photo op!

Music writer George A. Paul, on left, with yours truly on April 19 atop a
hill that overlooks the beautiful Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, CA.  You can read
George's coverage of this year's event HERE.

2026 Coachella Weekend 1, Day 1 recap

Sabrina Carpenter (seen in the upper left) performing on the Coachella
Stage on Friday, April 10. Photo courtesy of YouTube

While not everyone can attend Weekend 1 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, just about everyone can watch key performances in their entirety thanks to YouTube's official livestream of the event. In this column I will highlight a handful of the outstanding artists I caught on day one of Coachella (Friday, April 10) via the livestream. And I found both the visual and audio elements of the livestream to be excellent.

Devo / Photo courtesy of YouTube

Performing on the Mojave stage, groundbreaking American band Devo brought a mix of new wave and art rock to a set that spanned just under an hour. Highlights included the robotic "Don't Shoot (I'm a Man)," hyper synth rocker "Peek-A-Boo!," driving "Girl U Want," infectious hit "Whip It" and set-ending "Freedom of Choice."

The xx performing on the Coachella Stage on April 10.
Photo courtesy of YouTube

The xx thrilled throughout their 50-minute set on the Coachella Stage. Although the trio is armed with a signature sound that showcases the unique talents of Romy Bradley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie xx in spades, each of the selections highlighted different areas of the trio's collaborative command of their sonic universe. Dream pop, Euro dance sorties, electronic rock and more styles were masterfully explored during the fast-moving 16-track outing. I look forward to catching The xx when they return to perform in Indio on April 17.

Another strong performance came from New York City native Moby, one of the most important artists to emerge in the 1990s. His energetic and inspired 50-minute set on the Mojave stage was a chance to catch the legendary artist mix up a number of his beloved classics including the high-octane opener "Bodyrock," dance-meets-world music foray "Go" (the latter featuring Moby on percussion), his doomed relationship-themed "Porcelain," the rousing electronica romp "Extreme Ways," and several poignant originals featuring guest vocalist Jacob Lusk ("Natural Blues" in particular was a powerful standout).

The day's headliner Sabrina Carpenter (seen on the left) turned in a 90-minute production taking full advantage of the larger-than-life setting afforded by the Empire Polo Club. The multi-Grammy winner unleashed a parade of high energy, accessible tracks in front of a massive crowd positioned in front of the Coachella Stage. 

For more information, visit Coachella.com.

Justin Hayward brings 'The Story In Your Eyes Tour' to Phoenix

Who: Justin Hayward

Where: Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, AZ

When: Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Information: justinhayward.com

Review and photos by Robert Kinsler

It's hard to imagine a more enthusiastic audience than the one that caught legendary singer-songwriter/guitarist Justin Hayward's "The Story In Your Eyes" Tour at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix on Wednesday night. Although 79, Hayward looked and sounded decades younger; his signature vocals soared and his artful lead guitar work impressed at every turn. And when it came to an extended portion of the night where he fielded questions from members of the audience, he was charming and witty — adding even more magic to the event.

Backed by a terrific four-member band, Hayward revisited many of his most beloved Moody Blues and solo hits in a fast-moving 90-minute set. The approach focused on blending classic rock, Americana and Baroque pop stylings together to masterfully showcase the emotional and melodic strength of each of the songs. 

Hayward opened the night with the Moody Blues' "Lovely To See You," bringing a warm Americana vibe to the track from that band's 1969 LP On the Threshold of a Dream. Other Moody Blues favorites also received reworkings early in the set including "Gypsy," "Tuesday Afternoon" (the latter featuring Karmen Gould's virtuoso flute playing), and "The Voice" with Gould and keyboardist Julie Ragins sharing lead vocals with Hayward.

The Question & Answer part of the night found Hayward tackling everything from how he takes care of his voice, when he began playing guitar, and the band's memorable concert at the Isle of Wight in 1970 before an estimated crowd of 600,000 concertgoers (one of his most bittersweet memories of that event was that it marked the last time Hayward saw Jimi Hendrix).

The momentum of the concert continued after the Q and A, with "The Land of Make-Believe," "You and Me," "Forever Autumn," "Your Wildest Dreams" and driving "Question" (the latter featuring Hayward on 12-string acoustic guitar) among the standouts. 

The night was capped off with stellar takes on "Nights in White Satin" with Hayward's dynamic vocals front and center, a rocking "The Story in Your Eyes" and wonderful "I Know You're Out There Somewhere." Then Hayward remained alone, walking to different areas at the front of the stage to greet and chat with fans awhile, including one young boy who was rewarded with Hayward's guitar pick.

If Hayward's "The Story In Your Eyes" tour is hitting your town this spring, don't miss it!

Justin Hayward connecting with fans at the end of his April 8, 2026 concert.

 

The Alarm releases "Live Today," the final video featuring the late Mike Peters

Make sure to check out the bittersweet video "Live Today,"  - the final music video filmed with the late Alarm frontman Mike Peters. A fantastic song and one that resonates powerfully...Robert Kinsler 

Releases “Live Today” The Final Video Featuring Mike Peters Who Passed Away April 2025 Premieres via Consequence New Album TRANSFORMATION To Be Released May 29, 2026 On Twenty First Century Recordings/Virgin Music Group Click above to watch the newly released "Live Today" music video APRIL 8, 2026 [New York, NY] – “Mike lived a life of beauty and never gave up right to the very end,” says Jules Peters, bandmate and wife of the late Mike Peters of THE ALARM who passed away on April 29, 2025. Following a fearlessly valiant 31-year battle with cancer, his monumental legacy continues with the release of TRANSFORMATION on May 29, 2026 on Twenty First Century Recordings/Virgin Music Group. Its latest single, “Live Today” premieres now via Consequence. Filmed just days before Mike underwent the innovative CAR-T treatment with hopes of eradicating Richter’s Syndrome, an aggressive form of lymphoma, “Live Today” is Mike’s final video. “As the sun rose, watching Mike perform this song with so much optimism and hope will live with me forever,” said Jules as she looks back. “It was a bittersweet day for me as we filmed this incredible joyous film on the beach in the North of England. After filming concluded, we climbed onto the tour bus and drove straight to the Christie Hospital in Manchester, U.K.. We were full of determination that the pioneering CAR-T would save Mike’s life but, at the same time, I was personally terrified as I couldn’t shake off a feeling that cancer had finally caught up with us both.” Mike Peters of The Alarm Photo credit: Andrew Labrow A poignant rallying cry, the video shows Mike performing without any hint of weakness, though his health was ailing at the time. “This video is such a difficult watch,” she says through tears. “It broke my heart… but it captures the eternal essence of Mike Peters that keeps us coming back to him and his incredible songs time after time.” Taken from the upcoming Transformation, “Live Today” is one of 12 prescient tracks that Mike gifts us through his passing. The recording sessions for Transformation began spontaneously on October 7, 2024, and after various life-interventions, it was finally completed on the evening of January 15, 2025 - the night before he began his CAR-T therapy. From the opening call to arms “New Life,” The Alarm roars vibrantly to life. Originally intended as an optimistic song to herald the triumph over cancer to be released after he had beaten cancer successfully again, it instead carries a new sort of poignant breath as he sings “I’ll see you in the new life.” First single “Chimera” was poised as an allegorical rebirth when it was released on January 23, 2025 - the exact day his CAR-T therapy began. Symbolically encapsulating the Greek mythos of a chimera which embodies the characteristics of different animals into one body, Mike envisioned that he himself would become like the fabled creature. “When I have CAR-T therapy I will literally become chimeric,” stated Mike at the time. “There will be two types of blood flowing inside of me. Two individual types of DNA.” Watch the "Chimera" music video  The classic ringing guitar progressions that made The Alarm household names in the ‘80s punctuates “Outlier” with Mike’s vocals showing no signs of wear. The anthemic and earnest “One In A Million” kicks off as a gorgeous hymn with the lyrics “one life, one heart, one soul” before counting down to a fiery chorus. It’s a fist-up outcry, the kind that the band built their initial acclaim with and made fans out of U2, Simple Minds, The Cult, among dozens of other renowned bands. The closing ballad “Love Makes Love” closes the album with a pensive note, the warmth of Mike’s voice acting as a final embrace. “Transformation is the finest Alarm album of all, written through adversity, with lashings of hope to stay strong, to believe, to keep moving forwards, to stay alive, to never be afraid and to welcome transformation,” says Jules. Described by Bono of U2 as “the second greatest rock and roll band in the world,” Mike Peters has been the driving force behind The Alarm for over forty creative years of new music making and dedication to presenting the band’s classic songs in ways both imaginative and inventive. A voice of defiance and hope both on and off the stage, Peters first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, whose powerful anthems like "68 Guns" and "Strength" helped define a generation of alternative rock. Known for their empowering anthems and heartfelt lyrics, The Alarm garnered a devoted international following, with Peters' raw vocals and commanding stage presence at the heart of it all, garnering number one rock album chart hits in the USA / UK and 4 albums in the top 10 with Equals, Sigma, Omega and Forwards. During a music career that spanned five decades, Peters performed with some of music’s greatest artists and bands including Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and U2. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995 and later with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Peters refused to let his illness silence him. Instead, he turned his fight into a mission to help others. Alongside his wife Jules, he co-founded Love Hope Strength, a music-driven cancer charity that revolutionized awareness and action around stem cell donation that continues beyond his passing. Through its innovative “Get On The List” campaigns—often hosted at rock concerts and even atop mountains—the charity has added over 400,000 people to the global stem cell registry and helped secure thousands of potential life-saving matches for patients worldwide.   While this may seem like the final chapter for The Alarm, Transformation promises that the legacy of The Alarm will transform into something larger. While Mike has gone out in a blaze of glory, his love, hope and strength continues on. Echoing the title of the new single,   Jules concludes, “Mike and the spirit of The Alarm will ‘Live Today,’ forever more. I invite you all to blast Transformation out loud. Imagine Mike in the room with you. Transformation is his battle cry, his resilient love of life. Right to the very end, Mike believed that he was going to live, to be totally free. My last memory is driving him open top along the North Wales coast road, playing Transformation at maximum volume. He was so happy. So full of life. Playing his air drums, bass guitar, already imagining himself on his next world tour. So keep that positive spirit moving forwards. Imagine him as you all knew him best, striding out on to that stage, changing lives one concert at a time. This is an album of hope and a passionate celebration of a life well lived. Please do not be sad. Mike wouldn’t want that. He was so proud of this album and had the best time recording it during the last six months of his life. Blast it out loud like Mike did. Play along to the track list and most of all, be happy that we all had Mike in our lives and continue to do so. The music of Mike and The Alarm will always keep us strong”.   “Live Today” is released, April 8, 2026. TRANSFORMATION will be released on May 29, 2026 via Twenty First Century Recordings/Virgin Music Group and is available for presale at the band's official webstore. album art TRANSFORMATION New Life Chimera Outlier Saviour Metaverse Wired One In A Million Live Today Soul Town In Unity To Be Alive Love Makes Love

New music: The Droptines soar with 'Drought Flower'

Thanks to a wonderful friend whose taste in discovering new music may well outdistance even my own, I was introduced to the The Droptines a few months ago and can proclaim they are one of my favorite bands to emerge this decade. The Austin, Texas-based Americana quintet led by frontman Conner Arthur blend alternative country, Southern rock, blues, gritty roots and top-tier songcraft into an authentic style rooted in real world emotion. I am not the first to say this and will definitely not be the last; I truly believe The Droptines are destined for bona fide greatness. 

The Concan, Texas-spawned band's new album Drought Flower (released via Miranda Lambert's Big Loud Texas label on April 3) is a joyful lesson in how to fall in love with new music anew and to feel its power sweep over you. The majority of the 11 songs on the disc play out in under three minutes, but nevertheless pack an emotional wallop for anyone who has fallen in love, lost someone they cared about, woke up with a hangover or longed to escape the cage where they are now.

The songs are not delivered via empty slogans or labored poetry, but rather feel as genuine as the events, persons and places that inspired their creation. Recorded at Arlyn Studios in Austin, there isn't anything even close to a throwaway on the LP.

Among the great cuts on the album are the rollicking opener "A Town Near You," anthemic "Tombstone" celebrating love's magic touch with a burgeoning sonic ascent, the rollicking title track, deeply affecting mandolin-adorned "Mamaw" that details an elderly loved one's descent into dementia, confessional "What Ate My Friend" and biting rocker "Whatever It Is."

The Droptines deliver two essential covers on the LP, a haunting take on the Mike McClure Band's "Calling All Cars" and evocative reading of The Magnetic Fields' "Grand Canyon," the latter as poignant as any romance-minded cry for help in memory. 

In addition to Connor Arthur, The Droptines feature bassist Dillon Sampson, drummer Johnny Sheets, guitarist Donny Parkinson and steel guitar player Tony Rincon.

Information:  thedroptines.com.

Robert Kinsler