Title: Half Moon Light (Dualtone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Michael Ubaldini, Larkin Poe, the Lone Bellow
Tell me more: The Lone Bellow dive deep into their rich Americana sonicscape on their new album Half Moon Light. Produced by The National's Aaron Dessner, Half Moon Light is the trio's fourth full-length studio album and first new one since 2017. The anthemic "Count On Me" and "Good Times" may well be the highlights on the glorious album, but other standouts abound. Guitarist Brian Elmquist, lead vocalist Zach Williams and multi–instrumentalist Kanene Donehey Pipkin continue to deliver their soaring three-part vocal harmonies and stellar musicianship this time out but there is a burgeoning power in the depth of the lyrics and growth that shines bright across Half Moon Light from start to finish. The sophisticated "Wonder," sumptuous "Wash It Clean," driving "Friends" and delicate "Dust Settles" and "August" are among this writer's other favorites. The Lone Bellow headlines a special show at Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown on March 14. Information: www.TheLoneBellow.com.
Title: Nick of Time (Daptone Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Vintage Trouble, Nick Waterhouse, Sam Cooke
Tell me more: A talented soul singer and lead guitarist, James Hunter is expert at tapping into classic rhythm and blues stylings and making them his own. Now comes the James Hunter Six on their latest full-length LP, the 13-track stunner Nick of Time. Bolstered by a mix of uptempo rock 'n' soul cuts ("Till I Hear It From You," the raucous lead guitar showcase "Ain't Goin' Up In One of Those Things"), mid tempo soul ("Nick of Time," "Can't Help Myself") and affecting ballads ("Who's Foolin' Who," "Never," the Nat King Cole-mining "Paradise For One"), the sound here is inspired by the groundbreaking '50s and '60s soul forged by the celebrated likes of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. The arrangements are uniformly potent, with blasting horns, in-the-pocket rhythms, sublime backing vocals and Hunter's top-tier talent enhancing every cut across the fantastic Bosco Mann-produced disc. The James Hunter Six is scheduled to perform at Echo in Los Angeles on Thursday, April 16. Information: www.JamesHunterMusic.com.
Title: Don't Walk The Darkness (Big Legal Mess Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Ben Harper, John Hiatt, Phosphorescent
Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-guitarist Will Sexton has returned with his first new album in more than a decade. The good news is that Don't Walk The Darkness was fully worth the wait, a warm and inviting listen all the more powerful in the wake of Sexton's recovery following a 2009 stroke he suffered that robbed him of much of his verbal and language abilities. His recovery is clear listening to the range and depth of the original songs showcased on Don't Walk The Darkness (released on March 6). The rootsy sound showcased on the 10-song LP blends sounds associated with his Austin roots and current home in Memphis. Just grab a listen to the evocative "Don't Walk The Darkness (Through The Day)," captivating Tom Petty-flavored "Temptation's Call," probing "The Whole Story" and immersive "Fell In Straight View" on an exceptional return. Information: www.BigLegalMessRecords.com.
Robert Kinsler
No comments:
Post a Comment