Fans of rising and established artists all have something to celebrate thanks to a trio of amazing studio albums released on Feb. 26, 2021.
Title: WAЯ (InGrooves)
You might like if you enjoy: The Alarm, early U2, the Waterboys
Tell me more: Written, recorded and released between Jan. 6 and Feb. 26, 2021, the Alarm's newly-released WAЯ is a potent effort that proves that even during a deadly global pandemic great artists will rise to the occasion. Singer-songwriter-guitarist Mike Peters and company (keyboardist Jules Peters, drummer Steve 'Smiley' Barnard, multi-instrumentalist James Stevenson) along with producer George Williams have delivered an album of palpable power and relevance in tune with our troubled times. This is an album that roars, documenting an uncertain era with a fiery and authentic approach; the soaring sonicsphere is matched by Mike Peter's hard-hitting lyrics. The blistering "Protect And Survive," edgy "We Got This" (bolstered by Mike Peters' blasting harmonica work), the atmospheric "Tribes [Stop The War]," beautiful folk rocker "Still Unsafe," electronica-tinged rocker "Warriors" and spirited "Fail" are among the amazing cuts on the masterwork. The aptly-titled WAЯ (which is "RAW" spelled backwards) is a true return to form for the Alarm, all the more impressive given its creation and release took a mere 50 days during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information: TheAlarm.com.
Title: Heart Of Fire (Ruf Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Samantha Fish, Sue Foley, Ally Venable's "Texas Honey" LP
Tell me more: Kilgore, Texas-based singer-guitar great Ally Venable's newly-released fourth album Heart Of Fire confirms the 21-year-old prodigy is one of today's most talented young artists. She taps into the past but is able fuse electric blues and roots rock influences into her own infectious contemporary brew across the Jim Gaines-produced disc. The ferocious opener "Heart Of Fire," Delta-immersed foray "Played The Game," Southern blues rocker "Hateful Blues," melodic "Sad Situation" and dynamic reworking of the Bill Withers classic "Use Me" all serve as a showcase for Venable's skills as singer and guitar slinger. Her ambitious nine-minute instrumental tribute to blues guitar great Stevie Ray Vaughan ("Tribute to SRV") is heartfelt and impactful. Likewise, a poignant vocal duet with Southern rock great Devon Allman on "Road To Nowhere" shines bright, the track elevated by nuanced and artful guitar work ranging from ringing harmonics to a forceful lead solo. Guitar hero Kenny Wayne Shepherd lends his own virtuoso skills on the blues rock cut "Bring On The Pain." Information: AllyVenableBand.com.
Title: Settlement (Esoteric Antenna)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Supertramp, Marillion
Tell me more: Strawbs are back. The legendary English band – whose self-titled debut album was released in 1969 – has released a slew of acclaimed albums over the past 50+ years. Now the enduring quintet has returned with the stellar wide-ranging album Settlement that celebrates the group's rich history while also reflecting the here and now. The range of on-target selections includes the classic-rock styled title track, beautiful British folk gems "Strange Times" and "Each Manner of Man," yearning "Judgement Day," Celtic-flavored tale "The Visit," and instrumental trips "Flying Free" and "Chorale." Strawbs features founding member Dave Cousins (guitar, vocals, banjo, dulcimer) along with long-time members Dave Lambert (guitar, vocals), Chas Cronk (bass, guitar, vocals), Tony Fernandez (drums) and Dave Bainbridge (keyboards) - all of whom and several top-tier guest players worked with Germany-based producer Blue Weaver (a former keyboardist with Strawbs and long-time member of the Bee Gees' touring and recording band) to complete their parts from remote home studio settings during the pandemic to finish a truly-impressive full-length return. Settlement is available on audio CD and via 180 gram vinyl. Information: strawbsweb.co.uk.
Robert Kinsler
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