Cityview, The Accidentals (from the self-released Vessels)
With the addition of drummer Michael Dause the Accidentals have expanded their musical palette into full-on rock territory. Songs like opener “Count the Rings”, “Rollercoaster” and “Slow and Steady” bristle with an electric guitar and bass fueled energy. That said, the group also mine familiar acoustic cello and violin territory with the wonderful “Go Getter” and “Cityview”. The common thread is the tremendous songwriting and artistic talent of band founders Katie Larson and Sav Buist. The two are leading lights of their musical generation.
Help Me Remember, Hayes Carll (from the Dualtone Music release You Get It All)
Hayes Carll has long been one of Americana’s most thoughtful and entertaining songwriters. With a heavy drawl, he waxes poetic about failed relationships (“Any Other Way”), finding one’s way (“Different Boats”), and God taking stock of the world and “This is why y’all can’t have nice things” (“Nice Things”).
The emotional highpoint is “Help Me Remember”, Carll’s poignant reflection on coping with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Little Death, Sean Rowe (from the Fluff & Gravy Records release The Darkness Dressed in Colored Lights)
If you’re familiar with Sean Rowe’s rich baritone and gruff appearance, you’d might expect an album dark and somewhat dour. It’s a point that he makes himself on “Married to the Lord” when he sings “Ain’t nobody gonna take me for an angel, I’m only flying with the crows while all the saints are sleeping in heaven.” Yet there is a warmth and sense of comfort in Rowe’s songwriting and performance. The Darkness Dressed in Colored Lights is an introspective and exploratory affair, infusing moments of clarity and light into Rowe’s pensive contemplations.
Nowhere Else To Go, ELDR (from the self-released EP Nowhere Else to Go)
ELDR, the married duo of Jameson Elder and Hanna Rae, emerge from pandemic isolation with an engaging debut duo EP. Nowhere Else to Go is filled with big hooks and the duo’s harmonies, combined with lyrics that are uplifting with their “us against the world” quality.
Hour on the Hour, Mike and the Moonpies (from the self-released One to Grown On)
Mike and the Moonpies have been on a creative tear the past few years, not the least of which was 2019’s impressive Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold, recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony. On One to Grown On, they return to their home state of Texas to create a concept album that chronicles a character grappling with responsibility, maturity, and loss. But make no mistake – this is a glorious country album through and through.
Trick of the Light, Ike Reilly (from the Rock Ridge Music release Because the Angels)
We need more of Ike Reilly’s observational storytelling. His songs are filled with colorful characters and the songwriter’s pointed world view. Because the Angels is a powerful blend of Reilly’s punk rock attitude and folk singer sensibility, brought to life with a bar band musical aesthetic.
WWYLLYD, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the self-released Forgiving It All)
Christopher Paul Stelling returns to his roots, self-releasing an album that is solo in the truest sense of the word. He set up a recording rig in his late grandmother’s house and, with just his voice and guitar, considered tumultuous times both personal and societal. The songs are subtle yet intense, capturing an artist’s thoughtful observations and reflections.
Hold On To Your Heart, F. Scott and the Nighthawks (from the self-released Hold On To Your Heart)
Every year I discover at least one great new-to-me artist via an email that appears in my Twangville inbox. It took awhile this year but it arrived in the guise of Toronto’s F. Scott and the Nighthawks. This is some great rock and roll, reminiscent of the Black Crowes but with less Southern flavor. Maybe a Canadian Lucero? Any way you describe them, get ready to rock.
Love You So, Bleu (from the self-released SiX TAPE)
It’s been quite some time since pop maestro Bleu has released music, at least under his own name. The LA-based artist has established himself as a go-to songwiter and producer for numerous R&B and pop performers. While it is great to hear those collaborations, it’s a refreshing treat to hear him performing his own songs. SiX TAPE is an infectious collection of rock ‘n’ soul – sometimes more the former (“Nobody Calls It Rock’n’Roll Anymore”) and sometimes more the latter (“Love You So”). The common thread is power pop brilliance and production that recalls ELO, albeit with a contemporary polish.
Back to Mono, Bob Walkenhorst (from the self-released A Thousand Words)
A Thousand Words is a collection of songs that Walkenhorst has been releasing as part of a monthly song series. The songs are a somewhat eclectic bunch, a mix of acoustic folk beauties and some passionate rockers. Those who are familiar with Walkenhorst know that he is a tremendously literate songwriter, a point reinforced by these compositions. Some of the songs consider the social turmoil that has roiled America while others are thoughtful reflections on relations romantic and familial. All have an intelligence that is considered and impactful.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.