Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions)
Oklahoma’s Wood Willow – the duo of Becca Herrod and Joel Parks – introduce themselves in fine fashion with Southern Intentions, Wood Willow (from the self-released Southern Intentions). Their debut’s ten tracks shift effortlessly between between sweet (“You’ve Got Me”, “Birds”) and brooding (“On With the News”, “Art Collection”) folk songs, with the occasional detour into country (“No More Close to Heaven”). The instrumentation is rootsy – mostly Park’s guitar and Herrod’s mandolin, which keeps the focus centered on the songs and the duo’s vocals. And oh what vocals they are – while they split the task on most of the songs, they bring their voices together in glorious harmony for the choruses.
Gettin’ By, Steve Earle (from the New West Records release Jerry Jeff)
Over the past several years, Steve Earle has paid moving tribute to the songwriters who inspired him. The latest to be so honored is Jerry Jeff Walker. While most will immediately recognize Walker’s classic “Mr. Bojangles, it’s the rest of the collection that truly shines. Earle and the Dukes breath life into hoedowns like “Gettin’ By” and “Hill Country Rain” and showcase the character-driven stories of gems like “Charlie Dunn” and “My Old Man”. Earle’s longtime backing band the Dukes, most notably Chris Masterson on guitar and Eleanor Whitmore on fiddle, add their own touch to give these performances tremendous authenticity.
Churches & Bars, Sophie and the Broken Things (from the Petaluma Records release Delusions Of Grandeur)
Sophie Gault, singer-songwriter for Nashville’s Sophie & the Broken Things, is a welcome new voice in country and Americana. “My arms are tired and my hands are sore and I don’t listen to music much anymore,” she sings in the opening “Golden Rule”, setting the stage for an album that overflows with weariness and heartache. “It’s a shame the ones you love the most will be the ones who show you how a broken heart feels,” she sings on “Dashboard”. Things get a bit more upbeat, at least musically, on the small town saga of “Churches & Bars” and “Trouble”, her rollicking duet with Logan Ledger.
Firearms, Beatnik Bandits (from the self-released As Luck Would Have It)
My introduction to Austin’s Beatnik Bandits was a fiery rock and roll show in Dallas earlier this year. The album that they released shortly after that show is a bit more nuanced and restrained, leaning into the brooding and anxiety in the songs. That said, one can certainly hear the energy that the band brings to their live show – As Luck Would Have It is rollicking and fun, a rock album with some Texas flair.
Born With a Broken Heart, The Americans (from the Loose Music release Stand True)
If you like your rock gritty, then L.A.’s The Americans have an album for you. Their latest would sound as compelling in a Texas roadhouse as it would in an NYC rock club. Patrick Ferris has a compelling voice that pairs well with the coarse wail of his guitar, not to mention the swelter of his songs.
Bow to the Fire, Amy Correia (from the self-released As We Are)
L.A. by way of Massachusetts singer-songwriter Amy Correia has a distinctive voice, vocally and musically. Her latest release is a restrained gem, equal parts brooding and charming. There’s a rich depth to her songs, vivid storytelling that is brought to life in elegant musical arrangements. From the jazzy swing of “Bow to the Fire” to the ruminating “With All of Us”, As We Are is an engrossing collection of songs.
Meant To Be, BER (with Charlie Oriain) (from the self-released And I’m Still Thinking About That)
Minnesota’s BER was one of my SXSW 2022 highlights. Her songs possess a maturity well beyond her years, taking complex relationship issues and dissecting them with a heartfelt simplicity.
Always On My Mind, Big Nothing (from the Lame-O Records release Dog Hours)
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again – I’m a sucker for power pop done right. And that’s the way that Philadelphia’s Big Nothing deliver it. Part jangly, part rocking – and a whole lot of fun.
What I’m Dreaming Of, Faithless Town (from the self-released Into The Light Vol. 1)
Faithless Town get political on the first of a promised two-part collection. Many of the songs reflect on uncivil times, approaching the topic with strength and hope for things getting better. They bring them to life with a sense of urgency that they bring to their electric guitar-driven brand of rock and roll.
Fight!, Death By Unga Bunga (from the Jansen Records release Live From Deadwood City)
If you’ve never seen Norway’s Death By Unga Bunga live, you’ve been missing something special. Their brand of glorious rock and roll is a mash-up of Cheap Trick and the Ramones, a blend that is best heard in a loud and sweaty rock club. Well, at long last they’ve released a live album. And because they do things in their own way, it’s not just any live album – it’s a concept live album that was filmed in the throwback western town of Deadwood City, Norway. The set pulls songs from throughout the band’s career, as well as a fiery cover of Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town”.
Listen to “Fight” and then check out the full concert film (set up to play their fun take on the Thin Lizzy cover, but I recommend the entire show).
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.