Astrovan: The Love Song Vignettes by Humbird (10 Jan)
Humbird’s slow trickling of singles over the past couple months has us primed for their newest full length. Landing somewhere musically between Bjork and Neil Young, these short tunes showcase Siri Undlin’s sweet vocals. (Todd Mathis)
Bloom by Larkin Poe (24 Jan)
Megan and Rebecca Lovell are poised to kick off your musical year in fine rocking fashion. There’s no escaping their twin guitar attack – Rebecca’s electric and Megan’s lap steel – and their familial harmonies. Larkin Poe’s southern, blues-based rock packs one hell of a punch. (Mayer Danzig)
Lucero Unplugged by Lucero (24 Jan)
Lucero’s Ben Nichols and Rick Steff spent a day in the studio recording stripped-down versions of songs from throughout the band’s 25 year history. The result is a must-have for long-time fans and a welcome introduction for those not familiar with Nichol’s tremendous songwriting catalog. (MD)
Forever by Lilly Hiatt (31 Jan)
Lilly Hiatt is ready to rock. The forthcoming Forever lets the electric guitars ring out – exactly what we need to start the year. (MD)
Michigander by Michigander (7 Feb)
The infectious pop hooks suck you in, but it’s the emotion that Michigander’s Jason Singer pours into his lyrics that will keep you captivated. (MD)
Raw Muscular Power by Death By Unga Bunga (7 Feb)
I’ve been waiting for this one. Norway’s Death By Unga Bunga bring the rock in bombastic fashion – insanely catchy pop hooks served up with a heaping dose of electric guitar. (MD)
Go Gentle by Ian Fisher (7 Feb)
Canada’s (by way of Missouri and Vienna) Fisher explores mourning and loss with a collection of songs that is more buoyant than maudlin. (MD)
Curioso by Wilder Woods (7 Feb)
Wilder Woods, the solo outlet for NEEDTOBREATHE co-founder Bear Rinehart, return with a third album that bristles with a percussive and soulful sound. (MD)
Another Farewell by Horsebath (7 Feb)
Canada’s Horsebath introduce themselves with a ramshackle and freewheeling collection ripe with harmonies and shades of Canadian forebearers The Band. (MD)
Exploding Trees & Airplane Screams by Patterson Hood (21 Feb)
Drive-By Truckers co-founder Patterson Hood is one of Americana’s premiere storytellers. His solo albums tend to be a bit more musically subdued than his work with the Truckers, but the simmering intensity of his songwriting remains. (MD)
Armageddon in a Summer Dress by Sunny War (21 Feb)
Sunny War is back to prove that she has plenty more to say. Her music may veer towards folk but she infuses it with a punk rock ethos. (MD)
Life Is Just a Vapor by Paul Thorn (21 Feb)
After a rollicking set at last fall’s Americanafest that featured a number of new tunes, Thorn has us excited for the new release dropping February 21st. In the meantime you can hear the first single “Tough Times Don’t Last.” (TM)
Skin by Sean McConnell (28 Feb)
Nashville’s McConnell gets introspective and exceptionally contemplative on his latest album, all the while keeping the melodies catchy and accessible. (MD)
Ghosts in the Garden by Kris Delmhorst (7 Mar)
Western Massachusetts singer-songwriter Delmhorst has long been known for the depth of her songwriting and inviting, if often brooding, melodies. Her latest continues that tradition with warmth and maturity. (MD)
The Sound of Muscle Shoals by Mike Farris (7 Mar)
The lauded soul singer travelled to legendary FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama where, accompanied by some the area’s most notable musicians, he let his voice soar across his first album in seven years. (MD)
American Equator by Pete Mancini (7 Mar)
Pete Mancini takes jangly power pop and roughs up the edges, musically and lyrically. The lead singles make one thing clear – American Equator is glorious racket. (MD)
Best in Show by World Party (12 Mar)
I’ve never included a re-release in this list, nor a greatest hits album. But I’ll make an exception for this one. World Party’s Karl Wallinger passed away last year, leaving behind a catalog of brilliant pop songs – sometimes pristine, sometimes rocking, and, more often than not, both. (MD)
Do It Myself by Olivia Ellen Lloyd (21 Mar)
Anyone lamenting the current state of country music should give Lloyd a listen. The Brooklyn by way of West Virginia songwriter channels the spirit of country icons Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Patsy Cline, all the while forging a musical path all her own. (MD)
All the Not So Gentle Reminders by David Ramirez (21 Mar)
David Ramirez may have started his career as an acoustic troubadour but his music has gotten grander over time. Expect him to stretch even further on his latest album, all the while maintaining the intensity and soulfulness that has been his hallmark. (MD)
When Youth Fades Away by Somebody’s Child (28 Mar)
The infectious pop of Somebody’s Child was a great discovery for me at SXSW 2023. Expect more of their electric guitar-fueled rock anthems on their sophomore album. (MD)
Cover the Mirrors by Ben Kweller (30 May)
After the tragic loss of his son last year, Ben Kweller took to the studio to channel some of his grief into song. Lead single “Optimystic” rocks with cathartic abandon, much as one would expect from Kweller. (MD)
About the author: The Twangville Posse listens to music. Lots and lots of music.