The band Lake Champagne fronted by vocalist Alix Gagliastro have released their first single on Telegraph Hill Records a sparkling indie pop tune “Leave Me Alone”. The song features driving guitar and drums that compliment the intense and personal vocals by Gagliastro. Lyrics like “Wrap yourself around my neck until I suffocate, then you say ‘Baby it’s not you, it’s me’” bring the sweet heat as the band switches gears into a swinging chorus and finally a middle eight that is guaranteed to make you feel. The song has a break-up theme that provides a triumphant sense of closure and makes us excited to hear what new opportunities this duo will provide on their upcoming EP. Check out Alix and Ryan Doyle’s new music on Spotify and watch out for the new collection of songs due out in 2021.
Category: Review
2020 Live Spafford
2020 was beyond difficult for people and families. Among the many hard hit groups were musicians especially those that earn a living by playing live shows. One of the inventive ways these artists have been able to keep the music alive is with social distancing shows which give fans the chance to dance the night away with a sense of safety and community. The band Spafford was able to record one of those shows and released it as “Live at the Drive-in”. This epic album spanning 12 songs and over two and a half hours of music is a living representation of the classic showbiz ethos “The show must go on”.
The album is a stellar recording featuring top notch musicianship and a plethora of genre melting songs and extended jams. Featuring the over the top guitar playing that is a staple of the jam band sound Spafford also manages to infuse their songs with heartfelt lyrics and vocals. “Be Strange” is a great example of how Spafford manages to bring the elements of jam to a place of soulful transcendence. “The Salamander Song” gives the listener an island vibe tune featuring the ultimate vocalization sing along that is always a standout moment at live concerts, when the audience and band become one.
Spafford provides epic songs that take the listener across vast landscapes culminating in hill climbing lead guitar and keyboard solos. “The Postman” is one such adventure that treks across music styles with interplay of light and dark that keeps this 20 + minute jam feeling fresh and exciting as it unfolds. The Spaffod style is reminiscent of early Phish (jazzy/calypso/screaming guitar) and builds on that archetype into something unique and fresh. This album offers a remarkable show and provides a bright spotlight in the surrounding year of struggle for musicians and music lovers. Long live Spafford!
LISTEN NOW: SPOTIFY Spafford.net
Click the Snap
The latest single by artist Deft provides a dark psychedelic palette to trip your ears. “Click the Snap” takes the listener on an ambient journey into a spaced-out abyss as it floats along on a classic 808 style beat. Deft showcases his unique flavor with this entracing and sparse track. “Click the Snap” has an epic machine quality suitable for a Fincher film score. With each spin it dives deeper and deeper into the darkness. We are hooked on the DEFT sound.
Elle is going somewhere
The 2019 album release “Brainwaves” by Kathleen Elle offers a great selection of confessional singer-songwriter material. One standout track, “Nowhere Without You“ immediately caught our ear with it’s upbeat relaxed coffee house vibe. The tune packs a punch of indie pop featuring acoustic guitar and full band rhythm section to support Elle’s warm and natural vocals. The song has a familiar groove that makes it a perfect companion for a hot cup of coffee and a comfy snuggle on the couch. Check out this artist’s Youtube and Facebook feed for one of her frequent livestreams and get ready to smile. Elle also has autographed CDs available on her website!
Listen on Spotify and https://kathleenelle.com/
How SWEET the sound
The Sweetwater Warblers are back with an inspired set of new tunes on the album “The Dream That Holds This Child“ featuring music and lyrics that speak directly to the heart. “When you dig your own grave, somebody mistakes it for a wishing well” That lyric from the song “Wishing Well” gave me the feels. This powerhouse trio brings a soulful lift to their sound that is so often missed in “Americana” music. This album is pure bliss! The Warblers have the rarest of ability to immediately connect with the listener. “When you are running on empty, everybody needs a ride.” lyrics like that make you feel the grooves that have been cut into this album. Another tune that brings the stuff is “Hallelujah” a field holler that melds into a jazz fest worthy celebration of a tune, packed with striking lead vocals and beautifully blended harmonies. “Pack up my troubles and leave em’ all behind!” lyrics like that are an aspiration and a benediction worthy of the weighty title. Possibly the best feature of this group is their soaring acapella vocals, “Sing Me a Song” puts that impressive talent front and center. Put this album on your playlist, now.
The Sweetwater Warblers are RACHAEL DAVIS, MAY ERLEWINE, and LINDSAY LOU. Each an impressive artist in their own right.
Listen: Spotify Website https://sweetwaterwarblers.com/
Big Papa, Crow
Papa Crow opens this beautiful children’s song in a minor key suggesting the cold winter nights of Michigan’s upper peninsula and then surprises with a fun and delightful lyric “Full Moon, full moon, I bet you eat a lot!”. The lyrics continue in a playful turn of phrase that engages the imagination about a wonderful and mysterious sky. Accompanied by haunting fiddle and backing vocals the tune delivers a satisfying listen. In a world of glossy superficial music, Papa Crow delivers a northern star of a tune in “Full Moon, Full Moon” that is as much fun to listen to for parents as it is for kids.
Listen now: Spotify Facebook
Echoes of Neo Soul
The new single “Echoes” by the group Nyomi envelopes you with creamy jazz textures and hypnotic beats, just before the vocals melt your heart. The first single by the new musical project “Nyomi” features the collaboration of Shawan Rice and Xander Moppin and is a showcase of aspirational messages wrapped in lush neo soul elements. Lyrics like “Today is a new day, time for a new state of mind” perfectly compliment the gentle keys, guitar and beat that mix to make this track a hi-fidelity feast for the ears. If you can’t wait for more new music by Nyomi (neither can we) definitely check out the duos other musical project “Shawan And The Wonton”.
The Lion & The Lamb
Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters deliver personal and profound lyrics blending with the Americana sounds of chiming guitars, in-the-pocket bass/drum groove, and down home harmonica and organ on this beautiful song. Flynn sings “Forsaken you still see/I hear her crying liberty” with a soulful ache that underscores the bittersweet message in this swagger of a song. Listen to the digital EP release “The Lion & The Lamb” on Spotify and check out their official website for more music.
Acoustic Power and Soul
Crooked Tree (album) delivers the storytelling and rich vocals of Michael Jaskewicz on a cosmic bed of acoustic guitar reminiscent of the best 70’s folk rock. The title track “Crooked Tree” delivers a naturalist vision, and positive vibe, that is somehow melancholy and hopeful at the same time. Michael’s guitar playing perfectly comments his lyrical messages and drops-in delivering powerful leads that punctuate and lift the songs to new heights. Sweeping delays and reverb add to the ear candy on these mostly acoustic tracks. “War That Can’t Be Won” melds dark blues vocals and fiery guitar leads that make the listener fall into the song’s deeper meanings. “Crooked Tree” is a trance-inducing musical journey. Catch Michael live with his band Cosmic and checkout this epic album on his website.
LISTEN NOW: Spotify https://michaeljaskewiczmusic.bandcamp.com/
A fast favorite: Slow Drive
Slow Drive (single) by the fabulous Ruby Ryan is a straight ahead indy rocker that grabs you and won’t let go! A low-fi modern intro quickly gives way to an effervescent song that reflects the emotional transcendents of bands like The Cure and early REM. Ryan delivers lyrics like “I’m too busy living in my dreams” with authority and honesty that is in short supply in today’s modern music. The production is top notch and compliments Ruby’s driving electric guitar playing. Check out the album “You Could Move In” by Ruby Ryan and her latest single “Phosphenes”.
LISTEN NOW: Spotify RubyRyanMusic.com