It’s adolescence. It’s angsty. It’s pop punk. This album is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a pop punk band, nevertheless, it succeeds. The album, while predictable, is engaging and interesting. Maintaining the pop-punk tradition of chunky rhythm guitar, driving, melodic bass lines, simple, powered drums, sullen lyrics and trill guitar solos for much of […]

Just 9 tracks in length, the 43 minute album is simply and soulful. Consisting of characteristically elementary acoustic guitar, bass, and drum, Jake’s rich baritone vocals ring out over. Jazz-like progressions and Appalachian timbre help focus this album. Play! Label: Paradise of Bachelors Play: 2,3,4,6 FCC: Clean! RIYL: Wood Brothers, Hiss Golden Messenger, Jake Bugg, Phil Cook

Powered by simple melodies and vivid lyricism, Nana Grizol’s Ursa Minor is a good listen. With a runtime of only 34 minutes, the album packs in some very good tracks wwhile saving time for a few well-placed instrumentals. Label: Blood Orange Play: 2,3,7,12 FCC: 4,5 RIYL: Neutral Milk Hotel, The Frontbottoms,  Pinegrove, Paul Baribeau

Former front-man of the Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s Richard Edwards’ first album sounds carefully created and curated. The gentle melodies that dance between major and minor modes from guitars and pianos are paired with a simple approach to drumming. The music is both soothing and interesting. Play this album. RIYL: Passenger, Margot and […]