Never before have I heard – and perhaps never again will I witness – such an inspired and heart-wrenching album vocally than Salt Lake City act Ritt Momney‘s debut 13-track collection, Her and All of My Friends. Brainchild Jack Rutter speaks from a space of loss at many levels – Rutter spends his time writing alone mostly, since his friends and girlfriend have gone off to college and pursued missions in other regions – and delivers a highly relatable album, christened with his beautiful vocals
The album opens raw with “I”, which leads into “Lew’s Lullaby”, a very literal telling of his loss of people in his life to circumstance. While “Command V” – computer nerds, we got you and that shortcut for “paste” – might give us some dramatic lyrics that truly resonate, the faster paced “On Love (An Alternative Response to Almitra’s Request)” holds a fondness in our hearts, as we got to witness it live and it features the vocals of Rutter’s adorable girlfriend. As the rest of the album unfolds, you realize how much heart went into its creation. Thirteen tracks that draw an emotional response, amidst thousands of releases that dedicate that type of attention to one or two songs, is incredibly thrilling to see.
What Ritt Momney has accomplished – at a level higher than most of what we have witnessed thus far – is the creation of a new genre, as he integrates an r&b flare into his indie alternative music, at times rock, sometimes more electronic, and, interestingly, percussion heavy. But, save for the lines of spoken word or rap, more or less, there isn’t a moment void of Rutter’s airy, breath of fresh air vocals. This album is definitely one to hold onto, especially when you’re missing someone.
Rhode Island plays host to some pretty stellar acts, but who knew it would be the home of one of our latest favorite alternative rock acts? Wild Sun – a trio comprised of Glenn Kendzia, Paul Fazio, and Padraic Fazio – has a brand new, 9-track release titled Closed Door Talks and it’s one of those albums that is best enjoyed from beginning to end. We’re not saying don’t check out a song here and there right now, at your desk at work. (We won’t tell anyone!) What we ARE saying is, it’s truly an impact album full of a slew of psychedelic instrumentals that give the already edgy vocals a heightened sound. We’d consider cozying up with a nice glass of {{insert favorite summer beverage here}}, a starry sky, and your loved ones to enjoy this one. You’re in for quite the ride!
Rolling, bright and temperate: “Looking for Anyone” is the newest single from self-described “easy listening” group Common Hours, and it’s perfect for a back porch at twilight.
This track invites us in with warm shoegazey strums met by a texturizing, Southern-esque guitar leads from guitarist Dillon VanBuren. A steady kick drum and ride cymbal, via August George, effectively secure infectious head-nodding throughout. Backed by sugary harmonies from Ariel Roxanne Cook, lead vocalist Adam Black’s croons hazily illustrate the smooth, mono-mood of “Looking For Anyone”. Cook’s bass parts are pleasantly present in the mix, supplying a satisfying foundation for the floatiness that is a marker for this track; as lead guitar mimics the chorus melody, providing a predictability that is comforting but not cliché. The lyrics are distant enough to allow for objective interpretation, but personal enough to relay Black’s qualms about rushing into love to quickly, weighed down by lingering anxieties from previous relationships. “Looking For Anyone” is about anything but, as Black wonders aloud: “I’m not just looking for anyone. Can I get you to know that I need your love?”
This single is Common Hour’s newest release since a 2018 EP titled A Life Worth Living.
Recently, we had the wonderful pleasure of sitting down with Lulise to chat for season 2 of our podcast. We have to wait until August to experience that gem, but for now we thought we’d bide some time and premiere her new single, if you’re into it. (Frankly, we don’t care what you think. But we’re pretty sure you’ll be keen on it too.) Get a dose of gorgeous vocals, a little bit of attitude, and a whole lot of relatability as Lulise croons about a love interest that she cannot pursue!
Today, we sit down with Morgan Geer to chat about his musical project Drunken Prayer, the buildup to his album release in April, and UFOs. We actually got neck deep in UFO stories, and there’s a lot of laughter and awe in this interview that makes it the perfect end to season 1 of the podcast! Check it out below!
The strong scent of incense wafted over the audio gear. We had been standing in the barricades of the photo pit, anxiously awaiting Carlos Santana, for all of three minutes when I realized the footage being played above stage was from Woodstock fifty years ago. This footage was being played to lull us into a gorgeous start of a wonderful and nostalgic evening with the one and only Carlos Santana, who is taking the time on his tour to acknowledge his 20 year old album — the one I know the best — Supernatural.
He played songs like “Put Your Lights On”, “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen”, “Breaking Down The Door”, “Maria Maria”, and he didn’t leave out fan favorites “Oyo como va” and “Smooth”. And that’s exactly how I would describe his energy on the stage. The performers made it feel as though they were jamming together in someone’s basement or — better yet for a crowd this big and this dedicated to the ambiance (HELLOOOOO 420!) — perhaps a backyard on a warm summer’s night.
The evening was absolutely magical, and of course we credit so many generations of love for Santana on this one. Peep some photos below.
Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Cole Guerra. The brainchild of musical project I Am Casting, his latest release “Carnival Barkers” gained widespread praise. We get to chat a bit about the album and its inspiration, as well as some offbeat topics like what aliens might think of America today. Keep listening for more.
Nashville-based alternative rock duoCITYSILOS have harnessed an effortlessly cool vibe in their latest single “Give It To Me Straight.” Also known as Chris and Kristen Butler, they work together as husband and wife to create a track that is as catchy as it is full of vulnerability and angst. Kristen’s voice is reminiscent of Paramore’s Hayley Williams with her powerful range and ability to bring a certain raw emotion to the song. What makes this song stand out is that it is something you can dance around your room to, but also relate to it’s revelations about being in a dead-end relationship. “Give It To Me Straight” is just a sliver of what’s to come — their debut full-length album Happy Thoughts is to be released on August 30th.
New Orleans-based indie rock quintet Biglemoi – expertly comprised of George Elizondo, Violeta del Rio del Castillo, Matthew Bigelow, Jeremy Marx, and Jonathan Arceneaux – croon their way into your souls with their single “Permanent Vacation”. Today, they add a music video for that track to the world, and we couldn’t be more smitten. As they each enter the frame, there is a sense of excitement. We soon realize we will be getting a simple, beautifully-shot glimpse at their live performance tactics, and immediately we feel like we have been transported to our backyard with close friends.
