by Meredith Schneider | Aug 23, 2019 | albums, review
Today, Dallas-based rock collective The 40 Acre Mule releases their latest full-length, a 10-track album titled Goodnight & Good Luck. Filled to the brim with incredible chord progressions, guitar riffs that will melt your face down to your teeth and cheekbones, and an undeniable energy that just simply will not quit. Their musical prowess has them dipping the journey into a smooth, natural slow roll a couple of times – how else can you do bluesy ballads like “Be with Me” and “Hat in Hand”? – but for the majority of this release, we spend our time checking our increasing heart rates.
The band – comprised of J. Isaiah Evans (Vocals/Guitar), John Pedigo (Guitar), Tim Cooper (Bass/Backing Vocals), Robert Anderson (Drums), Chris Evetts (Bari Sax/Percussion), and Chad Stockslager (Keys/Backing Vocals) – effortlessly blends the sounds of their great predecessors (Chuck Barry, Little Richard) and modern influences (J.D. McPherson, Nathaniel Rateliff) to create a sound that is simply undeniable, and truly one all their own.
If you’re looking for album favorites, we’re very into the clear nostalgia that rolls through us while listening to “Shake Hands with the Devil”, and are thoroughly drawn to the title and danceability of “Bathroom Walls”. Perhaps both songs present the sense of a thrill for a moment, thematically tying us to the album as a whole as it takes us on a thrilling ride.
Peep Goodnight & Good Luck below, and be sure to nab your copy soon!
Keep up with 40 Acre Mule here.
by Andrew Hallen | Aug 22, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On our way to enjoy the final headliner of Outside Lands 2019, we happened upon a rather large crowd in the middle of the polo field, by the merchant tables. For a moment, I thought the crowd had reached that far back, an hour or so before the performance, and I almost gave up on getting any closer. But then we realized it was a completely different crowd, and Wyclef Jean was singing on the Heineken stage. As the sounds of “Maria Maria” entered our ears, we danced our way over for a peek. Then, of course, we got as close as we could for the indelible Paul Simon. What a way to round out the festivities.
**photos by Andrew Hallen + Meredith Schneider
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 21, 2019 | albums, premieres
On Friday, lo-fi garage pop musician Balue is set to release his new album Suburban Bliss. We’re lucky enough to have your first listen to the release in its entirety, starting with the sound bites that intro the title track. Jam packed with leisurely tunes perfect for your next road trip, Suburban Bliss leads you on a sonic journey that both urges you to open your mind and keeps a moderate tempo that tends to keep your emotions at bay. Moments of 70’s-inspired, glittery soundscapes are nestled amongst futuristic chord progressions and reverb for miles. It’s beautiful and fun and quirky, all wrapped into one wonderful collection that will easily make the “summer to autumn” transition with you.
Get your first listen below, and keep your eyes peeled for that album release on the 23rd!
Keep up with Balue here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 20, 2019 | snapshot, visual
On Friday night, Ben Folds made a spectacular appearance at Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, MO. Our city has an affinity for this man, palpable when he sang a song about making Jason Sudeikis his “piano bitch” back in the day when he used to play The Bottleneck in Lawrence. He and his band entertained until the very last second of the sound ordinance, and what a beautiful start to the weekend it was.
Keep up with Ben Folds here.
by Kinzie Ferguson | Aug 19, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Hippo Campus absolutely thrilled the wall to wall crowd during their afternoon set at Hinterland Music Festival. Photographer Kinzie Ferguson caught some incredible moments from the crowd, as seen below.
Keep up with Hippo Campus here.
by Kinzie Ferguson | Aug 19, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Apologies if the headline of this photo set made you think we had a round 2 duet featuring Hozier and Brandi Carlile a la Bonnaroo 2019 at Hinterland Music Festival this year. Our photographers were roaming the grounds a little more and captured these two performances from the crowd, so there are a few less angles to share with you. But the lighting and the audience have truly captured the mood on this, a truly intimate experience at a very large music festival.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 16, 2019 | snapshot, visual
In May 2018, we got our first true chance to see Alex Lahey perform live. Not only were we enchanted by her set in the mid-day heat at Sasquatch Music Festival, but it left us wanting more. Her appearance at 2019’s Outside Lands was one for the books, as she played a pretty packed Panhandle stage early on Sunday and had us reinvigorated for the remainder of the festivities.
Keep up with Alex Lahey here.
by Matt Hinsz | Aug 15, 2019 | snapshot, visual
Technical difficulties didn’t keep Ruston Kelly from playing a fantastic set on Sunday of the Hinterland Music Festival. After a brief delay to the start of the show, Ruston quickly turned the mood around and got the crowd moving with his energetic brand of Americana.
Keep up with Ruston Kelly here.
by Meredith Schneider | Aug 15, 2019 | snapshot, visual
It’s wonderful what some fresh air can do for you. We caught up with mxtmoon at Outside Lands festival for a few quick portrait shots, and found this fun little backdrop on the perimeter of the polo field. How fun to duck into some trees and feel like you’re the only ones in the field! (Aside from Mavis Staples singing and preaching to the masses in the background. What an incredible weekend!)
Keep up with mxtmoon here.
