Bill Homans has been a truck driver, petty criminal and a watermelon farmer. He’s also a member of Mensa, made the only Vietnam War protest album to be written by a veteran during the war, and plays a mean slide guitar. The critically acclaimed Watermelon Slim, who has collected a record-setting number of blues award nominations, thrilled a crowd of fans at the Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines on February 1st.
Memphis blues rockers Southern Avenue performed at the Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines. Winners of Best Emerging Artist Album at the 2018 Blues Music Awards, Southern Avenue‘s sound is youth-infused vintage R&B soul electrified by the powerful voice and charming stage presence of front woman Tierinii Jackson.
Originally formed in 1981, Los Angeles-based alt-country rock collective The Long Ryders may have been through a few lineup changes over the years, but they’re back and strong as ever with new full length Psychedelic Country Soul. Within this twelve track stunner, Sid Griffin, Stephen McCarthy, Tom Stevens, and Greg Sowders have developed a truly enjoyable work of art, beginning with the easygoing sounds of “Greenville” and bouncing all the way through to the title track in slot twelve.
But of course those aren’t the only two songs of note on this work. If you’re into names in songs – we’re still trying to find one for all of our friends – then “Molly Somebody” is perfect for you. You can choose to replace “Molly” with any name, but this story has some specificity to it that wouldn’t otherwise translate, so be aware before you try to declare your love with the grand gesture of song. “If You Want to See Me Cry” is a slow, beautiful track, the soundscape reflecting its melancholic title. Additionally, if you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for that next cross country road trip, “California” is pure perfection. You can imagine it playing in the background while driving on a back road, your hair blowing in the wind. (In slow motion of course.)
If you’re interested in new music with solid lyricism, a band with interesting history, and a little bit of twang, you will truly enjoy Psychedelic Country Soul. Take it for a spin below!
Keep up with The Long Ryders here.
Saturday, February 2nd, wasn’t just a day in the books because Panic! @ The Disco made an appearance at Sprint Center. Kansas City rejoiced that evening because the tow openers were there to party. Betty Who brought her crazy intense dance moves and powerful voice to the stage, leading in to Two Feet‘s display of impeccable guitar skills. We got a few snaps of these energetic performers, and they can be seen below!
Tommy Bazarian’s, known by his musical space Lampland, debut album No Mood is debuting with a thunderous wave of emotion and sounds that will make you sway. Bazarian utilized his day job of being a radio producer to form the album’s lyrics, and his past formed the stories that are portrayed with drum loops, synths, and even a dash of some trumpets.
Bazarian’s vocals remind this listener faintly of The Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan. The whispering-moody feeling is definitely present throughout, but Bazarian makes it his own with his ability to compose unique music that is not like that of the loose comparison I have made.
This description on Lampland’s website, which you can find here, perfectly encapsulates what this debut album brings to the table sonically:
“In the spirit of Paul Simon’s solo albums, No Mood features almost as many genres as tracks. Alt-country rockers sit next to Elliott Smith four-track recordings, followed by dramatic full band arrangements. It’s all held together by Bazarian’s distinctive voice, by his vivid lyrics, and by his restless energy. Which, by the end of the album, he’s come to accept. ‘I know that you don’t blink insanely’, he sings. ‘Well, I do.'”
You can find more information on Lampland and No Mood at https://www.lamplandband.com/.
Italian shoegaze musical act Be Forest – comprised of Costanza Delle Rose (Bass and vocals), Nicola Lampredi (Guitar), and Erica Terenzi (Drum, synths and vocals) – released their new full-length today, a swirling and intense collection of songs titled Knocturne. Beginning with the moody instrumental track “Atto I”, the soundscape doesn’t vary too much heading into “Empty Space”, though additional background vocals and reverb are layered in. By third track “Gemini”, you realize the soundscapes are all strikingly similar, and that you’re truly on an instrumental adventure that could not have been laid out – and taken as successfully – any other way. “K’ is most notable for its quirky percussion amidst the same whirring guitars and intense disposition as its predecessors.
“Sigfrido”, somehow, brings us into an even darker soundscape, making this work of art much moodier than Earthbeat, which came before it in 2014. This song belongs in a transformational film, and we’re backing that idea 100%. “Atto II” has the clear markings of its first, though definitely begins in a more mysterious place, eventually exploding into a cacophony of ominous sound.
“Bengala” has a much more noticeable 80s influence, the beginning bringing the mood back up slightly. It doesn’t altogether abandon the darkness, as there are guitar parts that simply belong on the Warped stage and iron out any feelings of overwhelming lightness we may have shifted into. We wonder most about the inspiration behind the track “Fragment”, as it is packed with finesse and strength, leading us perfectly into last track “You, Nothing” which simplifies the instrumental pace slightly, allowing us to really enjoy Costanza’s vocals.
Keep up with Be Forest here.
