Matt Walker has been quietly going about his business for three decades now, from his early collaborations with Ashley Davies, through his ongoing tenure as singer/guitarist for the brilliant Lost Ragas, his solo work, and as sideman for Tex Perkins— in his many guises. What typifies his playing is a kind of austere, unhurried precision, … Continue reading
It’s always cause for celebration when one of the greatest living alt-country songwriters has new material on the horizon. James McMurtry has announced that he will release his new album, The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy, on June 20th on New West Records. The album features appearances by Sarah Jarosz, Charlie Sexton, Bonnie Whitmore,Bukka Allen, and more alongside his … Continue reading
One of the great new bands that I came across in 2024 was Brown Horse who hail from Norfolk in the UK. Their debut Reservoir immediately impressed and from the sound of ‘Corduroy Couch‘, the first taste of their new 2025 album All The Right Weaknesses (April 4th), they’re set to follow up the debut … Continue reading
Keegan McInroe is a writer, musician and international touring artist based in Fort Worth, Texas and I’m very pleased to be able to premiere the video clip for his new single ‘Traveler’s Wind‘, the closing track from his recent fifth album Dusty Passports and Empty Beds. The song is a drifter, a languid poetic sway … Continue reading
Like compatriot Delaney Davidson, whose new album we recently reviewed, Matt Hay is another Aotearoa/New Zealand songwriter who likes to cross musical lanes, albeit with more subtle combinations. His remit is country, blues, roots-rock, and Americana – the kind of sound that fans of John Hiatt, J.J. Cale, Mark Lucas and Mark Knopfler will recognise … Continue reading
When it comes to the incorporation of ‘noir’ into country and folk music, the reigning king of capturing the essence of that sound in this part of the world is New Zealand artist Delaney Davidson. A prolific artist both in the recording studio and on stage, he recently released his album Out Of My Head … Continue reading
Fallow Fields (Dandenong Ranges, Victoria) continue their run of great singles with the melodic, quick-stepping ‘Lil Honey‘, in anticipation of their debut album Rocky Head Road (Aug 26th). Out across streaming services on Monday August 26th, I’m very pleased to be able to premiere the song’s video clip here on PTW today. Creating an original … Continue reading
Victorian group The Smith & Western Jury dial into authentic, gothic-tinged and dusty twang on their debut album Hotel Texas. Theirs is a distinctly American border sound, where one could picture Calexico backing Eilen Jewell in a late-night honky tonk. Opener ‘Have Mercy’ tumbles and shimmers beautifully, with singer Samantha Lombardi making her mark instantly, … Continue reading
Over the last couple of years, Melbourne-based New Zealanders Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields have been writing, recording and touring together, harnessing the undeniable musical chemistry they have and channelling it into their sublime new album I Remember You. Right across the record, even when things get busier, there’s a wonderful sense of space … Continue reading
Sydney artist Lo Carmen has today announced that her new album Transatlantic Light, will be released on vinyl on Sept 13th and digital on Sept 20th. Self produced, recorded with her long time band The Great Beyond – Cec Condon on drums (Mess Hall), Ken Gormly on bass (Cruel Sea and Sam Worrad on guitar … Continue reading
Winter McQuinn will be a new name to most but he’s had his hand in a number of other musical projects, including as frontman for the Melbourne band Sunfruits and drummer for Jade Imagine. On his debut solo album Move To The Trees, McQuinn immerses himself in cosmic folk-rock, where a pop sensibility meets psychedelic … Continue reading
Less than three months after the release of $10 Cowboy, Charley Crockett will release his second album of 2024 this coming Monday, July 22nd. $10 Cowboy Chapter II: Visions of Dallas is a companion piece to $10 Cowboy, featuring 10 new songs and two fan favorites – ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and ‘How Low Can You Go’ – … Continue reading
It’s been a long time between drinks (13 years!) for a new album of originals from Gillian Welch & David Rawlings. She last released The Harrow & The Harvest in 2011 and Rawlings released Poor David’s Almanack in 2017. The new 10-song album Woodland (August 23rd, Acony Records) mingles full band tracks with intricate duet … Continue reading
Released late last year, the debut self-titled album by the duo Valley Road is a distinctly Antipodean folk affair, courtesy of both the lyrics and richly rounded accents of Rebecca Jane Howell and Marty Mckenna – two friends based in Central Victoria. The pair really understand the power of space and pacing in a song. They … Continue reading
Stylistic diversity is the name of the game on On, On & On, the 2023 LP from David M Western. This is just the Melbourne artist’s second album yet it sounds like he’s been at it for years. There’s a relaxed and organic feel to all of the songs across the record. Melodies hang and … Continue reading
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