A Different Thread are a British/American duo – Robert Jackson from Staffordshire, UK and Alicia Best from North Carolina, USA. who conjure up a whole range of Americana (country, folk, bluegrass) influences on their new album On A Whim which was released last week on September 13th. This song flies along courtesy of the violin … Continue reading
THE ROCKY ROAD TO HARMONY A caravan snakes its way across the Nullarbor; singer-songwriter, husband, toddler and Rascal the dog ensconced within as dust billows into the late afternoon air and a burning sun casts a warm glow over their travels. That’s the scene as Catherine Britt heads out on another adventure, just one of … Continue reading
Ben Mastwyk dials into an authentic country sound that honours both the heartfelt storytelling side of the tracks and the boot scootin’, honky tonk dance-floor. It’s a talent that few possess with many guilty parties falling into either serious introspection or ending up looking like cartoon cowboys. Mastwyk wrote most of these songs in the … Continue reading
We’re only a couple of weeks out from the release (Sept 28th) of Take Me To Town, the 3CD compilation of Australian alt-country music put together by Stanley Records, Mother Hen Touring and ourselves. We’ve already posted the pre-order links so if you want to ensure you get a copy then hit the link and … Continue reading
Here’s the new single from JP Harris‘ new album Sometimes Dogs Bark at Nothing (due out October 5th on Free Dirt Records), co-produced by Old Crow Medicine Show member, Morgan Jahnig. The song rips and tumbles along, it’s a fun country-rock workout that details touring life with his band The Tough Choices. Fittingly it has a … Continue reading
Hillstomp are a due that tear up the folk blues handbook and let the torn pages scatter across the stage in a whirlwind of stomping rhythms, breakneck picking and strumming. They’ve got a new album called Monster Receiver, which is set to be released through Fluff and Gravy Records on October 19th. The LP features guest … Continue reading
In the wake of the untimely and much mourned passing of Tom Petty there have no doubt been countless concerts in honour of the great man. Sydney songwriter, musician and producer Michael Carpenter has organised some fine tribute shows and now he’s taken it a step further with a full album of Petty covers, in … Continue reading
“Iggy, oh Iggy, I wanna be your sweet sixteen, even though I’m almost 29” sings Mary-Elaine Jenkins on this excellent crunchy blues and struttin’ country rock track, taken from her debut album Hold Still, due out on September 28th via Good Child Music. She’s got one of those lived-in smokey voices, perfectly suited to the blues … Continue reading
The harmony vocal and acoustic stringed instrument quintet return with their fifth album of ornate chamber folk and bluegrass. There’s no denying the exquisite playing and arrangements on All Ashore but for all its sensitivity and detail there’s a lack of emotional connectivity. Punch Brothers are a band that have reached that point where their … Continue reading
As you should be well aware by now, Take Me To Town: An Australian Alternative Country Compilation, is being released on September 28th. There are already pre-order links available so please hit up one of the following or head down to a physical store at the end of the month to pickup a copy of … Continue reading
Ry Cooder is the great circler, a musician who seems to have a hand in all manner of scenes and genres and the ability to drift between all of them seamlessly. He played on Captain Beefheart’s Safe As Milk, produced Buena Vista Social Club, scored film soundtracks and played guitar on The Rolling Stones’ Let … Continue reading
Here’s a really nice slice of hard country from Californian Jesse Daniel. It comes from his self-titled album that came out on Die True Records a few months back. The whole album is great. Shades of Waylon throughout but with an added rock ‘n’ roll streak, a wild spirit and a snarl in Daniel and the … Continue reading
The brothers Crannitch were the core of the band Leader Cheetah who achieved a modicum of success and critical acclaim across two albums close to a decade ago. Now, after years spent living in different countries, the pair have reconvened as The San Sebastian. Fans of the former will find to still plenty to love … Continue reading
In this day and age, country music is a different and multifaceted beast to what it was 80 years ago. Back then, in simpler times, the music reflected tales both true and imagined about day-to-day life, heroes and adventures. The likes of Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Sons of the Pioneers ruled the wireless and … Continue reading
It’s been three years since The Bottle Rockets released their last album but now they’re back with Bit Logic which is set for release on October 12th via Bloodshot Records. Here’s the title track and first taste of the new album. ALBUM BIO: Formed nearly 30 years ago, the Bottle Rockets helped forge a now-popular … Continue reading
