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
Will Johnson and the members of Magnolia Electric Co. release version of ‘The Big Beast’. Will Johnson and the remaining members of beloved band Magnolia Electric Co. have joined forces for new recordings as Magnolia & Johnson Electric Co. In September, Magnolia and Johnson Electric Co. will pay tribute to their work with the late Jason Molina and perform four shows in Texas, September … 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
Another 365 days of alt-country, Americana, folk and rock ‘n’ roll gems to sink one’s ears into and these were the ones that hit the spot with me, inspiring repeat listens. There are plenty more of course, ones that I haven’t spent enough time with and one’s I’m yet to hear. You can click HERE … Continue reading
Claire Anne Taylor – Giving It Away There’s so much new music that comes down the information superhighway, a veritable landslide of songs and singer-songwriters opening up their hearts and baring their souls. To be honest, most of it is bland and derivative and you have to wade through an avalanche of mediocre to find … Continue reading
Adelaide band Twine have released a great new single today called ‘Sleeping Dogs‘. It’s a track that sits at the nexus of ragged alt-country and noisier underground rock music. My initial thought was that their sound reminded me of the band Wednesday and then I read that their forthcoming album New Old Horse, out Friday, December … 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
Sydney trio PJ Orr recently released ‘Guns n’ Money’, the first single from their forthcoming new album Wake Me When I’m Thirsty (Oct 25th) and now we’re very pleased to premiere the new single/video ‘Bread‘, which is out tomorrow (Sep 19th). There’s a brilliant rolling groove, filled out with jangly guitar chords as songwriter, guitarist … 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
“I just wanna hear you say ‘don’t go’…” Based on the NSW South Coast, Caliko are a collaboration between singer/songwriters Vanessa Jade and Paul Greene. Jade wad first discovered by Kasey Chambers before being scouted by management team Winterman & Goldstein (Jet, The Vines, The Preatures etc). Since then she’s had a career working as a solo … 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
Castlemaine VIC songwriter Jesse Lawrance continues impressive with the latest in a run of singles he’s been releasing through 2024. I’m very pleased to bring you the exclusive premiere of the video for ‘For Better Or For Worse‘ featuring Jesse’s partner Honeytree on vocals. “‘For Better or for Worse’ is a real-deal duet between two … Continue reading
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