I love the way this track lazily bounces along, draped in jangly cosmic twang and has this wonderfully swelling, spiralling feel, like it could spin on and out forever. It features the warmly melodic lead vocal of Netta Dor, who says of the song… “I love that final chorus. Where everyone becomes entangled with each … Continue reading
It’s hard to go past a name like Dash Hammerstein isn’t it?! Luckily his music is equally as compelling. ‘Sun Dancer’ lopes along like Harry Nilsson tripping on a sunny afternoon down a country lane. Pedal steel plays the coy and alluring sidekick to this Brooklyn songwriter’s heavy-lidded jaunty sound. ‘Sun Dancer’ comes from Hammerstein’s … Continue reading
Trees Trees (50th Anniversary Edition) Fire Records The name Trees might not inspire immediate recognition for music fans but the English group’s brief, but bright three year existence from 1969-1972 has played the long game as obsessive psychedelic and folk musicologists discovered them and quietly spread the word. Fifty years later we have this wonderful … Continue reading
Rose City Band, the project of Ripley Johnson when he’s not immersed in the world of Wooden Shjips or Moon Duo, has announced that album number three will be released on May 21st. Based on ‘Lonely Spaces’ (below) expect more of his amazing blend of dreamy, chooglin’, cosmic country. Press release spiel… Rose City Band … Continue reading
Like Tom Petty jamming with Cutting Crew circa 1985, Aaron Lee Tasjan has fully embraced synth sounds, alongside his power-pop guitar aesthetic on this slice of cosmic pop. It works in a playful way too, with hooks aplenty. Kaleidoscopic Americana? Discussing the song, Tasjan says, “‘Up All Night’ is half party anthem, half cautionary tale. … Continue reading
Lately I’ve been listening to and writing about the sound of ambient country music. I guess it’s the state of the world – but quieter, more ruminative and relaxing sounds have become even more important than ever of late. There are the traditional ambient go-to’s such as Eno, Harold Budd, Jon Hassall, Williams Basinski and … Continue reading
We love traditional folk and country music but when something comes along that puts a twist on the old and adds new textures, moods and flavours then we’re immediately drawn to their fire. Chris Portka does just that on this new single “A Candle Is A Raging Fire!” With the parched and emotive harmonica that … Continue reading
Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada songwriter David James Allen is a man for all seasons. He cites some of his skills as graphic artist, DIY record producer and poet and he clearly takes that polymorphic approach with his music; effortlessly blending country, folk, psych and pop sounds into a wonderful kaleidoscopic sound that could easily … Continue reading
I’m digging this reverbed, rollicking sound from R McClure & Tall Shadows. The British Columbian has a great take on country music, adding a really cool, dreamy psych sheen. Lovely stuff. ‘Big Night’ rides a great shuffling drumbeat like the rush of a successful night mission. ‘Me And My Hangover’ slows things down but finds … Continue reading
It’s great to see Robert Connely Farr has a new album comin’ round the bend next week. We were really taken by his LP of 2019, Dirty South Blues, and everything we’ve heard so far from the new one, Country Supper, has sounded mighty good! Farr is a Bolton, Mississippi bluesman who has a knack … Continue reading
In the great tradition of spaghetti western meets surf guitar music, here’s the German group Beyond The Breath Of Grace and their fine instrumental track ‘Atacama’. Named after the desert in Chile, it charges along at a fair clip of its hooves, conjuring up evocative western images of desert dust rising against sunburnt hills. The … Continue reading
Skyway Man is singer, songwriter and producer James Wallace. He’s got a brand new album called The World Only Ends When You Die set for release on October 23rd. The album was recorded at Spacebomb Studios in Richmond VA and it’s being released by the excellent Mama Bird Recording Co label. ‘Old Swingin’ Bell’ is … Continue reading
Gothic, psych country. Forthcoming album mixed by Mitch Easter E.Z. Shakes aren’t afraid to inject some darkness and rabble-rousing noise into their gothic country sound. On ‘Making Mistakes’ there’s a generous use of reverb to give the song a brooding, ghostly feel that works beautifully. The Columbia, South Carolina group, who are getting ready to … Continue reading
Melbourne songwriter Sunset Stranger (Stephen E. Stanisic) has a brand new single, the final one ahead of the digital, CD and limited vinyl release of his new sophomore album Your Home Town on Friday September 4th. Previously recording under the name Eddie Nuardo, Stanisic has proven he’s a consummate songwriter and player, bringing an authentic … Continue reading
There’s a woodsy, hypnotic quality to this new track from New York songwriter Rachel Angel. ‘Strapped’ quickly finds its pulse and the equivalent of circular breathing in the cyclical guitar. It’s wonderfully mesmerising as her ethereal voice intones and drifts across the speakers. It’s a bucolic Mazzy Star folk vibe that sparkles and floats along, … Continue reading
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