Dehd Take Yet Another Step Forward on ‘Poetry’
Dehd exude a youthful charm that is hard to replicate on Poetry. They are infectious and their sunny melodies and sincerity make their music compelling.
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Abstract Hip-Hop Duo Armand Hammer Return with Superb New LP
We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is an incredible offering from Armand Hammer, one of the headiest yet most exciting alternative hip-hop groups right now.
Youth Lagoon Uncovers the Numinous on ‘Heaven Is a Junkyard’
Youth Lagoon reaches a new level of accomplishment with Heaven Is a Junkyard. The downbeat topics underscore a fallen world but also one that can be redeemed.
Country Westerns’ ‘Forgive the City’ Bristles With Punk Energy and Barroom Rockers
Country Westerns’ music is tight, propulsive, and unafraid to meld genres. Their “punk chutzpah with classic rock sheen” is unafraid of country and blues flavors.
The Masonic Travelers Offer Stirring Rendition of “Rock My Soul” (premiere)
The Last Shall Be First: the JCR Records Story, Volume 1 captures the sacred soul of Memphis in the 1970s and features a wide range of largely forgotten artists waiting to be rediscovered. Hear the Masonic Travelers "Rock My Soul".
Courtney Marie Andrews Picks Up the Pieces on ‘Old Flowers’
Folk singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews' Old Flowers is about the dissolution of a nine-year relationship and has many strengths. Still, it often falls prey to the cliches of the break-up album.
Country Westerns Bask in an Unparalleled Sound and Energy on Their Debut
Country Westerns are intent on rejecting assumptions about a band from Nashville while basking in an unparalleled sound and energy.
Brilliant Memphis Soulman Don Bryant Says ‘You Make Me Feel’
Legendary Memphis soulman and songwriter, Don Bryant returns with a vengeance to spread a much-needed message of love. You Make Me Feel is vital soul music for these times.
Cassowary Debuts with a Jazz-Funk Gem
After debuting on a 2015 record by childhood friend Earl Sweatshirt, Cassowary merges jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop on his self-titled debut album and creates a jazz-funk gem.
Dream Pop’s Ellis Wants to be ‘Born Again’
Ellis' unhappiness serves as armor to protect her from despair on Born Again. It's better to be dejected than psychotic.
The Districts Grow Older and Wiser on ‘You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere’
You Know I'm Not Going Anywhere is a sonic and lyrical breakthrough for the Districts, a record that's years beyond anything else in their catalog.
‘If You’re Going to the City’ Illuminates the Cerebral Artistry of Mose Allison
Too adventurous for blues, too raw for jazz, Mose Allison danced on the ivories in both worlds, tipping his hat to singer-songwriter pop along the way. A new tribute album reveals the many avenues worth exploring of one of the most singular voices in music.