Amazing indie projects just keep showing up in our mailbox, and we love sharing them with you. Here are five more album reviews for your consideration.
Artist Name: Norman Salant
Album Name: Always All Around You
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. At the End of the World; 2. The World’s Greatest Lover; 3. Feels Like Rain; 4. Grace (Love Song 25); 5. Mr. War (Love Song 49); 6. The Whole Wide World; 7. The Civil War; 8. Glory; 9. Point Reyes; 10. Carried Away
Publicist: Shameless Promotion
Review: Norman Salant is a singer-songwriter and saxophonist from New York City, with a sound somewhere between Bruce Cockburn and Bruce Hornsby. He crafts meaty lyrics that require several listens to fully appreciate, while at the same time creating a sound that is instantly comfortable and appealing. He plays both alto and tenor sax and does so with amazing precision and expertise. His songs would be excellent placement material for music supervisors, and provide the perfect relaxing soundtrack for day to day living.
Recommendation: Definitely worth a place in your musical library.
Artist Name: Star Visitors
Album Name: Star Visitors (Special Edition)
Label: Down at the Nightclub Records
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Track Listing: 1. Creature in my Mind; 2. The Imaginary Part; 3. Stone Rainbow; 4. Mercury Dancing; 5. Creature in my Mind (remix); 6. The Imaginary Part (remix); 7. Stone Rainbow (remix); 8. Mercury Dancing (remix)
Publicist: Down at the Nightclub Records
Review: This is the debut album from this Belgium-based band, and it is serious throwback to the American musical sound of 60s bands like The Doors. It is in your face rock that will be instantly memorable, and should appeal to most lovers of classic rock. There are only four songs, but there are two versions of each song, so there is definitely enough to evaluate the band’s potential. We think they have a good chance to cut through the pack and make an impact on the indie music scene.
Recommendation: Definitely worthy checking out.
Artist Name: Zora Graves
Album Name: Reef Zero
Label: Septarian Records
Genre: Alt Pop
Track Listing: 1. Sea of Nothing; 2. Vapor Brain; 3. Cold Color; 4. Rings and Spiral; 5. Castaway’s Song; 6. Reef Dreamz; 7. Jet Bubbles; 8. I Seek; 9. Slime Palace; 10. The Lobster’s Bargain; 11. On the Reef
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Last year we reviewed the debut album of Squid Cult, of which Zora Graves is a member, and a big reason for their unique sound. Now we get the chance to review her solo release, and it is every bit as amazing as her band’s release. Like Squid Cult, she mixes a variety of genres to create her own alt pop blend, and the concept album works. This is music that is radio friendly, and would also make great placements in television and film. Her voice is unique enough as is the sound, part jazz and funk, and totally pop. We would love to hear this music performed live, as we can imagine the amazing chemistry and energy that would emanate from the stage. We believe both Graves and her band have a bright future ahead.
Recommendation: Run out and Get this one.
Artist Name: Harrison Country
Album Name: Climate Change
Label: Self-released
Genre: Americana/Pop Country
Track Listing: 1. Men in the House; 2. When the Geese Fly; 3. Climate Change; 4. Pick Your Poison; 5. Shadow Games; 6. Laugh Again; 7. Like a Ghost; 8. Chicken Fighting Girls; 9. Fantasy League; 10. Can’t Seem to get Away; 11. Gone (The Vacation Song); 12. When the Fat Lady Sings
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Familial harmonies are one of the things we love best. The Harrison family aka Harrison Country have delivered a debut album that not only features heavenly sibling harmonies but also harmonies from the entire family that are out of this world. You will find traces of blues, funk, pop and country in their mix, making their music instantly memorable. Don, Karen, Jennie and Amy Harrison, along with the amazing musicianship and arrangements of Bryan Ewald and Alexandra White, bring us one of our favorite debuts this year, and will remain as one of the best family bands we have ever reviewed. We like this one from start to finish.
Recommendation: Don’t miss the chance to Get this one. It will soon become a favorite.
Artist Name: Crooked Ghost
Album Name: Skeleton House
Label: Palomino Records
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Body in Stars; 2. Sleepwalker; 3. Only Nightmares; 4. Catch Fire; 5. Witch Heart; 6. Black Cat; 7. Roadkill; 8. Skeleton House
Publicist: Shameless Promotion
Review: The sophomore release from Crooked Ghost is ethereal rock that you can feel all the way to the core of your being. Their first single, “Sleepwalker,” brings back memories of such bands as The Cure and early R.E.M., and sets this indie band apart from its peers with songs that are radio friendly and ready for mainstream appeal. In addition to the digital release, the band is releasing the album on vinyl via Bandcamp next month. This one is worthy of your attention, and we strongly encourage you to buy it for your vinyl collection once it is released.
Recommendation: Get. This. One.