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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – The Empty Pockets, The Well Pennies, Sarra, Mozes and the Firstborn, The Fisherman and The Sea

Welcome to New Music Friday.  As promised, we have five artists that are all dropping new projects today, and four of them should be very familiar to readers of this column.  Enjoy these new tunes.

Artist NameThe Empty Pockets

Album NameTanglewoods

Label:  MT Pockets Music

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  The Grind; 2.  Deerfield; 3.  Asleep on the Subway; 4.  Wolfpack; 5.  Brand new Eyes; 6.  Fill it Up; 7.  Island Queen; 8.  Papergirl; 9.  Tanglewoods; 10.  Over

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We introduced this band to you back in September 2017, and knew then that they were special.  That first album we reviewed earned them an LA Music Critic Award nomination, and now The Empty Pockets are back with another album, their best to date.  It flows easily within the Americana, folk and country music genres, with spotless musicianship and incredible harmonies.  The songs are well crafted and the lyrics are amazing.  They are indie music’s answer to Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town, with a more folky sound.  There is not a weak track on this album, and we plan to listen to it again and again.

Recommendation:  Drop everything and go Get this one today!

Artist NameThe Well Pennies

Album NameMurmurations

Label:  Golden Bear Records

Genre:  Folk/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Ooh La La; 2.  On my Blue Sky; 3.  My Morning Star; 4.  The Wonderkind; 5.  If Anyone Breaks my Heart; 6.  Nobody Loves me Like You; 7.  Calliope; 8.  When I was the Ocean and you Were the Moon; 9.  December; 10.  The River; 11.  Wedding Song; 12.  If you Were Mine; 13.  The Starling

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first met the dynamic duo of Bryan and Sarah Vanderpool a few years back shortly after they arrived in Los Angeles from Boston.  They were one of the amazing artists that performed monthly as part of the Blue ‘n Green showcases created by Mikal Blue and Angelique Sheppard and David Garner of Green Roots Productions.  We have been friends ever since and we are so happy to review their latest offering.  This one hits the ground running with a breezy folk/pop sound that is truly radio friendly and deserves maximum rotations on everything from AAA and Americana to Top 40 and College radio stations.  It is also perfect for placement opportunities in television and film.  You will be singing along to these songs in no time at all, especially the first track, “Ooh La La,” among others.  The album closes with the sweeping instrumental “The Starling,” which gives the album its name.  It would be perfect for placement in wildlife documentaries.

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it, just Get it today!

Artist NameSarra

Album NameSarra

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alt Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Invitation; 2.  Bloom; 3.  Your Name; 4.  The Saint; 5.  The First Time; 6.  Invisible; 7.  Beautiful Disaster; 8.  The Fall; 9.  Going Crazy; 10.  Kerosene; 11.  Confession; 12.  Natural; 13.  Reprise

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We first introduced you to Sarra last August when we featured her single “Kerosene” in our Ten Great Singles article in September.  We also featured her single “Your Name” in our Monday Mashup column in November, which garnered her an LA Music Critic Award nomination for “Rising Star.”  We are so proud to be able to review her debut album, which has exceeded even our highest expectations, from the dreamy “Invitation” to the jazzy smoothness of “Secrets” and “The Saint.”   You can’t go wrong with this one, and will find yourself listening from start to finish, again and again.  These songs are radio friendly and perfect for placement in film and television.  We guarantee this young lady will soon become a household name.

Recommendation:   This one is going to become one of your favorites, so run out and Get it right now!

Artist NameMozes and the Firstborn

Album NameDadcore

Label:  Burger Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  d; 2.  Dadcore (ft together PANGEA); 3.  a; 4.  If I; 5.  Baldy; 6.  d; 7.  Sad Supermarket Song; 8.  Fly Out I; 9.  Blow Up; 10.  c; 11.  Hello; 12.  o; 13.  Scotch Tape/Stick With you (ft Kelsey Reckling); 14.  We’re all Saints; 15.  r; 16.  Amen; 17.  c; 18.  Fly Out II

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  This is the only artist on today’s Get it or Forget it that we are unfamiliar with, that is before listening to this intriguing mix of grunge, shoegaze, power pop and indie rock.  This marks their third full-length album since signing with California based Burger Records.  They are currently on tour in the US in support of this album, and so far have released a pair of singles, “If I” and “Sad Supermarket Song.”  This band would be popular on college campuses world-wide, and could easily become a staple on college radio.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist NameThe Fisherman & The Sea

Album NameThe Hurt & The Humour

Label:  Neck of the Woods Records

Genre:  Indie Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Hurry; 2.  Stuck With a Rhyme; 3.  The Fairytale Waltz; 4.  Beggar Princess; 5.  The Undertaker; 6.  A Song for the Hills; 7.  Skinny Dip; 8.  Ugly; 9.  The Bear; 10.  Homesick; 11.  Life in the Service of Others

Publicist:  Neck of the Woods Records

Review:  This band is no stranger to our blog, as we have reviewed all three of their previous EPs:  Beggar Princess in November 2017, Stuck With a Rhyme in January 2018 and I Can’t Alone in August 2018.  They have also accumulated two nominations and one win in the LA Music Critic Awards, and took #5 on our list of Best International EPs of 2017 for Beggar Princess.  Needless to say, our expectations for their debut full-length album were pretty high, and they blew them out of the water.  This is not just a collection of previously released material, as only four of these songs were included on the three previous EPs.  This is a fresh look at those great songs and seven new ones, and we are as happy as a clam, especially with the first single, “The Fairytale Waltz.”  We are definitely going to put this one on repeat, because every track is worthy of multiple listens and likes.  Take our advice, this is one of the best international bands we have ever heard.

Recommendation:  If you only buy one international album in 2019, this one should be it.  Go Get it.  Now!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – JunkYardFieldTrip, The Empty Pockets, Luke Dowler, Arro

Happy Thursday.  Getting ready to hit the road again on Tuesday to head down to Oklahoma to visit my brother who just returned from a year in Iraq.  After that it’s off for a three-week tour with Jerad Finck.  Life is exciting right now.  We wanted to introduce you to four new artists, so sit back and check them out.

Artist Name:  JunkYardFieldTrip

Album Name:  JunkYardFieldTrip

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:    1.  2 a.m.; 2.  Blind; 3.  Dusty Radio; 4.  Mercy; 5.  Collide; 6.  Lucky One; 7.  Sometime Never; 8.  Why not Me; 9.  We’re all Here

Publicist:  Working Brilliantly

Review:  A lot of bands today are labeling themselves as Americana, when what they are is more 70’s folk rock.  Such is the case with JunkYardFieldTrip.  While they have some elements of Americana, such as amazing fiddle work, their sound is more closely akin to that of 70’s groups like The Eagles and the Little River Band.  The closest they come to a true Americana song is “Collide”   On the other hand, their sound is very soothing and a true breath of fresh air in what can sometimes be a very stale indie market.   Their harmonies, well-crafted lyrics and overall sound place them squarely head-and-shoulders above the majority of their peers.  We really love the upbeat rocking sound of “Dusty Radio.”  Other songs that stand out include “Blind,” “Mercy” (with its Daughtry vibe), “Sometime Never,” and “Why Not Me.”

Recommendation:  If you’re looking for Americana, then this is not the band for you.  But if you want great music and a sound all their own, we highly recommend you Get this album.

Artist Name:  The Empty Pockets

Album Name:  Voices

Label:  MT Pockets Music

Genre:  Americana/Roots Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Voices in my Head; 2.  I’ll Follow You; 3.  I am Strong; 4.  You be the High; 5.  The Bubble; 6.  Need to Know; 7.  Reprise; 8.  Built to Last

Publicist:  None

Review:  Just listening to the first note of this album, and it quickly becomes evident why they are currently charting on seven different Billboard charts and touring with the legendary Al Stewart.  Their music is incredibly well written and performed and the vocal harmonies are outstanding, especially the voice of Erika Brett, which soars heavenward every time she opens her mouth.  This is true Americana.  We can only imagine how wonderful this band would be in concert, and can’t wait until we get the chance to see them live.  There are no weak songs on this album, but we really love “I’ll Follow You,” “I am Strong,” “The Bubble,” and “Reprise.”

Recommendation:  This is a definite no-brainer.  Get it and enjoy.

Artist Name:  Luke Dowler

Album Name:  South

Label:   JED Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1. For God’s Sake; 2.  Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!; 3.  A Good man Loves Somebody Else; 4.  Honey Don’t Leave; 5.  Out of my Hands; 6.  Hemingway Romance; 7.  Everything’s Gonna Work out Fine; 8.  Baby, We’re all Monsters

Publicist:  None

Review:  We met this artist at the 2014 Zootown Music Awards, and were impressed with his songwriting and stage presence.  He has now released a new album, and we are pleased as punch to be asked to review it.  Dowler’s music shows his Montana roots and determination as he brings those qualities to the indie music scene.  We will be showcasing his music video for the first track, “For God’s Sake,” in an upcoming Monday Mashup.  His vocals soar over the music, with its steady drums and well performed accompaniment, including a beautiful string arrangement on that first track.  Our favorite tunes include “For God’s Sake,” the rocking “Mercy! Mercy! Mercy!,” “Hemingway Romance,” and “Everything’s Gonna Work Out Fine.”

Recommendation: Definitely take a chance on this Montana indie artist and Get his new album.

Artist Name:  Arro

Album Name:  Freak Show Collaborations

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Circus (ft. Bo Power; 2.  Maze (ft. Josey Marina); 3.  She’s the City (ft. G.R.I.M.); 4.  Keep Moving (ft. Joe Gorman)

Publicist:  Vision Music Promo

Review:  Arro has been making a name for themselves in the UK, resulting in their single “Fever” being chosen by Best of British Unsigned.  They have crafted this short four-song EP with collaborative efforts from other UK bands.  The result is a finely crafted appetizer that leaves you wanting much much more of this tastiness.  We especially love the sound of “Circus,” with its hints of Maroon 5 setting the foundation for a great collaborative effort, as well as “She’s the City.”

Recommendation:  Another artist worthy of your attention, we recommend you Get this EP now.