Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – The Yawpers, Upright Man, Melville

Had a blast out in Livingston, Montana yesterday when Redhead Express performed at the Music Ranch Montana.  What a great show.  Headed up to Polson, Montana today for the Flathead Lake Blues Festival.   Before we go, here are three more reviews for your Friday, all of which are being released today.

Artist Name:  The Yawpers

Album Name:  Boy in a  Well

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Armistice Day; 2.  A Decision is Made; 3.  A Visitor is Welcomed; 4.  Room with a View; 5.  Mon Dieu; 6.  The Awe and the Anguish; 7.  Mon Nom; 8.  Face to Face to Face; 9.  No Going Back; 10.  God’s Mercy; 11.  Linen for the Orphan; 12.  Reunion

Publicist:  Bloodshot Records

Review:  Boy in a Well is a concept album set in the period following the end of World War I which tells the story of a woman who decides to abandon her child.  Besides the music, there is also a comic book that visually tells the story.  The Yawpers have an interesting genre-resistant vibe that sounds like Bob Dylan meets The Beatles, with elements of rock, Americana and folk.  Most of the songs are low-key, balladesque, with the exception of “A Decision is Made,” which contains all the rocky angst you would expect from that portion of the story.  Due to the nature of the album, it needs to be experienced from start to finish, as each song is an integral part to the story.   “Mon Dieu” and “Mon Nom,” though, have been released as singles, and are among the best tracks.

Recommendation:  If you like concept albums, this is a good one to check out.  It’s multi-media approach should play well to Millenials and Gen-X fans.

Photo by Sloane Morrison

Artist Name:  Upright Man

Album Name:  Upright Man

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Elysia; 2.  Agoragnostic; 3.  Say What you Mean; 4.  Upright Man; 5.  Ecstasy; 6.  Three Easy Pieces; 7.  Alaska; 8.  Designer Mind; 9.  Animals; 10.  Checked Out

Publicist:  Publicity Please

Review:  The band lists their influences as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, The Beatles, Yes and Genesis, and that rock style comes through on this album.  The band’s vocals are crisp, clear and smooth, and the lyrical content will give the listener much to consider.  The underlying musicianship is rich, with wonderful layers of instrumentation and vocal harmonies.  This is a good album to put on for your Friday chill session.  Best tracks include “Agoragnostic,” “Say What You Mean,” the title track, “Three Easy Pieces,” and “Checked Out.”

Recommendation:  A worthy effort, and we recommend you Get it.

Artist Name:  Melville

Album Name:  The New Zero

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Alternative/Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Televised; 2.  Heart; 3.  Amnesia; 4.  Claws Out; 5.  Escape Plan; 6.  WDYK; 7.  Pickup Artist; 8.  War; 9.  Pics Lies; 10.  Headache; 11.  Einleitung; 12.  Forked Tongue

Publicist:  Noisy Ghost PR

Review:  This album kicks off with a steady, upbeat rock beat and never lets up.  We love the vibe from the screaming guitars and strong, passionate vocals, which make this release a definite keeper.  Previous reviewers have likened their sound to groups like Snow Patrol, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams and REM, and we tend to agree.  These guys need to be on radio NOW, and so much of the album is radio friendly.  In addition, these tracks would do well when placed in television and film.  Best tracks include “Heart,” “Amnesia,” “Claws Out,” “WDYK,” “Pickup Artist,” and “War,” although there really aren’t any weak songs on the entire album.

Recommendation:  This is today’s no-brainer.  You simply must Get it and add it to your collection.