And the crazy weather continues in Montana, while we wait for the true arrival of spring. In the meantime, let’s check out some more indie music, like these five artists.
Artist Name: Amanda Mair
Album Name: To the Moon Remix EP
Label: Despotz Records AB
Genre: Dance/Electronica
Track Listing: 1. Rush (MVRE Remix); 2. Empty Blockings (Dirty Nice Remix); 3. Rush (Mountain Bird Remix); 4. Empty Blockings (Kinship Remix)
Publicist: Mystic Sons PR
Review: We reviewed Amanda Mair’s incredible album this past January, and rated it as one of the best international EPs we have ever reviewed. Three months later, and she’s back with brilliant remixes of two of those songs from four different sources. As we said in that initial review, “”Rush’ would make a great house mix for the dance floor, (as would) . . . the upbeat and danceable track “Empty Blockings.” It is refreshing to have an artist follow up on our advice, and to take it to a whole new level. Each of the four of the artists providing the remixes have added their special touches to these songs, while keeping the amazing original vibe of the originals. We especially love what Mountain Bird has done with “Rush.” We look forward to hearing these amazing songs on our local dance floor.
Recommendation: Just like the original EP, this one is a no-brainer – Get it now!
Artist Name: Average Dez
Album Name: Beautiful Life
Label: Self-released
Genre: Singer-songwriter
Track Listing: 1. You’re Alright (You’re Outta Sight); 2. Yes (I’m Impressed); 3. Beautiful Life; 4. Heather
Publicist: Skilled Social Media
Review: He doesn’t have the best voice, but it does the job of conveying the words of these songs about living in these crazy times. The acoustic guitar is strong and carries the melody, while the lyrics carry the mood. Unlike many other British musicians, his native tongue comes through loud and clear, and at times is hard to understand by this American critic. Regardless, we can understand the mood and the message, and are confident that this latest British import has the goods to attract attention in the Colonies. His musicianship alone as he picks those notes on his guitar are worthy of industry attention.
Recommendation: Definitely give him a chance. We think he’ll grow on you.
Artist Name: Saux
Album Name: Right
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop/Funk/Dance
Track Listing: 1. Lukewarm (Only You); 2. Trying to Remember (Nest HQ Premiere); 3. LIWY #2
Publicist: Fussy by Day
Review: We have always been impressed by the talent coming out of the Netherlands, and Saux is easily one of the best we have reviewed. His production skills are evident in these three amazing tracks that could easily form amazing dance tracks or be featured on R&B and urban radio.
Recommendation: You simply must Get this one. It will have you dancing in no time.
Artist Name: Sarah Shook & the Disarmers
Album Name: Years
Label: Bloodshot Records
Genre: Americana
Track Listing: 1. Good as Gold; 2. New Ways to Fail; 3. Over You; 4. The Bottle Never lets me Down; 5. Parting Words; 6. What it Takes; 7. Lesson; 8. Damned if I do, Damned if I Don’t’ 9. Heartache in Hell; 10. Years
Publicist: Bloodshot Records
Review: Sarah Shook and the Disarmers are an amazing alt-country band from my home state of North Carolina, which has spawned so many great groups. Her voice has a touch of country superstar Terri Clark while her band reminds us of The Mavericks, a truly winning combination. She tells it like it is, without mincing words, and gives us music that is truly memorable and thought-provoking. We can only imagine how magnificent her live shows must be, and we hope to make it to one of them on her upcoming 50-city tour. This is another album that is perfect for repeat, as we simply love listening to her sound. We love every song on this album, and are proud to say that there she has definitely avoided the sophomore slump. Keep up the great work – we’ll be listening.
Recommendation: Run, don’t walk, and Get this one. It is a treasure.
Artist Name: John Proulx
Album Name: Say It
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Gentle Rain; 2. Scatsville; 3. The Summer Knows; 4. Watch What Happens; 5. Say It; 6. I Don’t Worry About a Thing; 7. The Last Goodbye; 8. Stained Glass; 9. Something to Live For; 10. Both Sides Now
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: Great jazz singers are rare, but John Proulx is definitely one of them. With a voice that combines elements of Andy Grammer with Harry Connick, Jr., and a jazz beat that is impossible to ignore, Proulx will quickly become your favorite contemporary jazz singer. This is jazz for everyone, music that soothes and comforts as it surrounds the listener with an amazing array of aural bliss, especially “The Summer Knows,” which is one of our favorite songs on the album. This is definitely the artist we will come back to when we are in the mood for jazzy goodness. We strongly encourage you to do the same.
Recommendation: One of the year’s best, we strongly recommend that you Get this one and put it on repeat.