And we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it. We have five interesting ones for your perusal today. Here we go!
Artist Name: Mapache
Album Name: Mapache
Label: Spiritual Pajamas Records
Genre: West Coast Americana
Track Listing: 1. Mountain Song; 2. Like a Stone; 3. Aquelios Ojos Verdes; 4. In the Morning Light; 5. Broken Down Cadillac; 6. Chico River; 7. Follow you Down; 8. Saltillo; 9. Blue Marble; 10. Songs to a Seagull; 11. Nellie
Publicist: Self-promoted/Bandcamp
Review: In this world of processed music, it is so refreshing to listen to a band that remains acoustic and organic. We first heard Mapache when they were touring with Suzanne Santo, and fell in love with their simple, fresh sound. They have been compared to the Everly Brothers, and the comparison is obvious. What’s most amazing is that this band comes from Los Angeles, but has remained true and pure in their musical innocence. There isn’t a weak song on this amazing album, which was recorded at the legendary Valentine Recording Studios. We expect great things from this band. Favorite tracks include “Mountain Song,” “Broken Down Cadillac,” “Follow you Down,” “Saltillo,” “Blue Marble,” and “Songs to a Seagull.”
Recommendation: One of early favorites for best album of 2018. You simply MUST Get it.
Artist Name: Indigenous
Album Name: Gray Skies
Label: Blues Bureau International
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Stay Behind; 2. I’m Missing You; 3. Lonely Days; 4. Healers; 5. On my Way; 6. Hear my Voice; 7. Let it Shine; 8. Don’t Know Where to Go; 9. Let’s Carry On; 10. Both to Blame; 11. You Broke it you Bought It; 12. What you Runnin’ From
Publicist: Guitars Forever Marketing & Promotions
Review: Featuring the amazing guitar work of Mato Nanji, Indigenous is a Native American blues band that has just released its 11th album, under the amazing production of Mike Varney. These songs feature the amazing fretwork of Nanji, with strong lyrical content and vocals that will knock your socks off. This is BB King-style blues, rich with layers and rocking the sound of the blues and good ole rock-n-roll. Nanji has been compared to Jimi Hendrix, and the comparison is well deserved. Our favorite tracks include “Stay Behind,” “I’m Missing You,” “Lonely Days,” “On my Way,” “Let it Shine,” “Don’t Know Where to Go,” and “What you Runnin’ From.”
Recommendation: If you like blues and/or rock, then this is a necessity for your collection. Get. It. Now.
Artist Name: Straw Family
Album Name: Family Matters
Label: Roar Music Aps
Genre: Country Pop
Track Listing: 1. 1965; 2. Alive; 3. Bang Bang; 4. Dreaming; 5. Family and Friends; 6. Hot Sunny Day; 7. I Hope; 8. It’s Cold Outside; 9. Spider Making new Web; 10. To a Higher Place
Publicist: Doug Deutsch Publicity Services
Review: We have previously featured a pair of their music videos, which also garnered them a pair of nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards. So glad we are finally able to review their album. Although this band is from Denmark, they are ready to tackle the American music market, and we think they have a great chance of breaking in. Composed of Mom, Dad and two of their daughters, Straw Family is an amazing group that blends pop, country, blues, and more into their own unique sound. Our favorite cuts are “Alive,” “Bang Bang,” “Family and Friends,” “Hot Sunny Day,” “It’s Cold Outside” (not the traditional Christmas song), and “To a Higher Place.”
Recommendation: This band deserves a place in your favorites collection. We highly recommend you Get it today.
Artist Name: The Raven & the Fox
Album Name: The Raven & the Fox
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk/Singer-Songwriter
Track Listing: 1, Fly Away; 2. Follow Me; 3. When Stars Align; 4. Sweet Dreams; 5. Mountain Moments; 6. Where Mountains Meet the Sea; 7. Everything; 8. Wash Over Me; 9. Desert Alchemy; 10. See you in my Dreams
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: We discovered this band earlier this week when we featured their latest music video for “Follow Me” in our Monday Mashup column. They are a duo from Alberta, Canada, and have not yet released their album in the US, although it was released in Canada last June. We think they are more than ready to cross the border and show America how it’s done. The vocals of Julie Chang are remarkable, and the chemistry between her and her partner, Sean Isaac is palpable and vibrant. There isn’t a weak track on this album, but we really love “Follow Me,” “Where Mountains Meet the Sea,” “Wash Over Me,” “Desert Alchemy,” and “See you in my Dreams.”
Recommendation: Run, don’t walk to your closest retailer and Get this one now!
Artist Name: Ovtlier
Album Name: What Doesn’t Kill You
Label: Self-released
Genre: Metal
Track Listing: 1, Your Disease; 2. Broken Bones; 3. Set the World in Flames; 4. Vice; 5. Buried me Alive; 6. Voices in the Dark; 7. Break
Publicist: Effective Immediately PR
Review: Ovtlier is fronted by Joey Arena, formerly a member of Young Bloods. It has everything metal maniacs will love – screaming guitar, screaming, intense lyrical content and a killer band. It also has some incredible keys on “Broken Bones.” It is amazing that the band has attained this mastery on their debut EP, but Ovtlier is the real deal, and should be headlining shows in no time at all. Every song rocks, and I’m not that fond of metal. We definitely think this band has a solid future.
Recommendation: This one will appeal to all rock lovers, whether you like metal or not. We highly recommend you go Get it.