Happy Monday – it was a very busy weekend between my full-time job, ushering at the Griz game (which we won), and auditions for A Christmas Story, the Musical at MCT. But we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it, and we think you will love these artists as much as we do. Grab your coffee and let’s dig in.
Artist Name: Ray & Remora
Album Name: Startle it Up
Label: Aeronaut Records
Genre: Indie Pop, Electronica
Track Listing: 1. The Happening; 2. Hearts do Change; 3. It’s Just; 4. Startle it Up; 5. Soft Brown Heart; 6. Don’t Shoot me Down; 7. Histories; 8. Honey Beware; 9. Creep Up; 10. Skinned Knees; 11. Baby Please
Publicist: Redeye Worldwide
Review: It is a rare feat for a band to have a killer debut album, but Ray & Remora have achieved that difficult task. Composed of Dan Crane (Ray) and Amanda Walker (Remora), along with new additions Jeff Liffmann and Damon Kellard, Ray & Remora have created a sound that is the perfect soundtrack for your day. Remora’s vocals are the treat of this duo, spread across the delightful package of the band’s extreme musicianship. This CD will have you doing the happy dance, as every song is wonderfully produced by Jon Joseph (BØrns) and mixed by Bryan Cook. Best tracks include “The Happening,” the title track, “Don’t Shoot me Down,” “Histories,” and “Honey Beware.”
Recommendation: By any means necessary, you must obtain this CD for your collection. Indie Voice Blog is proud to give Ray & Remora’s debut album a very strong Get It rating.
Artist Name: Riddle & the Stars
Album Name: New Coastline
Label: Songs & Whispers
Genre: Alt-Country Rock Americana
Track Listing: 1. Running Back to You; 2. I may Never Know; 3. Long way Down; 4. Apples & Knives; 5. New Coastline; 6. Mexican Home; 7. Valentines Day; 8. Tracks; 9. When we Ride; 10. When the Weight is Gone
Publicist: None
Review: Orange County, California based duo The Fallen Stars met Australian singer-songwriter Ben Riddle last year when they were both touring in Europe, and the result was the creation of a new and dynamic band which is currently touring Germany. Their latest release New Coastline has been garnering critical praise, and this reviewer agrees with the hype – Riddle & The Stars is an amazing band. Riddle’s smooth voice is the perfect addition to the rocking musicianship of Bobbo and Tracy Byrnes, and creates music that spans the genres of alt country, indie rock, country rock and Americana. All three share the lead vocal duties, resulting in an album that never gets boring. Best tracks include “Running Back to You,” “I May Never Know,” “Apples & Knives,” the title track, and “Valentine’s Day.”
Recommendation: German label Songs & Whispers recognized the greatness of this band, and signed them to their label. America needs to wake up to this international American-Australian treasure, and cherish their music as well. We are proud to give this album a rating of “Get your ass out and get it now.”
Artist Name: Earwig
Album Name: Pause for the Jets
Label: Anyway Records/LFM Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Wisdom Teeth; 2. Lover’s Chords; 3. I Don’t Want to Go; 4. Bring Yrself 2 Me; 5. Silverheels; 6. Medusa Head; 7. High Wasps; 8. Holy Ghost Letter; 9. Wasted on you (ft. Lydia Loveless); 10. All my Sins are Blotted Out; 11. Shine; 12. Badr Moon
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: This latest album from Columbus, Ohio based indie rock band Earwig won’t be released until October 14, although you can get a sample of what’s in store with their latest music video for “Wasted on You.” The band has joined with Americana darling Lydia Loveless (currently on tour with Drive By Truckers) to create a fun and exciting single that gives just a taste of the awesomeness contained in the full album.
Led by the amazing guitar and vocals of Lizard McGee, Earwig is one of the best indie rock bands you need to know and follow. Add to that the incredible bass lines from Constantine Hondroulis and the percussive base of drummer Nick Nocera, and you have a sound that is truly worthy of major attention. Best tracks include “Lover’s Chords,” “I Don’t Want to Go,” “Wasted on You,” “Shine” and “Badr Moon.”
Recommendation: What starts out as a solid indie rock album morphs into something strangely different in the middle before returning to its indie rock roots at the end. Despite this shortcoming, there is enough juicy material to make it worthwhile, and to earn Pause for the Jets a rating of Get it.