The “Blue Wave” seems to have skipped Montana, as a Republican Nazi candidate is currently leading in the race for our Senate seat, while the Republican incumbent held on to our lone seat in the House. Looks like the only way to get past these mid-term results is to lose ourselves in some great indie music. We have five for you to check out, including one that is billed as “Flute Meditations for Mindfulness and Relaxation.” Sounds like the perfect remedy.
Artist Name: Ann Licater
Album Name: Quiet Spaces
Label: Self-released
Genre: New Age
Track Listing: 1. Quiet Spaces; 2. Ancestral Gathering; 3. Aspen Awakening; 4. Ancient Shores; 5. Canyon Solace; 6. Return to Peace; 7. Divine Harmony; 8. Morning Rain Reflections; 9. Celestial Traveler; 10. Woven Hearts; 11. Dreaming at Daybreak; 12. Candlelight Journey; 13. Wings of Sleep; 14. Tranquil Dreams; 15. Celtic Sun Salutation
Publicist: The B Company
Review: If ever there was a time for an album of relaxation, it would be after another very divisive election. Thank goodness that Ann Licater is such an accomplish flutist and delivers on her promise of relaxation. Using Native American, folk and alto flutes, she provides a soothing instrumental soundtrack for meditation that should ease your troubled spirit. She even adds some dynamic bass to the mix on “Aspen Awakening,” “Celestial Traveler,” and “Tranquil Dreams.” All in all, she gives us the perfect gift for a calmer mind.
Recommendation: If you need to relax, then Get this one and put it on repeat.
Artist Name: J. J. Vicars
Album Name: Irreverent Dissident
Label: Annie Gator Records
Genre: Blues/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Los Vatos in A; 2. Long way From Home; 3. Wang Dang Doodle; 4. Can’t get Along With You; 5. Outskirts of Town; 6. Stinky Twinky; 7. Downhome; 8. Deguello; 9. Things I Need; 10. That Ain’t Me; 11. What do I Tell my Heart; 12. Three-toed Midget (bonus track); 13. Stinky Twinky (alternate version, bonus track)
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: His music may be the blues, but J.J. Vicars adds a taste of smooth jazz into the mix, creating a soothing sound that stays with you long after the song has ended. We were especially impressed with his track “Outskirts of Town,” which demonstrated this fact very well. He follows that track with an upbeat tune called “Stinky Twinky” that is guaranteed to get you on the dance floor with a rockabilly vibe reminiscent of 50s rock and roll greats like Bill Hailey and the Comets. He does not have the best voice, but his guitar makes up for that weakness. We think he should consider hiring a vocalist next time around.
Recommendation: Worth checking out.
Artist Name: Leonov
Album Name: Wake
Label: Fysisk Format
Genre: Doom Metal
Track Listing: 1. I am Lion, I am Yours; 2. Eucharist; 3. Shem; 4. Oceanode; 5. Wake
Publicist: Viral Propaganda PR
Review: If the election has given you a melancholy spirit of doom, then this album will reflect your feelings. It is dark, with haunting vocals and a heavy-handed metal guitar, manifesting the perfect soundtrack for gloom and doom. It only has five songs, but two of them are over 10 minutes long, including the finale and title track, which is an impressive 15 minutes, and could be quite useful as a placement for horror films.
Recommendation: Although this album is depressing, it is well done and worthy of your consideration.
Artist Name: Seadog
Album Name: Cabin Fever Blues
Label: Self-released
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Words Sometime Fail; 2. Yesteryear; 3. Broken Compass; 4. As I Am; 5. Errors (of our ways); 6. Chance Meeting; 7. Mute; 8. Burning the Clocks; 9. Shell Shocked; 10. Old Ways
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Seadog has an easy indie rock sound with a folk vibe that soothes, reminiscent of 60s musicians like The Monkees and vocal harmonies similar to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The entire album is worth checking out, with a refreshing sound that will remain long after the final note. Best tracks include “Words Sometime Fail,” “Yesteryear,” “Errors (of our ways).” and “Burning the Clocks.”
Recommendation: Check it out.
Artist Name: Anchorsong
Album Name: Cohesion
Label: Tru Thoughts Recordings
Genre: Electronic Bollywood
Track Listing: 1. Correlate; 2. Resistance; 3. Ancestors; 4. Mindscape; 5. Foreign River; 6. Majesty; 7. Rasqueado; 8. Serendipity; 9. Testimony; 10. Ensemble; 11. Awake
Publicist: The Syndicate
Review: Massaaki Yoshida is a Tokyo born and London based electronic artist that goes by the moniker Anchorsong. On his third album he incorporates the rhythms and sounds of Bollywood into his electronic mix, creating a palatable vibe that captures the feel and sound of this unique genre of music. This is music that is very conducive to dance and having a good time, and will reeve up your dance machine, making you itch to get out and move. This one is great from start to finish.
Recommendation: This one is a unique addition to your collection. Get it.