As we start the final week in September, we are pleased to continue to bring you reviews of new artists, as well as welcome back another great band from the past who are staging a comeback. Let’s get going with today’s reviews.
Artist Name: The Upstart Crows
Album Name: The Upstart Crows
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Bad Medicine; 2. Ballad of Broken Bottles; 3. Dixie Wailin; 4. Song of Time; 5. Melancholy Haze; 6. Mercury Kisses; 7. Heart to California; 8. Lying & Crying; 9. Tightrope Walker; 10. Nice Guy; 11. What did I Say; 12. Wait for Me
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: The Upstart Crows are a two-piece band that formed in 2015 while lead singer and guitarist Jonathan Adams and drummer Forest DeCoste were attending college. Their debut self-titled album has been two years in the making, and the time was well-spent. The songs are short and sweet, and although not a concept album, all of the tracks share a lyrical theme of loneliness and regret. Adams wrote all the songs, and chose an upbeat high energy musical base to present their lyrical message. Their brand of alt rock borrows heavily from punk, and you can also hear a little celtic influence similar to the sound of the Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. All in all, it is a most worthy debut effort, and we look forward to hearing what they come up with next. Best tracks include “Dixie Wailin,” “Song of Time,” “Mercury Haze,” “Lying & Crying,” “Nice Guy,” and “Wait for Me.”
Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out.
Artist Name: Olivia Foschi
Album Name: Fleeting Windows
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Due to Wake up Soon; 2. Stay as Sweet as you Are; 3. Firefly; 4. Dreams Come True; 5. Dienda; 6. Pitter Patter; 7. Quiet Now; 8. Look for the Silver Lining; 9. Tiny Toes; 10. My Life; 11. Looking Up
Publicist: Are Group
Review: This beautifully relaxing album has everything lovers of jazz and big band enjoy, a truly mellow musical vibe, beautiful vocals and lyrics that tell a story. Olivia Foschi has delivered a perfectly written group of songs that present the true emotional gamut that almost every woman can relate to, told from a mother of twins. Not only can women relate, but men will enjoy the incredible jazz sound, as well as the soaring vocals of Foschi. We really love what she’s done with “Look for the Silver Lining,” that amazing song from the musical Monty Python’s Spamalot. Overall, this album is an incredible homage to the history of great jazz music, with its beautiful keys, perfect jazz drums, and the scatting of artists like Etta James. These songs are destined to become classics, and this album will become one of your most treasured jazz recordings.
Recommendation: If you love jazz, you must Get this one.
Artist Name: The Guess Who
Album Name: The Future IS What it Used to Be
Label: Cleopatra Records
Genre: Classic Rock
Track Listing: 1. When we Were Young; 2. Runnin Blind; 3. Talks all the Time; 4. Baby Come Around; 5. Haunted; 6. In America; 7. Playin’ on the Radio; 8. Give it a Try; 9. Good Girl; 10. Long Day
Publicist: Eric Alper PR
Review: Although only one original member of the band remains (drummer Garry Peterson), this band is worthy of the name, and takes their legacy in a new direction, adapting to the musical tastes of today. Lead vocalist Derek Sharp (D#) has an amazing range and delivers potential hit songs that will win over even the most die-hard fans of the band’s original rock vibe, We featured the video for the band’s first single, “Playin’ on the Radio,” last month and stand by our initial assessment of their new sound. From the first notes of “When we Were Young,” it becomes quickly obvious that this band has returned to reclaim their place on Top 40 radio. There are so many potential hits on this one, that you should just put it on repeat, kick back and rock out. Best tracks include “When we Were Young,” “Runnin’ Blind,” “Baby Come Around,” the beautiful ballad “Haunted,” “In America,” the amazing title track, and “Good Girl.”
Recommendation: You simply MUST run out and Get this one. It will remind you why you always secretly loved this band.
Artist Name: DāM-FunK
Album Name: Architecture II
Label: Glydezone Recordings
Genre: Modern Funk
Track Listing: 1. Don’t Give Up; 2. Best Weekend; 3. Bounce; 4. In the City
Publicist: Worldwide Friendly Society
Review: This amazing artist creates his own modern vision of funk, incorporating aspects of jazz, boogie, aor, soul, house and more into a delightful mix that is perfect for both those chill times and when you’re hosting a house party. His tunes would be a great addition to any DJ, and definitely get the party started on the dance floor. They are instrumentals, which makes them also ripe for use by smart music supervisors in commercial, film and television applications.
Recommendation: If you love to dance, or just love great music, then Get this one.
Artist Name: Murder by Death
Album Name: The Other Shore
Label: Bloodshot Records
Genre: Americana
Track Listing: 1. Alas; 2. Chasing Ghosts; 3. True Dark; 4. Stone; 5. Travelin’ Far; 6. Only Time; 7. Space; 8. Bloom; 9. I Have Arrived; 10. New Old City; 11. Last Night on Earth
Publicist: Bloodshot Records
Review: The Other Shore is an amazing concept album with the central theme being what happens when the Earth becomes so ravaged that its populace must flee the planet to continue their existence. Told in the style of a space-western, its songs give the listener much to think about and are set in an old fashioned country/ folk style that is full of body and soul, with a heavy string sound, including mandolin, guitar, bass, cello and fiddle. The lead singer has a voice that reminds us of the late Chris Ledoux. This band has been at the core of the recent Americana music explosion since the early 2000s, and this album will only strengthen their stock and recognition.
Recommendation: We highly recommend this album. We suggest you Get it today!