We’re in the home stretch now. Just five days until Christmas and only eight days left to vote for your Fan Favorite for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018. As of this morning, YYNOT has opened up a considerable lead with 137 votes, followed by Jordan Siwek with 56, Reloaded Norway with 43 and Mindi Abair with 42. There’s still time, so share and vote. In the meantime, here are five more artists to check out.
Artist Name: Niecie
Album Name: Trouble with a Capital T
Label: Ride the Tiger Records
Genre: Blues Rock
Track Listing: 1. Thank God for Fools; 2. Memphis Stomp; 3. Two can Play That Game; 4. Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop; 5. Two Sides to Every Story; 6. Sweat; 7. Trouble with a Capital T; 8. Baby It’s Working; 9. Rise Up; 10. Lighter Shade of Blue; 11. Just This Side of Memphis
Publicist: ABIK Radio Promotions
Review: When it comes to rocking the blues, Niecie is a pro. Born and raised in Detroit, she brings her Motown influences into her version of the blues. On her fifth studio album, she struts her stuff on her second album produced by Johnny Neel, former member of The Allman Brothers. The album is great from start to finish, and we especially love the horns on “Memphis Stomp.” She also shows her softer side on the torcher ballad “Waiting for the Next Shoe to Drop.” Enjoy this sterling selection of blues and rock.
Recommendation: Add this one to your blues collection today.
Artist Name: The Room in the Wood
Album Name: Mars
Label: A Turntable Friends Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Mars (Won’t Save Us); 2. Time Machine; 3. Every Lie; 4. Get Clear
Publicist: Shameless Promotion PR
Review: The Room in the Wood have a 60s rock vibe similar to The Doors, with vocals reminiscent of Jim Morrison, especially on the opening track, “Mars (Won’t Save Us).” The next track, “Time Machine,” has a groovy sound that is likewise very 60s. They add a Johnny Cash feel to “Every Lie” before ending this all too short EP with “Get Clear.” If you love the retro rock sound, then you should definitely check this one out.
Recommendation: A worthy edition to your indie rock collection.
Artist Name: Evan Myall
Album Name: Basic Gardening
Label: Text Me Records
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Devil’s Shoes; 2. Who; 3. Maybe Magic; 4. Frances; 5. I Want U; 6. Phoenix
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: Basic Gardening marks the solo debut for Evan Myall, and we think he shines on this release. He hits the ground running with the rocking “Devil’s Shoes” before settling in to a softer, more pop groove on “Who” and “Maybe Magic.” He returns to his rocking ways on the pop/rock tunes “Frances,” which was his first single, and “I Want U.” He closes out the EP with the slow groove of “Phoenix.” This song title is very appropriate as we are witnessing the rise of a bright new artist.
Recommendation: Give this one a chance – Myall has earned his place in your collection.
Artist Name: The Odd Dogs
Album Name: Beneath the Surface
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz Fusion
Track Listing: 1. Presence Unknown; 2. Failure to Authenticate; 3. Beneath the Surface; 4. Hairpin; 5. Title 5; 6. A Simple Word; 7. The Beast; 8. Monkish; 9. Enigma
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: Composed of five of the best jazz musicians in Los Angeles – Ralph Humphrey (drums), Steve Billman (bass), Andy Suzuki (saxophone and piano), Jeff Miley (guitar) and Billy Hulting (percussion), The Odd Dogs bring their prog-rock background to create a unique form of jazz fusion. The band draws heavily on such influences as Pink Floyd, Thelonious Monk and Frank Zappa to forge an intriguing sound that will appeal to not only jazz lovers, but classic rock lovers as well.
Recommendation: Run out and Get this one.
Artist Name: Huffamoose
Album Name: . . . and That’s When the Golf Ball hit me in the Head
Label: Winding Way Records
Genre: Modern Rock
Track Listing: 1. Send out Your new Song; 2. Summer; 3. Son of a Gun; 4. Don’t Look Now; 5. Restaurant Manager; 6. Oh, Whiskey; 7. Devolution; 8. Melinda Marion; 9. Birds; 10. Wind Outta my Sails
Publicist: Winding Way Records
Review: Huffamoose hit the ground running on their debut album, and their latest is even better. The first single, “Send out Your new Song” is the perfect introduction to this amazing group. If you like bands like Better Than Ezra, the Barenaked Ladies and Smashmouth, then you will love Huffamoose. We really love the jazzy sound and patriotic feel of “Don’t Look Now,” which combines elements of Jethro Tull with Stevie Wonder. Other great songs include “Son of a Gun,” “Restaurant Manager,” “Devolution,” “Birds,” and “Wind Outta my Sails.”
Recommendation: This one belongs in your rock collection.