Good morning. We’re trying to get through all of the indie albums that are releasing between now and the end of June so that we can begin gathering the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2017. We have received a total of 80+ album submissions that meet that criteria, and will be writing reviews on every one prior to making our nominations known. I still have 33 or so to do after this batch, so it’s gonna be a little busy around here for the next few days.
Artist Name: The American West
Album Name: The Soot Will Bring us Back Again
Label: Tortoise Records
Genre: Americana
Track Listing: 1. Ghost Town; 2. Heart of Stone; 3. Let me Love you Like a Pauper Does; 4. Looking for You; 5. Patience, Young Conquistador; 6. Ritalin; 7. Roadsick Blues; 8. Voices; 9. Westward Man
Publicist: Max Porter
Review: Matthew Zeltzer is the force behind The American West, having written most of the songs while living in an Airstream trailer on an organic farm in Northern California. With the help of engineer Jordan Richter (Band of Horses, Legendary Shack Shakers, Plastic Ono Band), the bulk of the record was recorded to two-inch tape in only three days, but you would never know that from the quality of the recording. The backing vocals and violin of Maria Maita-Keppeler add so much to Zeltzer’s steady lead vocals and guitar, creating the perfect combination of sound reflective of life on the frontier. From the opening notes of “Ghost Town,” it becomes obvious that the listener is in for a treat, as every song builds upon another, creating a masterpiece of Americana music while telling the story of the American West – its history, land, and future. Our favorite tracks were “Ghost Town,” “Heart of Stone,” “Patience, Young Conquistador,” “Roadsick Blues,” and “Voices.”
Recommendation: The American West are a treasure to be savored over and over again. We love this album and strongly encourage you to Get It ASAP. You won’t be sorry.
Artist Name: Mint Trip
Album Name: Ghosts (7″ Vinyl)
Label: Blue Élan Records
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: Side A – Ghosts; Side B – By the Sea, Virga
Publicist: MAD Ink PR
Review: Although the five-song EP was originally released in August 2016, shortly after the trio signed to the label, this three-song vinyl was just released in April 2017. All three songs are strong and representative of a band that has a long future ahead. We especially love “Ghosts,” and believe it belongs on the radio. We are proud to add this limited release to our music library.
Recommendation: Mint Trip is a band that is going places. With that in mind, you owe it to yourself to make them a part of your music library as well. We encourage you to Get it now.
Artist Name: Low Society
Album Name: Sanctified
Label: Rezonate Records, Icehouse Records
Genre: Blues, Americana, Roots
Track Listing: 1. Angel From Montgomery; 2. Raccoon Song; 3. The Freeze; 4. Sanctified; 5. River of Tears; 6. Nina; 7. Drowning Blues; 8. New York Boy #3; 9. Here Comes the Flood; 10. I’d Rather go Blind
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: From the first note of this album, all of your senses come alive as the beat, the voice and the song instantly transport you to a time in the deep south where great blues music originated. You can imagine a crowded dance floor, sweltering heat and music that seems to flow from every corner of the room, creating a rhythm that your body simply must submit to. These songs could just as easily have come from Muddy Waters or BB King or Etta James. Low Society simply shows their mastery of the genre and deliver a truly great album. We believe you will enjoy this album from start to finish.
Recommendation: Simply put, just Get it. One listen and you’ll be hooked.
Artist Name: Splitbreed
Album Name: The Free Energy Store
Label: Simplify Recordings
Genre: Hip-hop, dance
Track Listing: 1. Get Down (feat. Jonate); 2. Go Deep; 3. Drippin; 4. Lose Control; 5. Pain (feat. Jonate with Le Castle Vania); 6. Prey (with Twin Moons and Loud n’ Killer); 7. Better Days (feat. Akyla); 8. Almost Home
Publicist: Simplify Recordings
Review: Hip-hop has a new master, and that is Splitbreed. These three boys know how to kick it and bring a sound that’s hot and hip. From the driving beat to the funky vocals, Splitbreed delivers some of the best dance music we have heard in a long time. This music demands that you get up and jam, and will breath new life into your day. It is perfect for walking, running or getting your groove on. While the lyrical content is not the most politically correct, the driving beat will overtake you and overwhelm your senses, reminiscent of the sounds of LMFAO. These songs are definitely NSFW, but great for the rest of the time.
Recommendation: If you love to dance and dig hip-hop music, then we suggest you boogie on out and grab a copy of The Free Energy Store. It will make your day brighter.