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7.6
New Music Critique: Matty T Wall
It doesn’t take long for the listener to realize that this trio can flat-out play hi-energy rock & roll with a rootsy flavor. Wall’s guitar is dazzling on ... -
7.8
New Music Critique: Pierre Fleming
Pierre Fleming’s got a relatable voice—very emotive and heart-rending––and it fits his material quite well. Add to that his use of ambient textures in his tracks and it indicates ... -
7.4
New Music Critique: Jaynee Thorne
Jaynee Thorne has a voice full of pure, unabashed optimism, and a message that is earnest and humanistic, overflowing with lessons learned and hope undaunted. ... -
7.6
New Music Critique: Adam Robert Thomas
Jazzy pop crooner Adam Robert Thomas dishes up some tasty slices of sound that seem to glow with the breezy, carefree vibe of summer. “Feel ... -
8
New Music Critique: Empty Suns
Spearheaded by Travis Weatherred, Empty Suns’ atmospheric songs will reward patient listeners who are attuned to the pleasures of eerie psych-rock excursions. “A Lonely Place” ... -
7.4
New Music Critique: Western Automatic
A guitar-driven quintet from Chicago, Western Automatic have a familiar alt-rock sound, solidly executed, especially on group vocals, which make a confident, consistently powerful statement. ... -
7.8
New Music Critique: Cynthia Brando
Singer-songwriter Cynthia Brando has a voice that’s ideal for folk music, wonderfully throaty and possessed of authentic backbone. And on her recordings she wisely puts that voice out ... -
8
New Music Critique: 131ers
The musical mission of this guitar-driven, drum-powered foursome seems absolutely clear: to have fun, feel alive and take everyone along with them. Witness the bouncy ... -
8.2
New Music Critique: Skerryvore
Award-winning live performers in their native Scotland, Skerryvore are no slouches as recording artists either. Each tune is captured with exceptional production and mixing to ... -
7.8
New Music Critique: Thompy
Thompy’s got a sound (call it college rap) that we find to be unique and ultimately compelling. His signature—a reverbed, whispery, semi-stoned flow with sometimes intricate wordplay—is set ... -
8
New Music Critique: Kritta
S.F. Bay Area rapper Kritta has a strong flow and an urgent message, and though that’s a familiar combo, his higher-consciousness screeds come with an ... -
8
New Music Critique: Paul Childers
Any show booker on the lookout for an immediately likable artist whose music conjures a smooth and abiding optimism will find these recordings by Paul ... -
7.8
New Music Critique: Tony Ingerson
Tony Ingerson has a complete grasp of what makes blue-collar country music great. On “In It,” his powerful XXL vocal cords bleed country music with ... -
8
New Music Critique: Krantz
Here’s a highly evolved foursome led by an appealing frontman (Jeffrey Krantz), whose strong voice (augmented at times by a golden-toned female backup) is ideal ... -
8.4
New Music Critique: Kristina Johnsen
From the first note, artist Kristina Johnsen’s voice, with its deep, sexy resonance, has us transfixed on original tunes such as “Bold” and “Eggshells” that’re ... -
8
New Music Critique: RĀI
Captured in crisp, hi-def audio and backed by players who invest each tune with sensitivity and touch, RĀI emits a pro-level voice on decent material—steeped ... -
7.6
New Music Critique: DownTown Abby & the Echoes
Abby Bryant fronts her band with a persona that’s easy to like, generating an inclusive, rootsy, modern sound that’s flavored with classic elements. “Gonna wash my spirit clean,” she ... -
7.8
New Music Critique: Alicia Michilli
Gifted with husky, mellow pipes that can belt out songs steeped in vintage R&B and soul, Alicia Michilli is a young artist who’s old-school in the best way. ... -
8
New Music Critique: Sarah Harralson
Tennessee artist Sarah Harralson is backed by a crew of Nashville cats whose nimble, knowing skills help elevate her crafty tunes and allow her appealing voice—with its tomboy-next-door grittiness—to ... -
8
New Music Critique: PARASONA
Toronto duo PARASONA exhibit the kind of catchy songcraft and performance confidence that’s made stars of Twenty-One Pilots. What’s distinctive about PARASONA is that their ...
