Skip to content
Riffs & Rhymes

Riffs & Rhymes

  • Feed
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Features
  • About

Author: Roberto Johnson

Writer. Content creator. Aspiring vinyl hoarder.

Marlowe – Marlowe 2

August 14, 2020November 12, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The second collaboration from L'Orange and Solemn Brigham is another captivating work full of laser-sharp lyricism paired with dusty and groove-centric sampling.

Inside the Songcraft of Michael McArthur’s New, Intimate Acoustic EPs

August 13, 2020November 12, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

We caught up with the Lakeland native to talk about his new releases, his entrepreneurial background, solitude as a component of creativity and more.

Blu & Exile – Miles: From an Interlude Called Life

August 12, 2020August 19, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The legendary duo's third full-length collaborative effort brings their journey full circle, flexing their superior skill and craftsmanship to create an ambitious, 95-minute jazz-rap opus that celebrates and pays homage to a rich musical and cultural history.

Laura Veirs – “Burn Too Bright”

August 10, 2020August 9, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Portland indie folk singer's new album, My Echo, is out October 23rd.

Lori McKenna – The Balladeer

August 6, 2020September 4, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On her 11th studio album, McKenna proves once more that she is adept at crafting warm and somber Americana with a heartfelt message.

Dinner Party – Dinner Party

August 4, 2020November 29, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The self-titled project from the newly formed supergroup illuminates a vibe and cheerfulness only attainable when collaborators are closely bonded by friendship.

Colter Wall – “Cowpoke”

July 28, 2020August 9, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The baritoned Canadian's new album, Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs, arrives August 28th.

Imp – Children of the Atom

July 24, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On their new album, the Atlanta rapper-producer uses comic book fan-fiction as a vehicle for their societal observations and personal anxieties.

Wyatt Waddell on Social Activism and His Summer Protest Anthem “FIGHT!”

July 22, 2020July 25, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Chicago singer-songwriter talks about recording his fiery new track and the responsibility he feels to speak out and encourage others in the fight against injustice.

The Danberrys ‘Shine’ on Their First Album in Four Years

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ 1 Comment

We chat with singer-songwriter Dorothy Daniel about her band's bluesy new record, creative life during the pandemic, pursuing alternative medicine and more.

Sam Valdez – “Clean”

July 16, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The L.A. up and comer's latest track is subtle in sound yet intensely reflective.

Katie Wood – “Uh Huh Yeah”

July 15, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Wood's big sound echoes ’80s giants like The Cure and Kate Bush, but the playful sarcasm embedded in her lyrics is a product of her eccentric individuality.

HAIM – Women In Music Pt. III

July 13, 2020September 4, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The sister trio's latest album shows off their well-developed pop-rock skill set and a newfound musical curiosity.

A Conversation Starring Ray Wylie Hubbard

July 10, 2020July 11, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

We linked up with the ramblin' roots legend to talk about the release of his new album, CO-STARRING, songwriting greats, and a lifetime of making music.

Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher

July 9, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On her sophomore effort, Bridgers perfectly captures the essence of millennial diffidence, along with our eternal need for intimacy.

Drew Kelly – “Seaside”

July 7, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The simplicity of the Atlanta-based artist's second single captures the perpetual longing most of us are feeling this summer.

Henry Derek Elis – All The Pretty Little Horses

July 7, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The powerhouse Los Angeles guitarist returns with a four-track EP of cleverly reimagined covers.

Neil Young – Homegrown

June 24, 2020December 7, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Homegrown is the work of a mercurial poet finding hope in his darkest hour.

Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist – Alfredo

June 22, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The new collaboration from Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist is another slick and assertive offering in the coke-rap canon.

Norway’s Malin Pettersen on Her Brilliant New Album and the Challenges Facing International Artists During America’s Live Music Lockdown

June 18, 2020July 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Oslo native's new record, Wildhorse, is due out this October. We chatted about playing live streams, staying creative during quarantine and the bustling Norwegian country scene.

Run the Jewels – RTJ4

June 15, 2020August 24, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The fourth installment in the duo’s essential self-titled series is as vital and of the moment as anything in their increasingly historic catalog.

60 Badass Baseball Walk-Up Songs

June 12, 2020July 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ 1 Comment

In honor of impending baseball seasons all across the globe, we've updated our list of walk-up songs for hitters and pitchers with 20 brand new, badass tracks.

Andrea & Mud – Bad News Darlin’

June 10, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Atlanta duo's lonesome twang evokes the feeling of trekking through a barren and rugged landscape in search of an oasis: the perfect soundtrack for a horseback-riding, gun-slinging adventure on the big screen.

ALITA – “Too Close”

May 4, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On her latest single, the Seattle songstress takes her sound to cinematic new heights.

Carly Shea – “Forever” (Music Video)

May 1, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Sporting an irresistible bubblegum bassline and a pulsating drum beat, the track conjures up a spacey and sensual longing for everlasting love.

Cave Flowers are Bringing California Country-Rock Into the New Decade with a Purpose

April 10, 2020July 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ 1 Comment

We spoke with Cave Flowers' Andy McCallister and Ben Coil about their new album, country music on the West Coast, the spirit of collaboration and more.

Fleurt – “Nihilist”

April 9, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The New York indie pop singer-songwriter captures the ennui at the core of millennial angst in a way that's simultaneously danceable and evocative.

The Shorelines – The Venus Vegas Blues Band

April 6, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On their fourth and final album, the Santa Barbara psych outfit's mix of surf, blues and hard rock is as unpredictable as ever. They sound like they are having the time of their lives.

Waxahatchee – Saint Cloud

April 2, 2020August 9, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Stoic and sublime, the fifth Waxahatchee album is a punchy Americana record that figures to be among this year's best.

Hannah Telle – “Colors”

March 31, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On her new single, Hannah Telle's stately nature as a singer-songwriter comes to life within a bold and kaleidoscopic instrumental pallet.

Posts navigation

Older posts
Newer posts

Search

Lyric of the Week

Such an empty surprise to feel so alone

Jackson Browne // “Late for the Sky”

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Spotify

Archives

Recent Posts

  • Desert Skies: Modern California Country-Rock Essentials January 13, 2021
  • Pearl Charles Wants You to Look Into the ‘Magic Mirror’ January 11, 2021
  • Charley Crockett – “I Can Help” January 9, 2021
  • Acres Even – “Earl Greyson” (Music Video) January 8, 2021
  • Stephen Heath’s ‘Gavin Gruesome’ Embraces Chaos With Open Arms January 2, 2021
  • Patti Smith Live at Montreux Jazz Festival (2005) December 30, 2020
  • Ryan Pollie – Museum At The End of Time December 18, 2020
  • Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band – Live on The Old Grey Whistle Test (1977) December 13, 2020
  • Riffs & Rhymes Albums of the Year 2020 December 10, 2020
  • Riffs & Rhymes EPs of the Year 2020 December 9, 2020
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Spotify
Website Built with WordPress.com.
Cancel