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Category: Reviews

Dex Wolfe – Lightness

October 22, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Minneapolis musician's debut EP is a culmination of several years spent honing his diverse technical skill set and embracing the ups and downs of living a creative life, overcoming personal grief, and learning self-love.

The Neighbourhood – Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020 ~ gabriellejohnsen ~ 1 Comment

The band's fourth project considers a new perspective – that of the striving performer, a lens which automatically invites autobiographical speculation.

Del Square & Invisible Movement – “Memories Fade”

October 7, 2020October 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Introspective indie crooner Alejandro Juarez is back with a fresh collaboration that observes the inevitability of change.

Anne Malin – Waiting Song

October 5, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The Nashville tandem's new record is a hauntingly beautiful Americana album that explores our perpetual disconnection with time in the age of coronavirus.

Esther Rose – “Thirteen”

October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The stomping country-rocker is the first single from Lemondrops, a new series by Lemonade Records geared towards spotlighting independent artists.

Acres Even – Rose Gold

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

Over four short tracks, the Los Angeles natives create a mixture of fast-moving instrumental beds and tender vignettes that together amount to a delightful and carefully-measured chaos.

Pearl Charles – “What I Need”

September 15, 2020September 17, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The L.A. singer's cosmic new album 'Magic Mirror' is out January 15.

Colter Wall – Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

September 9, 2020December 5, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On his third album, Wall expands his increasingly deep catalog of cowboy ditties and prairie songs with another batch of high and lonesome tunes alongside his excellent honky-tonk style band.

numün – voyage au soleil

September 3, 2020September 4, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The new collaborative project offers a disparate blend of cosmic soundscapes, western and eastern psychedelia, and computer music.

Annie Dressner – Coffee at the Corner Bar

September 2, 2020September 4, 2020 ~ Roberto Johnson ~ Leave a comment

The U.K. singer-songwriter's third album is unabashedly nostalgic, recalling details in a way that evokes genuine longing.

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.

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.

Charley Crockett – Welcome to Hard Times

August 10, 2020August 23, 2020 ~ Alex Johnson ~ Leave a comment

On his new record, the well-traveled Texas blues man makes you feel as if he's lived through every note he plays.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Music Roundup: April

May 9, 2020February 17, 2021 ~ Riffs & Rhymes ~ Leave a comment

New music roundups are a monthly recap dedicated to covering the latest music in a series of short, descriptive reviews. This month’s edition includes new releases from Lucinda Williams, Quelle Chris, Rina Sawayama and more.

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.

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