Let's chalk it up to the fact that I just got through watching O' Brother Where Art Thou? 6 times in a row, (I teach for a living) but I am really digging The Tennessee Whalers. These harmonizing, down home, mandolin playing guys have exactly 2 songs for consumption and one of them is a Christmas song! Nevertheless, the Whalers aim to meld crystal clear harmonies with a modern edge.
On their gently scathing song "Locks," they sing about a love that did quite a number on them begging her to give their heart back while simultaneously warning not to "come around here no more cause if you do I'll lock the door." These contradictions perfectly captures the confusing nature of a break-up that wasn't so easy. The Tennessee Whalers meld Americana folk with pop sensibilities much in the same way that other band cough-Mumford-cough does. "Locks" is just a taste and I would encourage everyone to definitely come around to listen to these guys more. Grab their free EP on NoiseTrade.
If James Morrison and Ray LaMontage vocally morphed into one person it would be James Bay. The acoustically driven EP, The Dark of the Morning, is filled with soulful moody tracks. The most familiar may be "Move Together" a haunting melody delivered in a slow burn vocal. But it is on the more upbeat "When We Were on Fire" that really shows what Bay can do. With an underscore of an organ, hand claps, and of course, Bay's gravelly vocals, he forcefully sings of a relationship's better days. (We're losing light/Take me back when we were on fire.)
It seems cliche to say that James Bay could sing the phone book and make it sound good, but it fits here. If this is what Bay sounds like on an EP, only good things are in store for a full length. You can get The Dark of the Morning for free on NoiseTrade. James Bay- Facebook When We Were on Fire-
The Wild Feathers are an amalgamation of country, rock, and soul. They've perfectly blended genres to appeal to any person who just likes great musicianship. Their sound is accessibly bombastic with equal parts grit and polish. Their self titled debut comes out in August and if their first few singles are any indication, we are talking Mumford & Sons style domination. "The Ceiling" starts with plucky acoustic guitar and a driving drum beat played with incredible force before quieting down to take the song into an unexpected direction; an excellent first taste.
"Backwoods Company" is a blistering barn stormer filled with hand claps and electric guitar that never lets up. The Wild Feathers know how to layer vocal harmonies to always ground their sound with strong melodies. Never before has a band demanded you take notice of their unique genre-spanning sound. The Wild Feathers are aptly named. The Wild Feathers- Facebook The Ceiling-
Upon hearing "Bottom of the River," I was transfixed. Maybe it was down home stomps that carry the beat. Maybe it was the four part harmonies that so effortlessly weave in and out. Whatever it is, I'm sold. Delta Rae wear every bit of their North Carolina roots on their sleeve. I would best classify them as Ameriana folk rock.
Their album Carry the Fire comes out this summer and from the two tracks I've heard, this group is the real deal. Made up of 3 siblings Ian, Eric, and Brittany Holljes and their longtime friend Elizabeth Hopkins, they trade off lead vocals and it provides such a change of pace for each song. Bright things coming for this group. Check out the killer (literally) video for "Bottom of the River."
Purposefully, deceptively, and yet brilliantly named Jack and White consists of former American Idol contestant Brooke White and songwriting partner Jack Mantranga. I remember really liking Brooke on AI but then her solo stuff didn't really do anything for me. Well what a difference a duo makes. Jack and White are the perfect blend. Their harmonies are effortless and their songs singable. On their new EP Gemini, they embody a 70s pop vibe, with a summery feel on every note. "Double Trouble" is a laid back affair about a couple of troublemakers who do something troubling. (The singers themselves don't really have a clear answer on that) Jack and White produce such catchy melodies that you can't help but put the repeat button on. A definite surprise for anyone looking for a soundtrack to their next beach party.
Digging For Days Reviews... Build Me This by Joshua James
Joshua James was on my radar, but not really for the best reasons. I heard a few of his songs and wasn't that blown away. His voice was a quiet little thing, the music was quaint, and the whole vibe was just a little too coffee house for me. Well, all of that has changed with his new album and major label debut, Build Me This. And boy does the major label really suit him well.
James has amped up the guitars, amped up the volume, and stretches his voice like never before. He kicks off his album with Coal War, a sparse, cotton-picking spiritual that hits all the right notes lyrically and musically. Other highlights include Black July a barn-burner with throbbing guitars, and pounding drums. James turns a bit country on Annabelle, with fiddles and a toe tapping chorus making sure his Annabelle is feeling fine. (Are you well? Annabelle.
Build Me This showcases the electric side of Joshua James with riveting results. He does veer back into his folk roots on cuts like Kitchen Tile and In The Middle. Some of the more somber cuts are hit and miss musically. But one thing James has down pat is his way with words. He uses dark, heavy lyrics and keeps his aim true. Build Me This provides Joshua James with an excellent route into Americana blues; one of the best releases this year. A
