Vodka has been a fan of Smooth Hound Smith ever since we discovered the duo’s California Sway clear back in 2013. Dog In A Manager (seen/heard here) is from the duo’s latest long-player and is without a doubt, the most understated track I’ve ever covered by them. Roots rock and Americana influences are the mainstays of Smooth Hound Smith. Zack Smith and Caitlin Doyle plot a course that is not really country and not really rock and heavily blues-influenced. They demonstrate pleasing and easy cooperation between each…
Read MoreThere is something jarringly optimistic about the salvation in the message that Sandtimer’s Dormant (seen/heard here) brings to what seems at the onset as a very down take on personal depression. It’s a song about going through the motions, about not making waves and the feelings of loneliness that just existing can bring. But it is hope, not depression, that wins in the end. This song, only three stanzas in length, is lightly layered in a manner that is hauntingly revelatory. The message is right there on top, but the very…
Read MoreIndie-folk can sometimes be a yawner or it can be the edge of something masterful. Enter RedFox and Stay (seen/heard here) from the band’s latest EP, Recovery (May 2019), which fits squarely in the latter category. RedFox, a five-piece out of Montreal, combines elements of rock, bluegrass, and folk, to formulate a sound that is truly unique and wonderful. Vocalist/violinist Daphnée Vandal, uses her instrument to add a leading texture to these four tracks, with the band adding great banjo (Tim Loten), guitar (Jono Townsend), bass (Sam Robinson), and drums (Samuel…
Read MoreCan you think back to about four weeks ago? If so, then you’ll remember that Vodka posted an audio file from the great duo Fox and Bones, for their new single, Running Free. Well, the video has finally been released today, so watch this fun Summer romp and then click back to the original review for the song, which you can find here. Keep an eye out for Fox and Bones touring near you! (Source: https://www.youtube.com/ )
Read MoreThe High Divers are riding high with a new EP, Ride With You (June 2019), and a new single by the same name. A story of happenstance and danger, Ride With You, rocks with a powerful lead guitar riff and a driving beat. This is a powerful piece of rock and roll worthy of any dance floor or living room. The lyric line that repeats throughout tells the story best: “Take me anywhere, I don’t really care, as long as I can ride with you” The band is…
Read More