We seem to be hitting the female vocalist pretty hard this month, but it’s just by chance. Enter the latest incredible voice, with the frontwoman of Misterwives, Mandy Lee, and Wrongside (seen/heard here). The song is all about breaking through negativity and the slog that this creates within minds, reinforcing the importance of being there for yourself. From the band’s promotional material Mandy describes where the song idea comes from: “I have spent a lot of my time on the wrong side of…
Read MorePrepare to be mesmerized! Weyes Blood has a beautiful alto voice! As ballads go about feeling desperate loneliness and not knowing what to do, you can’t do better than wanting to listen over and over again. As Vodka was writing this review, I listened twice in quick succession and then pre-ordered the CD. I must have more of this wonderful voice! It’s Not Just Me, It’s Everybody (heard here) is striking, in melody, in the…
Read MoreVodka doesn’t often get terribly excited about instrumental-only music. It happens though, and quite a lot more often than it used to. It’s not that I don’t like instrumental music, I do. Listening to instrumental music is a pleasant experience, I just have a tough time getting my mind into it enough to review much of it. Some notable exceptions are Lydian Collective, Snarky Puppy, a handful of others, and now Carlos Eiene. Carlos Eine has been a big force…
Read MoreCrossword Smiles is an indie-pop band with a jangly retro feel. They make perfect little pop gems that please the ear while giving you plenty to dance to. A case in point is Parallel Lines (seen/heard here) from their new LP, Pressed & Ironed, due September 16, 2022. Parallel Lines shares the musical stage with 9 other varied tracks. There’s something for everyone here, but mostly these are mid-tempo numbers with great melodies and harmonies. There’s enough textural difference…
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