Back in November (2017), Vodka posted the review for When The Sun Comes Up, from the all-woman pop-folk band, All Our Exes Live In Texas, and their long-player When We Fall (March 2017). I noted then the unfortunate name of the band but heralded the great music that these ladies make. Nothing has changed my opinion. Boundary Road is the fourth single release from that long-player and if anything, adds exclamation marks to that earlier review. What I always love is melodies with tight harmonies and careful…
Read MoreCrazy good melodies, great hooks, fabulous harmonies: Dropkick returns to Vodka with It’s Still Raining from their March 2018 long-player, Longwave. You may remember Vodka’s other reviews of Dropkick, but if not, here’s a look back: Slowdown – (March 2016) Style – (November 2013) Dropkick has a rock sensibility with alt-folk flavor and a pop-rock delivery. Fully capable of delving into retro 70′s style music along with modern influenced pop, they have an easy style that is pleasing and delightfully singable. What’s more, from their earliest days to today, they have consistently…
Read MoreI have been a fan of Laura Veirs from the first time I heard her on CMJ New Music Monthly’s 2005 sampler CD with the tune Galaxies. She has a captivating compositional style that keeps you listening. That hasn’t changed after 20 years of making great alternative flavored pop music. Veirs has just released her 10th solo long-player, The Lookout (April 2018), from which Everybody Needs You (seen/heard here) comes. Laura Veirs has been uncompromising in being true to her musical visions, regardless of remaining unknown to many…
Read MoreMoira Smiley is a singer and composer who writes folk songs that transcend the definitions of “folk” styles. She is a socially conscious painter of words and melodies, a weaver of intricate rhythms, voices, and refrains. Her long-player, Unzip The Horizon (April 2018) is nothing short of amazing on every level! Wiseman (seen/heard here) is a Celtic-flavored love song with a deeper meaning; Refugee is an accounting of the fear and uncertainty surrounding real refugees and has a vague reggae feel; Below is a world flavored anthem on survival and…
Read MoreFunky, fun, and fabulous, The Fearless Flyers prove that lyrics aren’t necessary when you are _this_ good at your instruments! Ace of Aces is from the band’s March 23, 2018, self-titled six-song debut EP. The band shares composition duties while baritone guitarist and guitarist Cory Wong acts as producer for the group. Laying down the phenomenal beat is Nate Smith who is flat-out perfect on Ace of Aces. The rest of the band made up of Joe Dart on bass and Mark Lettieri (of Snarky Puppy) on baritone…
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