Allison Russell featuring Norah Jones - "Really Real"

By -

Photo by Mason Poole

In the world of indie rock and music journalism, the term "mainstream" is typically used in a derogatory manner. Because of that, I tend to try to avoid using it, but sometimes a song is just mainstream and there's nothing wrong with that. Allison Russell's latest single is the pinnacle of what mainstream folk or singer-songwriter can be. "Really Real" also features a verse from multi-platinum artist Norah Jones. The song certainly isn't breaking any boundaries, or rewriting what a song can be. However, it's simply a great song that can be liked by anyone (except for maybe metalheads or indie snobs). Russell and Jones have amazing vocals separately, and magic happens when they harmonize. This is music that any generation can genuinely enjoy, and shows that Russell belongs with the upper echelon of her peers.

You can watch the video for "Really Real" below. In the Hour of Chaos is available now via Fantasy Records. For more on Allison Russell, check out the artist's website. Upcoming tour dates are below the video and include October 18 at Royale in Boston.


Oct 15 Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel

Oct 16 Washington, D.C - 9:30 Club

Oct 18 Boston, MA - Royale

Oct 20 New York, NY - Irving Plaza

Oct 22 Toronto, ON - Massey Hall

Oct 23 Montreal, QC - Theatre Beanfield

Oct 24 Quebec City, QC - Imperial Bell

Oct 25 Ottawa, ON - National Arts Centre

Oct 27 Burlington, VT - Higher Ground

Oct 28 Phoenixville, PA - The Colonial Theatre

Oct 30 Nashville, TN - The Ryman**

Oct 31 Chicago, IL - The Vic Theatre

Nov 1 Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue

Nov 3 Winnipeg, MB - Burton Cummings Theatre

Nov 5 Edmonton, AB - Winspear Centre

Nov 6 Calgary, AB - Grey Eagle Resort and Casino

Nov 9 Vancouver, BC - Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Nov 11 Seattle, WA - The Showbox

Nov 12 Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom

Nov 14 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore

Nov 15 Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre


**supporting Neko Case

On Repeat...

Hiding Places - "Waiting"

By -
Image
Photo by Calli Westra Brooklyn's Hiding Places are originally from North Carolina, and that sound is all over their latest single. "Waiting" has a strong alt-country meets dark indie rock sound. The song is as hypnotic as it is heartbreaking. Even if you're not paying attention to the lyrics, the vibe of the song is overwhelmingly dark and somber. There's plenty of country twang and indie rock fuzz throughout the song, with the music carrying the weight of the song as much as vocalist/guitarist Nicholas Byrne's voice does. The song is stunning, both in its beauty and mood. I feel like I've been sitting on "Waiting" for a while now until I could fully wrap my head around it. Hiding Places has something truly special here. Nicholas Byrne says of his band's latest single: "Hiding Places’ first bassist, Anthony Cozzarelli, left the band in July of 2022. I wrote the chorus the day before Anthony left the band. I recalled the slow death of my ...
Read more

Ezra Furman - "Forever in Sunset"

By -
Image
Photo by Tonje Thilesen Ezra Furman has to be one of the most unique and yet all encompassing artists out today. Her latest single, "Forever In Sunset," combines elements of singer/songwriter fare, electronic music, and indie rock. It's an intense song that is almost a power ballad but is a little too heavy at times for that. It's a mish-mash of glam, adult contemporary, and post punk. That should not work at all, but most artists aren't Furman who apparently can do literally anything musically and make it masterful. Ezra Furman says of her new song: “The biggest influence on the lyrics of this song is a conversation I had with a friend of mine. When Covid was first hitting, she was talking to me a lot about how ready she felt. She was like, ‘people who have been comfortable in life are freaking out right now. But queer people like me have been in crisis before. I grew up poor and my family kicked me out when I was a teenager. My world has already ended plenty of ...
Read more

Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures - "Hollow Choir"

By -
Image
Photo by Gia Smith There's prolific, and then there's Derek Smith. The Boston musician's latest single with the Cosmic Vultures, "Hollow Choir," is his eightieth song in the past eight years. It also helps explain the genre psychedelic folk-rock. The song is a little over three minutes, but the genre makes it feel much more epic. It's smooth sounding with trippy little flourishes, particularly in the guitar. At times, it sounds almost Adult Contemporary, but it's far too psychedelic for that. It's the play between the mainstream and the alternative side of folk that makes "Hollow Choir" work so well. Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures have long had this ability to provide a little something for everyone, and their latest proves that more than previous ones have. Derek Smith says of his latest single: “This song sums up the feelings I have had towards my music career for the last few years. I am always being told what I should do or what I sh...
Read more