If It's Too Loud...

Just in case both me and Jeff praising new music from Julie Rhodes wasn't enough to get you interested, she's offering a new EP through Noisetrade. Bound to Meet the Devil: B-Sides is much like Frank Turner's recent Mittens EP, in that it's basically what used to be a maxi-single or import that we'd pay $10-$20 for with a couple songs from the new album and a couple b-sides that didn't make the album. For free you can get a copy of "In Your Garden" and "See the Sun," two standout tracks from Bound to Meet the Devil that show her more boisterous rock 'n' roll side and her more quiet, soulful side. Both are perfect choices for a sampler. There are also the unreleased songs "Chains" and "Crossroads," both of which would have been perfect for the album. And, yes, "Crossroads" is a Robert Johnson cover, and you all know how we feel about covers. Bound to Meet the Devil: B-Sides is available on Noisetrade...

Photo by Roberto Terrones I love this woman's voice. Hailing from Somerville, MA, Julie Rhodes will be the surprise hit of the 2016 Newport Folk Festival. That's going to be my super early prediction. She's already involved in the Folk Family, with her to be released debut album produced by NFF alum Jonah Tolchin (who she met through the Festival). "In Your Garden" doesn't break new ground. It's pretty standard soul blues folk rock fare. But holy crap is this good. It's pretty accessible and has some mainstream crossover possibilities, kind of like The Black Crowes and Alabama Shakes. It's her voice that will propel her to breakthrough status next year. You can listen to "In Your Garden" below. Julie Rhodes' debut album, Bound to Meet the Devil , will be out February 26. For more information, check her out on Facebook , Twitter , and her own website .