If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Lisa O'Neill Album : The Wind Doesn't Blow This Far Right Quick Thoughts : There are many Irish folk singers who continue to put out essential work, and while Lisa O'Neill's album is closer to an EP in length, there is more than enough here to sustain a half hour of expertly crafted folk. Every song is ultimately a highlight, but the first two in particular work extremely well and the addition of "The Bleak Midwinter" is a lovely holiday inclusion. Don't seep on this one. Songs of Note : "The Wind Doesn't Blow This Far Right," "Mother Jones," "Homeless in the Thousands (Dublin in the Digital Age)," "The Bleak Midwinter" Artist : Sam Salmon & the Grand Manan Bandits Album : Down for Life Quick Thoughts : A side project of Motherhood and Keith Hallett, while the tongue remains firmly lodged in cheek, there's more than enough here to really love. It's got tons of country vibes, a lit...

Photo by Max Lakner The latest single from Lou Salome (the duo of Leah Hennessey and Jack Kilmer) is being referred to as "scuzz pop," and I can't say I disagree with that label. "Your Eyes Immaculate" is a dreamy song that is pop based, but more along the way that 90's alt-rock now sounds poppy thirty years later. This one is reminding me of a mixture of Matthew Sweet and Kurt Vile, but somehow more poppy and more grimy. The song has a definite pop sheen to it while still sounding a little scuffed up. "Your Eyes Immaculate" is so close to being a mainstream singer-songwriter/pop track, but the band shuffles it off into its own territory, which is why you're going to love it. Jack Kilmer says of his band's latest single: “It’s our attempt at a dream pop anthem. The mixing was where it all came to life — Leah's part in the bridge, which is weird, ASMR’y whispers, and beatboxing are all from the original demo we made. The song reminds us ...