If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Young Ejecta Album : Ride Lonesome Quick Description : Latest effort from the synthy electronic duo. Why You Should Listen : Part art project, part musical project, all awesome. Overall Thoughts : I've enjoyed everything musically that we've gotten from Young Ejecta, and Leanne Macomber (perhaps better known for her work with Non Indian) exudes a presence in this project that just works really well. This is decidedly more mainstream sounding than the previous efforts, and while it's been a while, it's clear the overall conceit behind the project (think of an alien observer) has taken a backseat, the musical efforts have not. I really enjoyed this, and it's absolutely an interesting take on what many might think is a tired subgenre. Recommendation : A favorite this week. Artist : Gordi Album : Our Two Skins Quick Description : Sophomore singer-songwriter effort. Why You Should Listen : While her first effort was more direct, this is more succes...

We're definitely in the swing of new release season now. Lots of good stuff this week. Punch Brothers - The Phosphorescent Blues : I know Punch Brothers are generally slotted into the sort of "newgrass" portmanteau for what they and other Chris Thile projects do, but Phosphorescent Blues is, in a sense, the most prog rock thing they've done yet. Closer in spirit to Punch than the tone they established in Who's Feeling Young Now? , the album is not an easy one on first listen, but, as with anything Thile is involved with, definitely an interesting listen. I'll need more time with this for sure, but this is absolutely a solid release from one of the best bluegrass-style bands going right now. Kelley McRae - Easy on My Mind : I enjoyed Kelley McRae's previous album Brighter Than the Blues , and seeing a new EP was a pretty nice surprise. It reminds me a lot of Gillian Welch in terms of tone, and it's a nice, quiet but memorable folk EP. As ofte...