By Brian Rock Rainy Eyes follows her meandering muse from Norway to San Francisco to New Orleans on her sophomore release, Lonesome Highway. The Norwegian native, Rainy Eyes (ala Irena Eide,) wrestles with the tragic shortcomings of the men in her life. An absentee father battling addiction and a “toxic” ex-husband compel Rainy Eyes to find her own path. But it is these very hardships that have forged her independence and resilience, which, in turn, give her music an underlying sense of confidence and assurance. The title song rolls along on lively Bakersfield rhythms. Despite the positive en ..read more

By Brian Rock Jenny Don’t and The Spurs put a fresh spin on heartache on their latest (14th!) album, Broken Hearted Blue. Jenny Don’t’s fiery vocals and the bands musical synergy create an album about heartbreak that’s more fun than seeing your ex get dumped by their new lover. The title song combines classic country & western elements with a driving surf rock beat to create a heart break song that makes you want to dance for joy. Jenny Don’t coos, “Handsome stranger, touch of danger; you’re someone new. You caught my eye I cannot lie, I wanted you.” But subtle spaghetti western riffs off ..read more

By Brian Rock Ready or not, summer is upon us. As the temperature heats up, so does the music scene. Here are some of the hottest new releases to fire up your summer festivities…   Americana Pokey LaFarge Rhumba Country This album hits all the high notes of summer: the anticipation, the fun, the freedom. Fully marinated in the sun-drenched sounds of the Caribbean, the music is elegant, exotic, and enchanting. From the Calypso influences in “One You, One Me,” to the Reggae vibes of “Run, Run, Run,” to the Afro-Cuban soul of “Sister Andre,” the album dazzles and surprises with each new tra ..read more

By Brian Rock Tylor & The Train Robbers ride again on their fourth album, Hum of the Road. The band brings its rustic americana rhythms to the fore as they explore the cycles of life in rugged, sepia tones. “The Way We Learn,” sets the tone for the album. Lively honky-tonk rhythms accentuated by pedal steel create a danceable melody that belies the pensive nature of the lyrics. Noting how people react differently to the same challenges, lead singer Tylor Ketchum sings, “Remember, you’re just living the way you learned to be.” A simple statement of awareness and a call to refrain from judg ..read more

By Brian Rock Canadian honky tonkers, Nicolette & The Nobodies eschew short cuts on their debut album, The Long Way. Coming ten years after the band’s inception, they took their time perfecting their synergy before committing it to tape. Furthermore, lead singer/songwriter Nicolette Hoang’s parents took the long trip from Vietnam to Canada to flee their war-ravaged homeland fifty years ago. That spirit of patience, persistence and powering through obstacles is reflected in Hoang’s songwriting. The lead track, “Better Days,” introduces the band with honky tonk guitar riffs and Hoang poundi ..read more

By Brian Rock Athens, GA meets Greenwich Village on Driftwood’s new album, December Last Call. The upstate New York based band continues to push the boundaries of folk on this, their sixth album. From alt rock to country to cosmic cowboy and beyond, Driftwood follows the musical current wherever it takes them. The Title track is a cheerful folk-rock anthem that exudes the joy and magic of the last week of the year between Christmas and New Years. Jangly, alt-rock guitar chords are complemented by classical violin strains, Hammond organ pulses and Beach Boys style vocal harmonies. The ly ..read more

By Brian Rock Ted Russell Kamp may just be the hardest working man in Americana. While many artists are just now releasing their first new albums since the onset of Covid 19, California Son, marks Kamp’s third full length album of original music in that period (and his fourteenth overall). In addition, he has been an in-demand session musician, co-writer, and touring musician (most notably with Shooter Jenning’s band.) The fruits of his tireless work ethic are evident on this new album. The title song is both a mini biography for Kamp and a love letter to his adopted home state. Chronicling h ..read more

By Brian Rock Minnesota’s The High Hawks soar on their sophomore album, Mother Nature’s Show. Composed of members from Leftover Salmon, Hard Working Americans, and Great American Taxi, The High Hawks create an eclectic, backwoods country/rock that defies easy genre labels, but feels instantly recognizable. Despite their abode in the North Star State, their music is infused with an anatopistic Southern twang. The title track recalls the southern Funk of Little Feat. rock and roll guitar and organ are offset by bluegrass fiddle as the band seeks to, “Jump off the pavement and into the river flo ..read more

By Brian Rock Nashville folk/americana artist Vinnie Paolizzi makes a name for himself on his debut album, The Vinnie Paolizzi LP. Combining traditional folk and Laurel Canyon rhythms, with just a hint of soul, Paolizzi creates a middle American folk rock sound that’s earnest and occasionally uplifting. His voice is infused with a warmth that’s equal parts Jackson Browne and Jason Isbell. “It Ain’t Easy,” starts off with slinky, drawn-out electric guitar notes layered over a bluesy rhythm section arrangement of piano, bass and drums. Paolizzi then laments his condition, singing, “It ain’t eas ..read more

By Brian Rock North Carolina Americana artist, Colin Cutler takes inspiration from Flannery O’Connor on his fourth album, Tarwater. The title is a reference to the main character from O’Connor’s short story, “You Can’t Be Any Poorer Than Dead” (which should give you an idea of her general tone). This and several other of her Southern Gothic short stories inspire and shape Cutler’s musical vision on this album. Although O’Conner often paints a bleak picture of humanity where the only two options are self-centered atheism or merciless religious dogma; Cutler finds nuance and celebrates O’Connor ..read more