The new release train keeps rolling toward what is expected to be one of the best release summers in quite some time, American Aquarium is set to release two new records, and Dawes is rumored to be in the studio.
In the meantime, our favorite new rock band DeWolff released a free livestream concert featuring their hit song “Bona Fide”
The L.A. Maybe get their A.C.D.C. juju going on their latest single and video “Oh Sugar” live from the Silverball Lounge.”
And, Billy Gibbons lays down what will surely be the driving tune of the summer with “West Coast Junkie.”
And if that is not enough, here are five new records that inspire us this week.
La Femme – Paradigmes
One of the more interesting and eclectic listens so far this year, Le Femme with their intoxicating blend of Krautrock, Surf, Serge Gainsbourg French-Noir, and Psychedelic 13th Floor Elevator vibes will take you back to Hugh Hefner’s grotto and George Jetson’s man-cave in one trippy listen. “Foutre le bodel” is a pulsating driving tune with a bit of Devo in its DNA, “Cool Colorado” is a Serge meets Leonard Cohen treat for the ears, and “Lacher de chevaux” is a pure Morricone by way of Kraftwerk special.
Spend a bit of time outside of your comfort zone with this record and take yourself to a hipster land that doesn’t exist but really should. No man bun required.
Major Murphy – Access
Another Classic Rock inspired band from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Major Murphy walks the more melodic end of the Rock spectrum most notably on the Weezer-sounding title track and the ’70s throwback-sounding “In The Meantime.”
Jacob Bullard carries the day through most of the record with his warm and wistful vocals with the rest of the band helping him stay in the pocket. This is a grower of a record in all the best of ways. Repeated listens of this one will have you scrambling for your old Fountains of Wayne records. Just listen to “Tear It Apart” and tell us we’re wrong.
Cristina Vane – Nowhere Sounds Lovely
With influences ranging from Robert Johnson, Skip James, and the Appalachian hill country, it is no wonder that newcomer Cristina Vane has released one of the more sparkling debut records of the year thus far. After completing a five-month mini-tour of the American South playing bars, coffeehouses, and house parties Vane set up residence in Nashville in an attempt to capture her rock kid in an old musical-soul sound on record for the first time.
The Opener “Blueberry Hill,” no, not that one, is a mini-travelogue that is a perfect introduction to the budding star that combines unique storytelling with Bonnie Raitt style guitar picking. “Travelin’ Blues” has a bit of John Prine about it, and “Will I Ever Be Satisfied” is an Emmylou Appalachian style stunner.
If this first record out of the box is any indication we will be hearing a lot more from Cristina Vane in the years to come.
Ex Norwegian – Sings Jimmy Campbell
With Sings Jimmy Campbell the band Ex Norwegian enlists the help of like-minded musician friend-fans of the largely overlooked Liverpool singer-songwriter Jimmy Campbell on a set that celebrates the life of an artist that should have reached much higher levels of fame and is widely described as the John Lennon that never left Liverpool.
For a glimpse into what might have happened, “Half Baked” with Rhys Marsh could have been a Harry Nilsson song, “Baby, Walk Out With Your Darling Man” has a bit of Scott Walker wafting about it, and “Paris, You’re in Paris” is about as good as a pop song you will find this side of Big Star.
If you can find them, this sampling of an artist that likely has never been on your radar is well worth a deep dive exploration.
Ryley Walker – Course in Fable
The many faces of Ryley Walker are all on display with his latest record, Course In Fable. Dialing in his shapeshifting influences ranging from Blues, Prog-Folk, Desert Rock to Experimental, this song-set may be the most fully formed and accessible record he has released so far in his eclectic career. The opener “Striking Down Your Big Premier” is The Moody Blues by way of latter Day Yes, “Ring Dizzy shows off his Bert Jansch worthy fingerstyle guitar picking, and “Clad With Bunk” could have been a Donovan tune.
Time spent with this record will make you a better person.
Rock Is The New Roll 