Whoever said that rock is dead just isn’t trying. All you need to do is look around. Its in the air.
Frontier Record continues to produce vintage rock, this time ballad style, with Malvada’s “I’m Sorry.”
The ever-interesting Jenny Hval is out with another single.
And, the always evocative Low Cut Connie is out with a socially aware single.
But enough of that, here are five new records to savor this week.
Wyldlyfe – Sorted
Coming to you from Little Steven’s Wicked Cool stable, Wyldlyfe blends Rock, Garage, Punk, and Glam into a a blender of coolness that will tickle the earlobes of any fan of good old fashioned rock and roll.
Riding on the coattails of The Ramones, The New York Dolls as well as the accessible side of The Stooges, this latest record finds the band a bit more Power Pop melodic than we may be used to from the firebrands, however as evidenced by the opener, “Bystander,” the punch in the gut opener, the urgency is still there.
Somehow fresh and vintage sounding at the same time, “Dizzy” sounds like Luke Spiller fronting Oasis, and Mia M.I.A. Sounds like Blondie on steroids.
A solid escape sort of record that will scratch your rock itch for sure.
When Rivers Meet – Addicted To You
When Rivers Meet is Grace and Aaron Bond, the best husband-and-wife blues rock duo this side of The White Stripes with a sound that mixes the more melodic side of Led Zeppelin, with a touch of The Black Keys and Bonnie Raitt thrown in for good measure
There is a real ’70s rock feel to the proceedings with this, their fourth proper record, and with songs like “Still Standings” with a ready-for-the-festival chorus, and the change of pace with the lush and beautiful “Coming Up For Air,” the future is so bright for this band they won’t need to wear shades.
Taj Mahall and Keb’ Mo’ – Room On The Porch
With their second collaboration, Room On The Porch, the follow-up to 2017’s highly excellent Tajmo, Taj Mahall and Keb’ Mo’ may have just curated the most soul affirming record of the year.
From the opener, “Room On The Porch” on to the old school blues of “The Blues’ll Give You Back Your Soul” this one is perfectly suited to sitting on your porch reflecting with an old friend.
The version presented here of “Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out” is worth the price of admission alone.
Chapparelle – Western Pleasure
Chaparelle is a Texas-based supergroup consisting of Zella Day, Jesse Woods, and Beau Bedford handling knob-twirling duties.
With their feet firmly planted in the classic country sand, their sound is exquisitely crafted to blend traditional George and Tammy country, Lee and Nancy hipster-noir, vintage pop, and dirty blues all peppered with a bit of Sun Records rock and roll.
“Devil’s Music” could have been produced by Sam Phillips himself, “Inside The Lines” is a hip-swaying earworm that will stick with you a while, and their version of “Dance With Somebody” reimaged with steel guitar would have fit in quite nicely on a Dusty Springfield record.
Pretty much a perfect record, lets hope that this debut album is a beacon leading to a stellar career for this band.
Deraps – Viva Rock N’Roll
If you are a fan of early Van Halen and the Sunset Strip era rock scene, and if you are not, you should be, Deraps and their sophomore record, Viva Rock N’ Roll will become your new jam.
This one has everything a 70s and 80s rock aficionado would want. “Solitaire” cranks up the classic era Styx by way of Night Ranger, the opening title track is all Diamond Dave and Van Halen, and “The Dawg Stomp” could have been an Aerosmith “ Walk This Way” B side.
This one is the leader in the clubhouse for rock record of the year for sure.
Ben Kweller – Cover The Mirrors
The latest record from Ben Kweller is a deeply personal affair. Released on would have been the 19th birthday of his son Dorian who died tragically in a freak car accident, Cover The Mirrors has a real heart on the sleeve tattoo inked on every groove.
A supreme example of an artist turning personal grief into a salve, every song is a thought-provoking journey into the healing process. Getting by with a little help from his friends, Waxahachie pitches in on “Dollar Store,” Coconut Records on the appropriately named “Depression,” and MJ Lenderman joins the party on the closer, an ode to a father’s son, “Oh Dorian,” Kwellers “Tears in Heaven Tribute to his son.
Rock Is The New Roll 