Tag Archives: Country

Album Review, Folk, indie rock, New Music

The Star Prairie Project ‘Panacea’ Album

The Star Prairie Project has released a 10 song album titled ‘Panacea’. The album follows on from the success of their single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ sees them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.

‘Panacea’ is a wholesome and accomplished album that ventures from alternative rock to country and folk with some Americana peppering throughout. The album steadily blends heartwarming musicianship with slick instrumentation with ease as The Star Prairie Project present their powerful and refined sound through the rock-filled and mighty opener ‘Do What You Do’. The sultry rock n’ roll of ‘Frantic Mind’ and witty twang of ‘My Dear Lady’ display the bands ability to rein the might of their wild alternative rock and embellish their deft sound with more emotive and cheeky elements. This is shown particularly well in soft romantic ballads such as ‘So Beautiful’.

However it is within the intricacies of the guitar and piano work that this band truly excel. The guitars inject majestic qualities, raw power and sharp vigor into the tracks while the piano provides more haunting tones in tracks such as ‘Nowhere Bound’ with its mysterious soundscape and jazz elements.

‘Panacea’ boasts a sound brimming with catchy melodies and clean production with a healthy dose of rock spread throughout. There are warm Americana elements fused throughout creating a smooth fluid album filled with emotive vocals and passionate musicianship. Each song is structured and well crafted with steady punchy drum progressions and refined guitar lines that add lamenting elements to nostalgic tracks like ‘Bygone Days’ with its sweet dreamy classic rock coating and shredding solo while ‘My Heart Strings’ takes the bands more piano pop persona and flourishes into a disco hued bop. 

‘Panacea’ is a satisfying album laced in folk/ country influences and sublime rock elements. The Star Prairie Project have built a strong repertoire of music filled with charisma, cheeky charm and refined intricate musicianship. It’s a solid new album.

Stream ‘Panacea’ below 


Author : Danu

New Music

Jon Lloyd Palmer ‘Aftermath’ Album

Singer Songwriter Jon Lloyd Palmer has released a collection of songs written over 40 years through his album called ‘Aftermath’.Recorded over 2 years in his garden studio, the songs reflect his nostalgia influenced by the beautiful scenery of Scotland, Norway and rural USA. Jon Lloyd Palmer has been writing songs for 45 years, starting out in the small pub scene. He has decided to release this collection of songs to open up opportunities of collaborating with other artists that may want to take these songs on.

‘Aftermath’ is a sweet collection of tracks that exude warm country-esque tones and wholesome musicianship. Palmer tells tales of love and the adventures of his life through this album as he weaves traditional elements and intricate instrumentation into each track. Country and folk-esque music isn’t quite my cup of tea but Palmer surges oodles of passion and emotive qualities through tracks like ‘Aftermath’, ‘Everytime The North Wind Blows’  and ‘Live Is Beautiful’ with ‘An Encounter ( Good Enough For Me) providing a mysterious Spanish guitar and ‘I Am A Martian’ stomping some rock n roll into the album.

The songs ooze nostalgia with soothing melodies and warm guitar surging emotions of melancholia and bittersweet sentimentality. Palmer paints a colourful picture of beautiful sceneries, wonderful meetings and long term friendships. The album flows well with each track seeming to reflect the influences of the time they were written in. 

‘Aftermath’ is a glimpse into Palmers photo album of life and is quite a charming collection of tracks. 

You can stream ‘Aftermath’ below 


Author : Danu

Folk, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jane Willow ‘The Fool’

Photo Credit: Tiernan O Rourke

Jane Willow is set to release her new single ‘The Fool’ on May 31st. The Dublin-based folk musician of Dutch origin has supported the likes of Glen Hansard, Mark Geary, Kíla and The Unthanks and her debut EP ‘Onward Still’ received radio play on Radio 1, Radio Nova, BBC Radio Ulster.

‘The Fool’ sees Willow venture to the more country elements of her sound as she takes a powerful stance with strong melodies and upbeat instrumentation. The warm guitar strides through a resilient buoyant beat while Willow’s striking vocals exude passion, emotion and endurance. There is strength and character driving this track through a winding dark and mysterious journey. The guitar weaves and meanders through  innocent melodies and sultry tones as the track progresses from the ominous, smoky verses to the expressive chorus. The vocal melody remains sweet and dainty however the instrumental backdrop and powerful vocal delivery are strong and brazen creating a raw and intriguing contrast. Willow has poured everything into this compelling track as she fleshes out and crafts her rich and diverse sound beautifully.

About the track Jane Willow said : “This song started as an homage to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’, exploring country songwriting with a strong vocal in mind, but it quickly evolved. I never intended for it to be a real song, or for me to sing it. But something personal occurred to me and I connected with the song because of it. To me this song is about consent. I wanted to rid myself of the anger I felt. And I didn’t want to feel alone in this hurt.  I feel very nervous releasing this song, or speaking about it. But I know the song means something to me. And hopefully it will mean something to other people too.”

‘The Fool’ will be released on May 31st for more information you can follow Jane Willow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/janewillowmusic


Americana, EP Review, New Music

Paula Standing ‘Truth and Trickery’ EP

Modern Americana talent, Paula Standing has released her latest EP, ‘Truth and Trickery’. Songwriter and performer, Paula Standing hails originally from North Queensland but now resides in Southern Australia where she spends time perfecting her written craft and building upon her roster of original music.

‘Truth and Trickery’ is a wholesome Americana collection with hues of county rock as Paula Standing fleshes out her musicianship and rich sound.This six track collection shines a light on the modern phenomenon of fake news. ‘A Good Day’ kicks the EP off with sway like tones as a warm guitar creates a sweet waltz-like tempo. With elegant piano and lush backing vocals complementing Standing’s sweet strong vocals its an easy listening ditty. Standing plays about with instruments and genres  throughout the EP as ‘All Over By Christmas’ introduces a steamy string melody while the country twang of ‘ Heartaches’ Coming Around’ ,‘Oh Baby (Why Am I Thinking of You)’ and ‘The War Ain’t Over Remix’ adds warmth and depth. There are some sublime guitar melodies sprinkling lush qualities and sun kissed vibes into each track while the passionate vocals coo and caress the catchy melodies. ‘Beautiful Remix’ brings the album to a sweet and delicate end as a soft beat bounces behind twinkling guitar. Standing’s vocals are the main striking point throughout the EP however the injections of strings and luscious guitar melodies are what makes these track stand out. Not my usual cup of tea but ‘Truth and Trickery’ is a charming sweet EP filled with sophisticated laid back tunes.

Stream ‘Truth and Trickery’ below


Indie, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Smooth Rock, Soul

Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band ‘Barely Holding On’

paul-dunbar-the-black-winter-band-8629

Paul Dunbar, formerly of Liverpool 6-piece soul/rock/blues act The Midnight Ramble, has self released his debut single ‘Barely Holding On’. The single was created with producers Marc Joy (Oasis, Primal Scream) and Paul Thompson (Ellen & The Escapades). Dunbar is recording with the newly formed Black Winter Band, Tom Cowley (Drums,Percussion,Vocals) and Callum Williams (Bass,Keys,Vocals) complete the lineup.
‘Barely Holding On’ is a warm melodic track wrapped in charming country tones and drizzled with rock elements. The passionate raspy soulful vocals and catchy sway along melody teamed with soothing mellow guitar and a steady spongy beat gives the track a bright cosy yet nostalgic and emotional tone. This track is a sweet sounding tuneful bundle of passion with tender lyrics and a sweet reminiscent tone on guitar that is thought provoking like a fond distant memory that twinkles around your mind but to far to recall fully.
Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band have a London launch show on Fri 28 Oct at The Century Club, Soho with promoter Success Express Music.

Stream ‘Barely Holding On’ below

Americana, Cymrucana, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Climbing Trees ‘Amber’

South Wales four-piece Climbing Trees consists of members Matthew Frederick (Piano, Guitar, Vocals), Colenso Jones (Guitar, Bass, Vocals), Martin Webb (Guitar, Bass, Vocals) and James Bennetts (Drums, Percussion, Vocals). They describe their sound as Cymrucana (mixture of folk, country and Americana). The band formed in 2011 and came to the attention of BBC Introducing with the distinctive sound of their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Hebron’, which was recorded in isolation in the woods of Carmarthenshire, the band were announced as one of twelve artists to take part in the inaugural year of the BBC and Arts Council of Wales’ Horizons project in the Spring of 2014. They have had appearances at Green Man Festival, Festival No.6 and The Hay Festival and have also performed at the Dylan Thomas Centenary celebrations in Laugharne Castle. With a live session at London’s legendary Maida Vale Studios , a television appearance alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales as well as soundtracking the BBC’s Real Valleys season and featuring in American documentary Fade To Winter, Climbing Trees have  had a busy few years and gained an ever growing following.
The band have finished their eagerly-awaited and much anticipated second album ‘Borders’ which has been shortlisted for this year’s Welsh Music Prize. This month they released their new single ‘Amber’ which is the third to be taken from the album. The track is flush with bright warm tones and richly entwined with lush melodies and glowing textures. The addition of the string quartet adds a delicate sweet elegance and sway to the track lifting it up and giving it flight and motion. The piano is also gentle and tender and compliments the track perfectly adding a beautiful graceful quality. The vocals are warm and soothing with smooth soft country tones. The guitars glitter and glisten while also adding depth to the elevating song. Climbing Trees continue to progress and perfect their unique sound and give us a track that is feathery light yet dense with warm golden textures.
Stream ‘Amber’below

Album Review, Alt Rock, Blues, indie rock, New Music, Rock, Rock and Roll, Uncategorized

Skunkmello ‘Hot Chicken’

Brooklyn-based rock and roll band Skunkmello have released their new album ‘Hot Chicken’ today. Matt Bartlett (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Ed Cuervo (guitar, vocals), Jay Holt (bass,vocals) and Jono Ori (drums, vocals) have created their sound which blends the influences of classic rock and blues artists, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Towns Van Zandt and The Rolling Stones. The group’s three previous releases, Whiskey & Oatmeal EP (2012), 2013’s Lowlife Dreams EP which were produced by the band and mastered by Grammy Award‐winner Brian Lucey,( The Black Keys’ Brothers and El Camino albums) and 2014’s Stars & Stripes, have all met with critical acclaim and ‘Hot Chicken’ follows with in the same manner.
‘Hot Chicken’ pulls together the best of classic rock and roll with country twangs and refreshing blasts of blues to make a solid smooth album full of swagger. ‘Cardboard Box Disguise’ kicks things off in a true rock and roll style with husky vocals, luscious guitar twangs and a sick drum beat that pulls you to the dance floor. With it’s catchy chorus this fun upbeat track is infectious and starts the album off on a high with added cowboy “woooh” mid guitar solo its full of 50s rock and roll swagger.
‘Ridin’ The River’ follows with a heavier sound to start. The country twang features strongly again while the song takes a swing persona as the harmonica becomes predominate. The bridge is finger clicking and foot tappingly good. Its feel good vibe is infectious and makes this track so easy to listen to.
‘Prime Time Hero’ takes a blues form with a sensual sway/strut effect. The guitar plays a light springy melody to soft bouncy beats. Skunkmello take blues and make it light and fun in this track. The chorus is simple with “wooo yeah” lyrics and trust me you will be singing by the end. This track is full of sass in a smooth seductive style.
‘Rhinestone Shady’ brings us a rock and roll blues with heavier beats and stronger vocals full of attitude. With a crisp slick guitar solo and clever lyrics this song is energetic and yet a true narrative telling a story relative to their lives.
‘Highway 17’ slows the tone down a little with a country almost whiskey drowned ballad. It is beautifully melodic and smooth and gives a driving on a hot summers evening feel. Its full of nostalgia and melancholy tones with lush sweet harmonies in backing vocal, while the main vocals are slightly animated and emotional.
‘ Slaughterhouse Blues’ brings back that “turn it up loud” rock and roll feel while ‘ Alligator Coat’ gives us some distorted sliding guitars and shakes up their sound a little. ‘Cash Flow Blues’ deals with the problem of money or lack of, which we can all relate to. Skunkmello deal with this problem in an upbeat manner full of humour and an almost speaking vocal in the middle. This song is full of clap along beats and definitely is one to get an audience up and dancing.
‘Sweet Delight’ closes the album in a raunchy blues style. The steamy guitars and soft beat gives a longing sway vibe to the track. While the vocals become rough and husky in places. With “ohhh” feature on vocals that begin soft and build to become intense and louder up to the massive guitar solo and an almost shout in vocals and roll on drums. This softens until the guitar plays us out with a kick ass solo and pounding drums to a sudden end. Leaving you wanting more.
Stream ‘Slaughterhouse Blues’ and ‘Highway 17’  below