New music // Spirit Family Reunion - I Am Following The Sound

Words // Scott Pingeton

Two of my favorite artists will put out their debut albums this June - Field Report and Spirit Family Reunion.  SFR's debut No Separation drops June 15, perfect timing to claim its spot as my summer roadtrip jam.  The band's irresistable blend of ramshackle folk and back-porch bluegrass is the perfect soundtrack to a summer jaunt -- whether a camping trip, a weekend at the lake or just a long drive with the windows down.  "I Am Following The Sound" is the first studio take I've heard from the record, and I'm happy to report that the recording captures the perfectly-ragged, stomp&clap of the band's live sound.  If this isn't the perfect music for that moment when the hazy late-summer sun softly gives way to purple dusk, then nothing is.

Spirit Family Reunion - I Am Following The Sound

You can catch the band at Newport Folk this summer, or in Biddeford Maine at The Oak & The Axe on June 7 or June 8 in Williamstown MA where they will play a Billsville House Concert.

In case you missed it - here's the band playing "I'll Find A Way" from a recent house show in Boston (also, don't miss the full live recording)

Royal Headache - Down The Lane

Words // Scott Pingeton

Followers of Visible Voice may think of this as a blog devoted to folk music -- and you'd be right.  The mellow and raspy sounds of indie folk and bluegrass form the core of what I listen to and share here.  But if you've followed VV closely over the past 2+ years, you'll also know that I have a deep-rooted love for soul music.  I love dusting off those Stax/Volt, Motown and Atlantic singles often, but my love of soul and early rock n' roll often manifests itself in the form of garage rock.  There's something about dudes bashing out rock and soul on overdriven guitars that just does it for me.  And thus, any PR email that references "soul-punk" catches my eye.

Hailing from Sydney Australia, Royal Headache creates vaguely soul-inspired rock that hits fast and hard and is over before you know it.  Nothing clocks in over 3 minutes here - the way rock music was meant to be.  And while I wouldn't go as far as NPR did in calling this "an unabashed throwback to an era full of blue-eyed men copping and caffeinating the moves of Motown and Memphis, when rock stood in awe of soul music's ecstasy and agony," the soul influence is there, I guess, and the songs are catchy enough to have me tapping my toes.  And really that's what counts.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled sad-bastard mopey folk :)

Kitchen Sessions // Golden Bloom - "If You Believe"

Words // Caroline McDonald

Under the moniker of Golden Bloom, Shawn Fogel came to Kitchen Sessions with an mess of curly hair and a sense of fun and humility that perfectly fit his effortlessly catchy hooks. The Kitchen Sessions space complemented his meticulous voice and understated acoustic guitar, giving something raw and undeniably appealing. Golden Bloom was quirky and kept us giggling in between songs. His music reminded me of Ben Kweller in that it was catchy but also poignant and true. His charisma shown through at Kitchen Sessions, making it impossible not to sit up and listen.

Songs for Wednesday // The Spring Standards, Hoots & Hellmouth and more

Words // Adam Sharp

'Only Skin'- The Spring Standards

Equal parts gorgeous and haunting, this is a perfect song for springtime. 

Website: http://thespringstandards.com/

 

 

 

'My Journey to the Sky (Sister Rosetta Tharpe cover)'- The Tallest Man on Earth

Who knew a small Swedish man could sing the hell out of a gospel song?

Website: http://www.thetallestmanonearth.com/

 

'Lay Low'- Hoots & Hellmouth

So much stomping, clapping and ramshackle goodness. One of the most criminally overlooked albums so far this year.

Website: http://www.hootsandhellmouth.com/

 

'All Of Your Demons'- Jay William Henderson

A little smoky, heartbreaking gem that brilliantly uses handclaps to mask the heaviness that's being sung about.

Website: http://www.jaywilliamhenderson.com/

 

 

 

'Better Idea (Live at Ripcord Studio'- Kelli Schaefer

Stunning, bare bones intensity and honesty from one of the Pacific Northwest's best young songwriters. 

Website:http://kellischaefer.com/

 

Kitchen Sessions // Dan Blakeslee - "Wizard Nor A King"

Words // Caroline McDonald

In Greek mythology, the iconic head of Medusa was placed on Athena’s shield to serve as a guardian. Dan Blakeslee’s guitar, with its fiery, Medusa-esque pick guard and design, is just as fearsome and determined in his Kitchen Session video, “Wizard Nor a King.” Before getting started, Dan explained that the song is about “doing what you love and never giving up.” He lives his own words as both a musician and a talented visual artist. The energy he exudes in the Kitchen Session video catches his message and inspires the creative soul.

TONIGHT: The Wooden Sky at Radio (Somerville)

Words // Scott Pingeton

I'm not shy about how much I love The Wooden Sky.  Afterall, they channel influences that mirror my own iTunes library.  At their center is folk music in the tradition of Dylan and Townes Van Zandt, but they pull inspiration from the sharp wit of Elvis Costello and Jonathan Richman, the classic rock of Tom Petty and a penchant for ethereal, meandering jams.  Their latest (highly recommended) album Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Son is one of my favorites of the year - and shows a clear progression of the band's sound towards more nuanced songwriting and arrangements. 

The last time The Wooden Sky were in town they played one of my favorite shows of 2011 (you can relive the show here).  Do yourself a favor and go see this band live.  They play at Radio in Somerville TONIGHT 8pm - $10 (at the door, $8 in advance)

Here are some videos from the intimate Kitchen Sessions show the band played last time they were in town:

North Dakota

Take Me Out

Review: Suckers - Candy Salad

Words // Brian Hodge

Suckers’ full-length debut Wild Smile was undoubtedly one of my favorite releases of 2010.  Featuring jangly, shimmery guitars, huge sing-along choruses and pervasive indie cool, it was an excellent release of new, infectious indie energy.  Their multi-instrumental live performances, with singer Quinn Walker’s far-reaching falsetto, also drew raves.  So it is with lofty expectations we turn to Candy Salad, the group’s 2012 release.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the effort falls short.

They’ve tweaked the formula a bit, but the group still thankfully sounds like Suckers.  The massive choruses and catchy tunes are still there, especially on numbers like “Chinese Braille” and “Figure It Out.”   Too often, though, the major label polish has left a slippery veneer that is difficult to hang on to.  The sweet spots in this “Candy Salad” are overworked to the point of being saccharine, missing the enjoyable looseness and excitement of Wild Smile.

There’s no doubt that these songs will slide in seamlessly with their debut in their live shows, and songs like “Lydia” shade brightly for an experimental, expansive sound in the band’s future, but this salad is certainly a mixed offering.

Kitchen Sessions // Tall Heights

Words // Caroline McDonald

Sometimes you hear two musicians come together in such perfect harmony that you involuntarily hold your breath to hear every bit of their music. That’s what happened to me when I first heard Tim Harrington and Paul Wright of the band Tall Heights. The Kitchen Session they performed captures the dynamic perfection they create together. It’s a synergy that’s often hard to catch in studio recordings, but you won’t miss it here. Emotive lyrics, Paul’s cello, and Tim’s guitar live alongside harmonies that compare to (dare I say it?) Simon and Garfunkel. If you need me, I’ll be wearing out the “play” button on these videos for the next few weeks.

Tall Heights - Somewhere I Believe

Tall Heights - Rafters

Songs for Wednesday // Cold Specks, BOY and more

Words // Adam Sharp

'Blank Maps'- Cold Specks
This is an album more people need to be excited about (it comes out May 22nd, just so you know). It's crackling with unvarnished honesty and urgency.
Website: http://coldspecks.com/

'I Got You Babe'- Bahamas
Crunchy guitars and sun-soaked laments. This one does it all exactly right.
Website: http://bahamasmusic.net/

'Just For Me But I Thought of You'- Nathaniel Rateliff
A gorgeous and heartbreaking new song from Mr. Rateliff that, like most of his songs, sounds perfect in the springtime.
Website: http://nathanielrateliff.com/

'How Do I Know'- Here We Go Magic
This song is candy.
Website: http://herewegomagicband.tumblr.com/

Here We Go Magic - How Do I Know

'Little Numbers'- BOY
Good. Lord. This is a catchy jam.
Website: http://www.listentoboy.com/index2.php