New Zealand shares yet another refreshing sound with Ha the Unclear’s newest album Bacterium, Look At Your Motor Go, which was released in the U.S. September 30th (yes, we are a little late to the game, but this was too good to pass up talking about). Michael Cathro leads the four-piece band in this vibrant…
Nikki Smith
Luke Winslow-King: ‘Everlasting Arms’
The last time Vinyl Mag talked to Luke Winslow-King was during South by Southwest back in March. At the time, Winslow-King was performing songs from his 2013 album, The Coming Tide, which features a more bluesy, alternative sound. In the interview, he briefly mentioned his then-upcoming album, which dropped yesterday. Everlasting Arms embodies the typical New Orleans style…
Cory Branan at Caledonia Lounge on Sept. 25
I arrive at Caledonia in the middle of Betsy Franck’s performance. The simple two-man show was enough to capture me. Alongside a killer electric violin, Franck’s vocals were deep and flowing. Furthermore, anyone with a Loretta Lynn autograph on his/her guitar has my vote. Franck leaves the stage but lingers among the small crowd, the…
Alt-J: ‘This is All Yours’
Alt-J consists of Joe Newman, Gus Unger-Hamilton and Thom Green. Their second album, This Is All Yours, comes out September 23rd via Canvasback/Infectious Music. If you do some Facebook stalking, as I like to do with all artists I review, you learn something about alt-J. The name translates into a symbol; the combination on a…
Aaron Behrens x Vinyl Mag
Previously known for his role as frontman of Ghostland Observatory, Aaron Behrens, makes his debut as a solo artist with his new project, Aaron Behrens and the Midnight Stroll. Behrens new project features a style but elicits the same amount of energy and passion devoted listeners craved from Ghostland Observatory. Along with a new album, Behrens…
Cory Branan: ‘The No-Hit Wonder’
I’ve never really been a big fan of contemporary country. However, Memphis native Cory Branan may have converted me. Here’s my beef with country music – it either transforms a mud-caked truck or a morning fishing trip into an emotional upwelling, or there’s too much boom-boom for my speakers. There is nothing wrong with country music and nothing…
Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll: “Keep On Rising”
The energy remains in Ghostland Observatory frontman Aaron Behrens’ solo project, Aaron Behrens and The Midnight Stroll. The EP’s first single, “Keep On Rising” features Behrens’ familiar and passionate vocal vibrations. The single previews a more pop rock style in comparison to Ghostland Observatory’s electro pop sound. The small change introduces Behrens’ signature style and…
AthFest 2014: Judah & the Lion x Vinyl Mag
Nothing compares to the comfort that southern music brings, and Judah & the Lion supplies just that. The Tennessee-based band brings energy and folk spirit to their music and performances. It’s one of those bands where you have to clap in rhythm to every song and really can’t fight it. Tennessee comes to Athens for…
AthFest 2014: Ruby the RabbitFoot x Vinyl Mag
After two long years, Athens native Ruby Kendrick has released her second album, New as Dew, under the moniker Ruby the RabbitFoot. Her sophomore album exhibits an evolved sound, but remains soft and relaxed, since her first album in 2012, No Weight No Chain. “New as Dew” and “Ways” are two personal favorites of the new album. “Ways”…
White Blush: ‘Loves Park’ EP
Carol Rhyu’s independent project, White Blush, continues to grow and is well worth the listen this summer while you welcome warm winds and cool sheets. White Blush’s most recent EP, Loves Park, is one you’ll want to know sooner than later for its sheer simplicity and natural beauty. Rest and relaxation accompanies this EP. Loves…