The Willow & The Builder

Connecticut’s The Willow & The Builder is technically Richard Miron and Adrian Simon, but they’re joined by a whole slew of musicians on their debut s/t record. The ever-changing dynamic of the debut is impressive, as Miron and Simon’s exuberant youthfulness is on full display. But there’s also a keen sense of sorrow, and the… Continue reading The Willow & The Builder

Luke Roberts needs a moment of your time

One of the greatest qualities of folk music is the story. There’s always a story in the song somewhere; you might have to search deep down in the lyrics or deep within yourself to find the story, but it’s there. The songs on Luke Robert’s debut, Big Bells and Dime Songs, have stories too, but… Continue reading Luke Roberts needs a moment of your time

Races

You know what I like about CMJ? It lets me talk about bands I’ve missed and should have written about in the past. One of those bands is LA’s Races, whom I saw the final night of CMJ before Hands (who rocked, by the way). Races had charisma and chemistry on stage, and their psychedelic,… Continue reading Races

[MP3s] Vanish Valley: “Races” & “The Bottom”

Vanish Valley, a four man squad from LA,  today released their second album, Get Good. Led by Andrew McAllister and his raspy vocals, Vanish Valley produces catchy indie rock with bits of folk and ol’ country livin’. Check out two tracks below, and give Get Good a listen. It’ll make you feel nice. Vanish Valley… Continue reading [MP3s] Vanish Valley: “Races” & “The Bottom”

Belle Adair

Belle Adair, out of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, deliver some finely crafted acoustic folk pop. With simple, luscious harmonies and tones reminiscent of Mojave 3, Belle Adair is ready to be your band for the colder Autumn evenings that are fast approaching.  Their new, self-titled EP, which will be released October 1 on Speak/Sing Records (the… Continue reading Belle Adair

Annie Williams

Annie Williams is a dark and sultry songstress who picked up and moved from St. Louis to the wild west of Wyoming and New Mexico (while taking a short break in Nashville — what a mover!). The constant shift in locales must have contributed to the unique approach to the “singer/songwriter” genre. Her songs are… Continue reading Annie Williams

[MP3] Built Like Alaska: “Antique Love”

Oakdale, CA’s Built Like Alaska is ready to unleash their newest album, In Troubled Times, November 8 on the Future Farmer label. The first taste of that record is the track “Antique Love.” There’s a sort of after-hours indie-rock feel here that has a Pacific Northwest folk vein running through it. I’m also struck by… Continue reading [MP3] Built Like Alaska: “Antique Love”