Browsing Tag

country

Brandon Bing became the superlative raconteur of country rock gospel in ‘Rat Race’

Posted on 25 June 2023

With one of the most emotive opening guitar melodies we’ve heard in, well, forever, and guitar solos that Slash couldn’t have done better in the middle-eight, which leaves you reaching to crank up the volume, Brandon Bing’s polished country rock vignette of working-class culture in Rat Race is as tenacious as it is electrifying.

It seems somewhat paradoxical to derive so much pleasure from a single which traverses the precariousness of stability for the billions of working-class people trapped in the rat race and numbing themselves by any means necessary, but therein lies the beauty of Brandon Bing as a raconteur of country rock gospel.

It’s a drastic contrast from the last time we heard Bing with his feel-good honkytonk hit, Don’t Bring Your Car to a Rodeo, and while we didn’t dare underestimate his versatility, Rat Race gave us infinitely more than we bargained for with the earworm which starts with an instant hook. Just try telling us he isn’t one of the best contemporary country writers around.

Rat Race was officially released on June 9th; hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dreams Come True: Alabama-based country artist Josiah Rodda puts the hard work in on Blue Collar

Posted on 21 June 2023

Sung with poise and love to teach us about his real story of grit no matter the challenges placed in his path, Josiah Rodda is the kind of role model from which we can take inspiration in his new single Blue Collar.

Josiah Rodda is a hard-working Alabama-based indie country singer-songwriter who has a truly humble nature which will calm the hearts of many who have grown tiresome of boastful fakeness.

Showing his true professionalism and with profound lyrics to match, Josiah Rodda is the kind of underground hero millions can relate to. He’s real and appears to be down to earth whilst being truly sincere about his craft.

Blue Collar from Alabama-based indie country singer-songwriter Josiah Rodda is such a feet-tapping single which might relax the stressed souls amongst us who needed something to ease into. His vocals are stress-relieving and you feel like you’re inside the room with him.

Listen up further via YouTube.

See more news on his Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

How Hard Can It Be: Ian Shortall feels his epicentre bypass a nostalgic beat on Chesapeake

Posted on 17 June 2023

Sensing that he was under a special spell by a lovely water-loving human with a heart of gold, Ian Shortall feels sad that they left in the middle of the night on the massively reflective single to contemplate with, Chesapeake.

Ian Shortall is a Melbourne, Australia-based indie country/folk-blues-fusion solo singer-songwriter who learnt his trade back in Dublin in the 90s.

”Not one to shy away from outside influences and bring something new to the table, Ian also pulls imagery from the metal world, which is echoed and hinted at throughout his lyrical content.” ~ Ian Shortall

Captivating all alert listeners with something rather special and indelible to be enraptured by, Ian Shortall has brought forth a gem of a song which hasn’t been rushed in the slightest.

Chesapeake from Melbourne, Australia-based indie country artist Ian Shortall might be one of the most beautifully created singles of the year so far. This has been made with complete care. There is affection in droves throughout and we are opened up to a memorable story to cherish for its authenticity.

There is so much to like about such a lovable story with so much emotion and total class, which shall give many hearts an extra beat to help when the lonely nights set in.

Embrace the feeling shine through the curtains on Spotify.

Find out more about live shows and more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Lorne Riley has released his page-turning upbeat country earworm, That’s All She Wrote

Posted on 4 June 2023

‘That’s All She Wrote’ is the latest quintessentially country single from the singer-songwriter Lorne Riley, who ingeniously cloaked his latest pop and rock-encompassing feat of Americana with swathes of 80s nostalgia to take you on a sonic journey you’ve never muddied your metaphorical boots with before.

You just can’t help falling in love with the small-town boy who has dug up his Northern Ontario roots and implanted them in his new residence in Dubai. Evidently, you can take the boy out of the country, but you can never take the country out of the boy.

Since making his debut in 2019, he’s featured on the Nashville Music Row Chart; That’s All She Wrote is yet another hooky chart-worthy hit from the singer-songwriter who knows exactly how to infuse his vignettes with bold imagery and a sense of soul that will awaken your own.

That’s All She Wrote was officially released on April 28; hear it on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Restless Nights: Evan Charles wants much more than a shadow on Low Road Runnin’

Posted on 23 May 2023

Trying to get higher and hoping for the music to never stop no matter what, Evan Charles sees the wild coyote glimpsing as he takes another look into the illuminating sky on Low Road Runnin‘.

Evan Charles is an Austin, Texas-based Mr Pink Records-signed country singer-songwriter who is best known for being in the local band, Altamesa.

”Charles was selected as one of six Austin-based songwriters to participate in the international touring and documentary film organization Project ATX6, reigniting his passion to put storytelling back to the forefront.” ~ Evan Charles

Truly an inspiration to so many who just want to be happy, Evan Charles is on fire with a special song made from the heart. Showing his progression from band life, this is a quality single made by an experienced great who will only get better.

Low Road Runnin’ from Texas-based country singer-songwriter Evan Charles is a truly enticing soundtrack to play rather loud when those lonely nights start to catch up. Teaching us about those wild memories which can change everything if the mindset flips, this is a truly excellent song.

Turn this up on loud and forget all worries.

Listen up more on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Dan Slyker’s “Mexico” provides a much needed musical escape.

Posted on 13 May 2023

Dan Slyker’s “Mexico” is a refreshing and unique addition to the alt-country genre. The song features a vibrant and upbeat sound that is a blend of traditional country elements, such as banjo and guitar, with electronic noise and even a mariachi band, resulting in a rich and engaging musical arrangement. It’s the kind of song that makes your ears perk-up and say to yourself “well, this is new.”

Dan’s gritty and tuneful voice perfectly complements the energetic instrumentation and adds a sense of rawness and authenticity to the song. The lyrics tell a story of a man escaping to Mexico with a sweet and enticing young lady, to forget his troubles and enjoy life, making the song relatable and catchy.

Dan Slyker’s musical style is a mix of various genres, including country, bluegrass, rock, and hip hop, which he blends together to create a unique sound that sets him apart from other country artists. He draws inspiration from his childhood experiences of living in different parts of the US, where he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles, from west coast twang to mainstream rock and pop.

Dan’s mission is to break the mould and challenge the traditional country music scene, which he believes has become too serious and predictable. With his innovative sound and powerful lyrics, Dan Slyker is a rising star in the alt-country genre, and “Mexico” is a perfect example of his talent and creativity.

The Fretbenders – Wandering Soul: An Americana Beacon for Wanderlust Dreamers to Follow Home

Posted on 11 May 2023

Taking you simultaneously to a veranda in Sicily and a back porch in Louisiana, the soundscape in the standout single, Wandering Soul, from the singer-songwriter duo The Fretbender’s seminal album, Long Overdue, is a beacon for the wanderlust dreamers to follow home.

Between the harmonicas, slide guitars and folksy vocal lines which sugar the atmosphere with compassion for the world-weary to savour, Wandering Soul is a timeless rootsy Americana offering which will nestle you within its euphonic comfort.

The husband-and-wife duo, Diane and Bob Kordas are known for their homely senses of soul and their unique roots infusions, which allow heritage sounds to resound on contemporary airwaves. Following their hotly anticipated LP, we hope there’s plenty more in the pipeline.

Wandering Soul is available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: Country luminary, Colt Graves, released the ultimate anthem for positive defiance with ‘Dirt on Me’

Posted on 11 May 2023
Colt Graves

Much like imposter syndrome, people coming out of the woodwork to attempt to drag you down to their depressive imbittered depths is a sign you’re on the right path; Colt Graves’ latest single, Dirt on Me, is for anyone who traverses this mortal coil with nothing but compassion, positivity, ambition, and autonomy fuelling their world-weary souls.

It is one thing to speak to the haters; it is another entirely to vindicate the people on their own paths with a country rock anthem that can easily define the future of the genre. Just as his grandfather, Josh Graves, got inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame after introducing the resonator guitar to the genre, Colt Graves is making innovative waves of his own – which is easier said than done in 2023!

Dirt on Me is an adrenalized amalgam of Southern rock in the vein of Shinedown, Lil Nas X hip hop elements, vicious pop hooks, and modern beats, all tied together with country instruments and the depth and class of Steve Earl.

The genre fluidity within Dirt on Me may be bang on trend, but clearly, Colt Graves will never be one to sell his soul at the expense of his veracity, which makes the superlative hit one of the most visceral anthems the Country genre has ever contained.

“Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, it just isn’t good enough for some people?

Dirt On Me is for the people living true to themselves and trying to do the right thing, regardless of what anyone else has to say about it. It’s a ‘fed up of the bullshit’ anthem and a call to confident and more prideful arms; you can’t please everyone; the harder you try, the worse you will end up.

People are always going to ‘Throw Dirt On You’ and try to drag you down, but positivity always wins, and the best thing we can do is ignore the noise and keep moving forward.”

Stream Dirt on Me on all major platforms from May 11 via this link.

Follow Colt Graves on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Americana Meets British Acoustic Indie in Champagne on the Rocks’ Sentimentally Cinematic Single, Golden Hour

Posted on 9 May 2023

UK singer-songwriter, Champagne on the Rocks, tantalised timeless Americana tones and tinged them with British acoustic indie in his latest cinematically rendered single, Golden Hour.

With choruses that made me nostalgic for Semisonic, Deep Blue Something and The Calling while simultaneously affirming that Champagne on the Rocks has what it takes to become a sonic legacy in his own right, you’re damn right we were arrested by the elevated weight of Golden Hour. When the winding Americana guitar solo hits, the stripped-back sentimental hit which will allow all of your most-cherished sun-soaked memories to manifest in your mind, the track transformed into a virtuosic triumph. Repeat attention is practically mandatory.

Golden Hour is now available to stream on all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jeff Livingstone augmented Americana in ‘Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You’

Posted on 28 April 2023
Jeff Livingston

In his latest single, Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You, the Cypress, California-hailing folk-rock singer-songwriter, Jeff Livingstone, augmented Americana to pay an ode to quintessential country while giving the roots a kiss of life.

With the rapturous riffs and energy of All You Need is Love by the Beatles against the heart-on-sleeve influence from the icons Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Jerry Garcia, Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You is a riot of twangy sentiment-heavy soul that won’t fail to pull you right into its visceral core. With vocal cords that connect with your heartstrings with every harmony, you’re damn right I shed a tear over this stellar feat of virtuosic songwriting.

I don’t whip out the V word for just anyone, but after bringing his extensive vocabulary in music theory and strong musical foundation together in a tapestry of ingenuity, I can’t think of many other contemporary artists worthy of that accolade.

Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here with You will officially release on April 28. Hear it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast