John Fullbright is ‘The Liar’ that tells the truth
The Liar suggests Americana’s John Fullbright understands the transcendent reality provided through music. The line between reality and lies is murky.
thirty tigers
Sunny Sweeney Finds Being ‘Married Alone’ Sadder Than Being by Oneself
Texas’ Sunny Sweeney moves to Nashville and goes into mainstream country, as Married Alone reveals her proud independence and the price she pays for it.
John Moreland Hears ‘Birds in the Ceiling’ Even When They Are Not Real
John Moreland employs sampling, sequencing, and mellotron to turn his seemingly traditional story songs into something more avant-garde and original on Birds in the Ceiling.
Sarah Shook & The Disarmers Illuminate the Darkness on ‘Nightroamer’
On Nightroamer, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers capture that nocturnal vibe where darkness illuminates the unknown more than hides what should be seen.
Erin Rae Wants Us to ‘Lighten Up’ and Live With Life’s Dualities
Erin Rae explores life’s dualities on the cosmic countryish Lighten Up. Rae constructs her songs like Möbius strips showing the unity of the dissimilar sides.
Rockers Rob Aldridge and the Proponents Think ‘Mind Over Manners’ Is the Answer
Whether he’s detailing the negative aspects of life or celebrating the positive ones, Southern rock’s Rob Aldridge asks us to use our minds and our hearts.
Jamestown Revival Gaze Nostalgically and Acoustically at Being a ‘Young Man’
Americana’s Jamestown Revival get back to their roots for a sublime, all-acoustic album that offers keen insights into everyday life.
Strand of Oaks Presses on with ‘In Heaven’
Strand of Oaks’ In Heaven moves through trauma and sees a world where we can imagine something better, and we can even believe we can get there.
Paul Thorn Knows It’s ‘Never Too Late to Call’ on Those You Love
On Never Too Late to Call, Paul Thorn charmingly delivers a serious message as a Southern gentleman because he gives a damn.
Son Volt Pose Big Societal Questions on ‘Electro Melodier’
Son Volt’s Electro Melodier gives you melodies that are perfect for dark, cramped clubs, while Jay Farrar provides thought-provoking lyrics.
Oliver Wood Goes ‘Always Smilin” Into the Future Past
Oliver Wood stretches out on his own with Always Smilin’. Wood Brothers fans will find this album sustaining them until the next release.
Charley Crockett Honors Honky-Tonker James Hand on ’10 For Slim’
’10 For Slim: Charley Crockett Sings James Hand’ reveals the deep connection the two men had at the most fundamental level—the place where the heart lives.
