NYS Music 2024

Category: Album Reviews

  • Brooklyn’s Left Circles Releases Debut Album, “Nothing is One Thing” Along with Other Works

    Brooklyn-based artist Left Circles has released his debut LP titled, Nothing is One Thing on April 26. The LP contains 13 tracks, all with diverse sound from the skills of Brian Pluta and his accomplices.

    Nothing is One Thing, is not content to stay confined to one style. The hook-heavy album shifts through several modes of rock, from ‘90s lo-fi to British-pop to ‘50s folk. Left Circles is the solo project of Brooklyn-based musician Brian Pluta who is the live guitarist for Space Cadet.

    Nothing is One Thing starts out very interestingly. To me, the opening track “Over Her Range/She Told Me” has a very Foo Fighters or Pearl Jam feel. It has grungy riffs, alternative vocals, and that rugged, somber heaviness. It also sees multiple parts with soft, acoustic, touching tones.

    The next tune, “The Gashouse Gang is Here” is full of a youthful, anthem-like energy. It certainly gives me Misfits energy with its pop-alternative, quick-paced sound. Throughout many of songs on the LP, there is apparent 90s grunge inspiration as well as indie, soft-rock, and classic rock. Left Circles does not stick to a specific genre and shows the dynamic musicianship him and his band possesses.

    The album has great energy, range, and power. It boasts strong, catchy riffs, a dynamic voice, and intriguing themes and sound overall. Nothing is One Thing was mixed by Travis Harrison (Guided By Voices, Built to Spill) and features drums from Kellii Scott (Failure), as well as guest vocals from Matt Hock (Space Cadet, The Explosion). 

    Left Circles also recently released a new animated music video for their latest single “The Gashouse Gang Is Here.” The track is the second on the LP. The music video is animated by 30s cartoonist Ub Iwerks and fits perfectly over the track in every way from theme to the syncing of sound and motion.

    “I was running out of time, with no idea what video #2 would be. By the dumbest of luck, I stumbled upon this 1937 cartoon directed by Ub Iwerks, who also did ‘Steamboat Willie’ and all those early Mickey Mouse cartoons. Those folks were masters of animation/music synchronicity having been the ones who invented it. So it’s no wonder I was able to edit it to work with my straightforward 4/4 song. But the sync with Kellii’s drum fills, with what the lyrics are saying…that’s 100% chance. It’s like they were meant to go together. Art director Jon Cochran brought the illusion home with those amazing title cards.”

    Brian Pluta

    For more information on Left Circles and his debut LP Nothing is One Thing, click here. Stay up to date on upcoming releases and shows.

  • Hearing Aide: NYC-Based Indie Group Rookie Mistake Release Debut EP, “I Will Not Die in Upstate New York”

    NYC-based indie-folk group Rookie Mistake have released their debut EP I Will Not Die in Upstate New York on March 29. The album is full of intriguing sound and promising talent.

    I Will Not Die in Upstate New York

    Rookie Mistake is made up of Nick Fioravanti, Gianna Minerva, Justin Gambardella, and Ethan Brown. They were originally formed in May 2022 in college at SUNY Oneonta and are currently based in the NYC Metro. They’re excited to share their debut EP, I Will Not Die in Upstate New York after playing house shows and small clubs around New York State.

    The group is heavily swayed by artists from genres like folk, indie, alternative, and classic rock. You can hear similarities to groups like Joy Again, The Walters, The Lumineers, and Mumford and Sons. The group refuses to conform to a specific genre. They have elements of folk, indie, bluegrass, and glimpses of alternative.

    The opening track “I Will Not Die in Upstate New York” sets the tone of the EP with a heavy emphasis on acoustic folk, but still gripping the indie sound. It is a story of returning home, leaving the past behind, traveling far and wide and living life. The next track “Fortune Cookie” is quite laid back, but transforms into a heartfelt, hopeful and fast-paced tune. This track really shows the singer’s heavier vocals and the instrumental capabilities as more than just soft folk.

    When the song “Trampoline” plays, the band really starts to show their indie roots. They prove their talents are simply multi-dimensional. “Famous” and “I Love it Here” bring back those soft, folk elements and showcases that the band can play a range of sound and can make indie-folk really pop. The songs are filled with depth, both emotionally and instrumentally.

    To hear Rookie Mistake’s debut EP and to learn more about the band, click here.

  • Pop-Rock Band Um Jennifer? Releases Debut EP “The Girl Class”

    NYC-based pop/indie-rock band Um Jennifer? released their debut EP titled, The Girl Class, released on April 5.

    The group’s debut extended play is chock full of charming, energetic, punk-tinged indie rock. Each song on the album is different than the last, with its own sound and charm. There is clear influence from The Cure, Eyedress, Sonic Youth, MGMT, and more. Much of their songs are reminiscent of love, sexuality, adventure, and youth.

    Elijah and Fig set out to pierce the soundscape with their sharp-witted, psyche-puncturing, and simply fun musical skill. The EP does exactly that. The Girl Class collection of songs is an ode to break ups, freak outs, and deep queer longing. Um Jennifer? utilizes their pop/indie/alternative sound to convey their dynamic range of song.

    Throughout The Girl Class EP, love is personified as something fantastic, gory, loud, needy, and needed. These songs were all written within the past year of the band’s life, and were the first songs they wrote together. These songs are the band’s attempt at measuring the immeasurable; at understanding themselves, each other, and the world around them.

    Um Jennifer? has conveyed their ideas and vibe as a band well on this EP. They have proven their ability to switch sound and still remain original and themselves. With a debut album like this, with punchy, catchy, emotional, and passionate tracks, the band catches attention and has an audience awaiting further release.

  • Permanent Moves Announce Debut Album ‘Don’t Forget Us: A Chekhovian Song Cycle’

    The indie-electro-folk-rock duo Permanent Moves, based in Brooklyn, will debut on April 12 with the release of their album Don’t Forget Us: A Chekhovian Song Cycle.

    With a narrative that explores the depths of human nature, Permanent Moves draws inspiration from the classic works of Anton Chekhov. Their upcoming album features Chris Giarmo (American Utopia) and Jessie Shelton (Hadestown), Karl Blau, Starr Busby, and other special guests.

    The pair believes their music allows listeners to reflect on their own paths while navigating life’s challenges. In a statement, the pair reflects on their seven-year songwriting journey, focusing on Chekhov’s talent for capturing life’s unspoken moments. The artists said, “It speaks to the questions we often sit around talking about”.

    Photo by: Sammy Tunis

    Photo by: Sammy Tunis

    Praised for their “sonically gorgeous” sound, Shane Chapman and Julia Sirna-Frest have garnered recognition from The New York Times. Julia is a performer, director and musician bringing experience to the project. In addition, she is praised for her diverse talents, shining both on stage and off. Their joint vision gains depth from Shane’s skill as a musician and composer.

    With build up for the album’s release, Permanent Moves is set to leave a lasting impact on the indie music scene and beyond. Soon, fans will experience Permanent Moves live at Brooklyn’s Sultan Room on April 16 for a record release show.

    Get your tickets for the Sultan Room record release show and stream “Don’t Forget Us” now for a preview of what’s to come. You can experience Permanent Moves’ stunning sound in its purest form by pre-ordering Don’t Forget Us on vinyl.

  • Hearing Aide: Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams “All This Time”

    Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams officially released their brand new album entitled All This Time on April 5. This is the duo’s fourth album, and follows their 2023 release Live at Levon’s!.

    Photo Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

    The 10 track LP was produced by Larry Campbell and Ray Clifford and was recorded and mixed by three-time grammy award winning sound engineer Justin Guip at Milan Hill Studios. The album features Larry Campbell (vocals, guitar, mandolin, pedal steel guitar, bass), Teresa Williams (vocals, guitar), Justin Guip (drums, percussion), Brandon Morrison (vocals, bass) and Brian Mitchell (accordion, organ). The album most notably features Bill Payne of Little Feat on piano and organ, and Levon Helm from The Band on drums for “That’s All It Took.”

    Photo by Gregg Roth

    Larry and Teresa’s musical and romantic partnership are one and the same. They first met in a Manhattan rehearsal studio in 1986, where according to Williams’, “it was love at first note.” It was this love, now 38 years later that would inspire most, if not all of the songs on All This Time. Campbell states that this release “feels more intuitive to me than the earlier records, less experimental, evidence that we’ve grown more aware of who we are and what we have to offer.” These “love letters” shared between Campbell and Williams are the foundation for this “intensely romantic album.” 

    The first single, and opening track on All This Time was originally released in January. “Desert Island Dreams” is a rocking country song with an ear-worm guitar hook and catchy chorus. Williams’ vocal power is on full display and her harmonies with Campbell further exemplify their chemistry with one another. The song eventually transitions into a high energy, country guitar solo that tastefully showcases Campbell’s fluidity and talent. 

    “The Way You Make Me Feel” is a bouncing love song with Campbell’s country guitar lines and vocals at the forefront. The blues-influenced single touches on the excitement related to newfound feelings of love. Campbell sings “So if you see me roll up to your door doin’ cartwheels, I can’t help it that’s the way you make me feel.” A recurring theme throughout the album, Campbell and Williams’ sing of the willingness to do anything for each other. 

    Photo by Gregg Roth

    The third and final single “Ride with Me” is a catchy country inspired pop song and lyrically focuses on surrendering to the moment. Williams sings that even though she’s unsure of what the future holds, she knows she wants her “baby” there for the ride.

    All This Time is a celebration of their love. Williams’ smooth and incredibly professional vocal delivery mixed with Campbell’s song writing and multi-instrumental expertise are the secret ingredients to this incredibly well-rounded release.

    Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams are currently on tour across the entire United States with stops in Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas and more. All of their New York tour dates are listed below.

    Photo Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/LarryandTeresaMusic
    Photo Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/LarryandTeresaMusic

    Larry Campbell & Teresa Williams 2024 New York Tour Dates:

    04/11 – The Falcon – Marlboro, NY

    05/18 – The Capitol Theatre (w/ Tommy Emmanuel) – Port Chester, NY

    06/07 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY

    06/08 – Caffe Lena – Saratoga Springs, NY

    06/11 – City Winery – New York, NY

    06/16 – Stephen Talkhouse – Amagansett, NY

    07/20 – Arrowood Farms (Larry & Teresa’s July Jam) – Accord, NY

    Visit larryandteresa.com for more information. 

    All This Time is currently available on all streaming services here.

  • Hearing Aide: The Folklorkestra’s “A Strange Day in June”

    NYC-based folk group The Folklorkestra are releasing a new unique and titillating album titled, A Strange Day in June on March 29.

    A Strange Day in June is an album that had me intrigued instantly. The sounds that emanate from this album are nothing short of mystical and diverse. Many of the tunes feature much mandolin, woodwind, and acoustic percussion.

    The opening track, “The Girl I Never Knew” consists of a kind of eastern melody coupled with a very Mediterranean sound. The usage of mandolin, shakers, accordion, and operatic vocals make for something real captivating.

    Each song on the album has a unique sound that almost entrances the listener. The second track, “My Cousin the Spy” has a sort of Latin-folk sound that starts off like ballroom music. It later evolves with its saxophone-heavy progression, with many backing instruments carrying the melody.

    A Strange Day in June
    John Kruth

    The Folkorkestra is led by John Kruth, who has been active in the music industry for decades. He’s worked with countless other notable names like Meat Puppets, Jim Belushi, Steve Buscemi, Allen Ginsberg, Laurie Anderson, and more.

    The group draws inspiration from various genres and sounds from around the world including American folk, jazz, chamber music, as well as eastern instruments, and European melodies. The group consists of versatile, multi-instrumentalists, Kathy Halvorson, Premik Tubbs, Kenny Margolis, Ray Peterson, and Rohin Khemani.

    A Strange Day in June

    The Folklorkestra’s recent album, A Strange Day in June is certainly one to check out. It is complete with unique, diverse, and intriguing sound. Each song has a different feel and tells a different story. Each song combines multiple sounds together and makes it something you’ve never heard before.

    The artisanship exhibited throughout the album is something to gaze at. There are miniscule sounds that inhabit every crevice of the songs. The songs are sonic portraits, displaying moving images via the music. There is a lot of character and charm from this album.

    To learn more about The Folklorkestra and their upcoming work, click here. Stay up to date on the release of A Strange Day in June, releasing March 29.

  • Christian Parker’s Upcoming “Change is Now” Album Pays Homage to The Byrds

    Folk/country artist Christian Parker has announced his upcoming album, Change is Now, set to release on March 22. The album pays tribute to some of The Byrds’ classic hits.

    Christian Parker
    Christian Parker

    The album, Change is Now is something of a power-folk medley. Each song has an energetic folk melody, but a very distinct sound that Christian Parker made his own. The album pays much homage to the Byrds’ classic hits like “Ballad of an Easy Rider,” “Chimes of Freedom,” and “The World Turns All Around Her.” You can very clearly hear Parker’s own original spin on the tunes.

    Along with The Byrds, Parker has clear influence from other classic artists like The Beatles, Blue Oyster Cult, and of course, Bob Dylan. Each song on the album has its own spark, its own character and its own rhythmic flair. Some tunes on the album are perfect for a excited countryside drive, while some fit for a calm, hopeful campfire.

    Christian Parker

    Christian Parker hails from Canton, New York up by the Canadian border. Parker’s dazzling collection of songs have been warming the hearts of listeners over the past 3 and a half decades. His music contains lyricism around emotion, tension, and hope, carried by chiming guitar, and unforgettable hooks.

    Earl Poole Ball, one of the original Byrds studio members, joins Parker on the album. This addition adds another element of honor to the album already paying homage to The Byrds. The album’s folk-driven, country-twanged, and mainstream appeal brings people of all tastes together.

    Earl Poole Ball

    To learn more about Christian Parker, and to stream his upcoming album, Change is Now, click here.

  • Chris Pellnat Releases Latest Multi-Sound Album “Cairn”

    Chris Pellnat announced the release of his latest folk, synth, rock fusion album, Cairn and it is certainly something unique. The album showcases several unique and intriguing sounds from Chris Pellnat’s repertoire.

    Cairn Chris Pellnat

    Chris Pellnat is a singer-songwriter based in Hudson, New York. In addition to his solo work, he plays guitar in the Poughkeepsie-based rock band, The Warp/The Weft. He is also half of the duo, Teeniest. He performs mostly in upstate New York. Chris creates melodic, memorable songs using unusual instrumentation, including vibraphone, clarinet and dulcimer in addition to guitar, bass, drums and
    synthesizers. His songs are sometimes cleverly humorous, but always with an underlying message.

    There is clear vocal and instrument influence from artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Lennon, Paul Simon and more. Cairn combines elements of traditional American folk, orchestral music, acoustic rock, and even electronic. Each song on the Cairn has its own feel and theme. Some songs are about hope, some are about endings and beginnings, some are about nothing. The album has an overwhelming ability to calm, but also the ability to get your feet tapping or your head swaying.

    Cairn has a good deal of variety in terms of musical vibe and style. It starts off with “Ship on the Horizon,”
    a dulcimer-and-accordion-driven song that sets the tone with the sound of ocean waves. “Wandering Squandering” is a straight-ahead electric rocker. “Forest Giants” is a trippy, electronic exploration inspired by the wilderness. The album continues like that: you never know what the next song will sound like, and you’ll likely be surprised when you find out.

    For more information on Chris Pellnat’s music and to listen to Cairn, click here.

  • The Rock and Roll Playhouse Release Debut Album, “Friends Rock!”

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse released their anxiously awaited debut album titled, Friends Rock! on March 8. The album marks the first full-length body of work from the number one kids live concert series in the US.

    Rock and Roll Playhouse friends rock!

    The album’s core cast of lovable characters - Mick, Stevie, Tina, Quinn, and Jerry – unite to re-imagine some of rock music’s greatest hits. Friends Rock! translates the classic choruses and melodies of rock’s most recognizable anthems into age-appropriate singalongs for your little ones.

    Parents and kids alike can enjoy the fun spin on what Rock and Roll Playhouse brings to the stage. Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend,” the Beatles’ “We Can Work it Out” are among the songs reimagined. Along with these, Rock and Roll Playhouse boasts original tunes like “The Rock and Roll Playhouse Anthem” and more.

    Simply put, Friends Rock! is fun to listen to. The classics are always great, and the kid-like style they are performed in is certainly something families love, and kids adore. The song choices for Friends Rock! is perfect the way they uplift. Every song is about the power of friendship and love. These are themes you love to see in children’s music.

    Rock and Roll Playhouse friends rock!

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse continues to book family-concerts in the country’s most legendary rock clubs. A variety of live shows notably spans the music of Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Taylor Swift, to name a few.

    The Playhouse has also announced their tour across the country which began March 9. The Rock and Roll Playhouse sees dates into June, with a few stops in New York State. Brooklyn, Port Chester and Long Island sees several visits from the Playhouse.

    Rock and Roll Playhouse friends rock!

    The Rock and Roll Playhouse Tour Dates:

    3/9 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

    3/9 Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

    3/10 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

    3/10 Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall

    3/10 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    3/16 Evanston, IL @ SPACE

    3/16 Port Chester, NY @ Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre

    3/17 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    3/17 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom

    3/17 Portland, ME @ Portland House of Music

    3/17 Keene, NH @ Colonial Performing Arts Center

    3/23 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom 

    3/23 Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage

    3/23 Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall

    3/24 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall

    3/24 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    3/24 Austin, TX @ Mohawk

    3/24 Concord, NH @ BNH Stage

    3/30 San Diego, CA @ Music Box

    3/30 Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom

    3/30 Port Chester, NY @ Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre

    3/30 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia

    3/30 Wantagh, NY @ Mulcahy’s

    3/31 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    4/7 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    4/7 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

    4/7 Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall

    4/13 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater

    4/13 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom

    4/14 S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Ballroom

    4/14 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    4/14 Austin, TX @ Mohawk

    4/14 Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall

    4/20 Wantagh, NY @ Mulcahy’s

    4/20 Athens, GA @ Touch of Brews

    4/20 Port Chester, NY @ Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre

    4/21 Concord, NH @ BNH Stage

    4/21 Jersey City, NJ @ White Eagle Hall

    4/21 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    4/27 Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage

    4/28 Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl

    4/28 Nashville, TN @ The Basement East

    5/5 Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall Ballroom

    5/11 Port Chester, NY @ Garcia’s at The Capitol Theatre

    5/11 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

    5/25 Vail Village, CO @ SpringFree Bluegrass Festival 

    5/26 Vail Village, CO @ SpringFree Bluegrass Festival

    6/16 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia

    To purchase tickets to upcoming shows, and to learn more about The Rock and Roll Playhouse and Friends Rock! click here.

  • Hearing Aide: Hilltop release new EP “Getting There Together”

    Albany based jam band Hilltop recently released their brand new EP, Getting There Together on February 16. This follows the 2022 release of Live Rips, and is their latest studio output since “Prophecy” – a stand alone single from July of 2022. 

    hilltop getting there together
    Artwork by Ryan Kerrigan

    The quartet is made up of brothers Reid and Stephen Perry on drums and percussion, along with Aris Nieuwkerk and David Klang on guitar and bass respectively. 

    Getting There Together is mixed bag of rock, funk, jam and country influences. The band defines Getting There Together as “a collection of 4 songs from our catalog that outline the importance of living in the moment and cooperating.” 

    hilltop getting there together
    Photo Courtesy of hilltoptheband.com

    The EP begins with “Beautiful”, a rock and jam inspired song introduced by its catchy unison guitar and bass riff. The song tackles lyrical themes of living in the present, stating “our future concerns and past regrets will all fade away.” It eventually transitions into spacey like ambience, which allows Aris the space to build a unique solo before returning back to the main unison riff to end the song. During their live performances, Hilltop is known for extending these sections, allowing the spontaneity of improvisation to lead the direction of the song. 

    “Sunshine” starts with an intro reminiscent of Pink Floyd, a quiet soundscape that slowly builds and crescendos into a funk-rock inspired groove. The bass and drums are locked in and really drive the feel of the song. The chemistry between the two are apparent on this recording. Hilltop’s use of vocal harmonies on the chorus add an additional layer of depth and power to their message. Sunshine contains a short, overdriven guitar solo that leads to a final chorus with the refrain “we’ll make our own sunshine today”, continuing with this trend of optimism and positivity in their lyrics. 

    The third song off the EP, “Something New,” contains beautiful guitar harmonies layered by Aris. These first three tracks are accredited to songwriting duo Aris and Reid.

    “Moonshine”, the final song on the EP, is heavily inspired by traditional country and bluegrass. Walking bass, a chugging train beat, and country guitar picking all meld to create the only David Klang (bass) original released on Getting There Together. David is also Hilltop’s Mastering Engineer for the entirety of the EP.

    Getting There Together by Hilltop is currently available on all streaming services here.

    Photo courtesy of www.hilltoptheband.com

    Hilltop 2024 Tour Dates: 

    03/29 – Electric Haze (Supporting Dead Man’s Waltz) – Worcester, MA

    03/30 – The Hollow (w/ Leon Trout) – Albany, NY

    04/18 – Nectars (Supporting Double You) – Burlington, VT

    More information can be found at www.hilltoptheband.com