#reviewoftheweek / Elizabeth & The Catapult - Like It Never Happened

Blurring the lines between pop and indie rock, Elizabeth & The Catapult have returned with a fabulous new album of creative and innovative music. Never ones to be cookie cutter, the band has put together fun music, clever lyrics, and fresh delivery to showcase that the same old thing doesn't necessarily have to be the way to go. "Shoelaces" and the title track are the hands down top songs on the album, but the album as a whole flows with fun and variety. Just as colorful as the album's cover art, the music throughout the album provides an array of sonic colors and flavors. Continuing down a steady path, Elizabeth & The Catapult have proven that being individual and being creative still have their place in the music world, and discovering that is easily done through this album.

#reviewoftheweek / Sam Roberts Band - Lo-Fantasy

Perhaps one of the most underrated rock bands making music these days, Sam Roberts Band are back with their newest album and a welcome addition to the current musical landscape. It bridges the gap between psychedelia and alternative rock better than any other release in recent history. The debut single, "We're All In The Together," is the closest connection to the band's previous releases and the entire album continues down the funky path that their previous release set them on. Syncopated rhythms and arena-rock guitars fill the space on the entire album, while the lyrics showcase storytelling and poetry. Other standout tracks are "Too Far" and "Shapeshifters." Sam Roberts Band needs to be taken seriously south of the (Canadian) border and this just might be the album to do that.

#reviewoftheweek / Rustic Overtones - Let's Start A Cult 2

I think we all kinda knew that Rustic Overtones would be back after they "broke up" in the middle of the last decade. But, since reforming and recording music together again, they have put together some excellent and classic music. In fact, if the music industry embraced them for what they had to offer back in the late 90's, the music that they have put out over the last 5 years would have been delivered about 10 years ago! Regardless, this short and potent addition of the Overtones' catalogue, showcases all eras of their greatness. The absolute standout track is "Martyrs" which features some killer guitar playing by Eric Krasno of Soulive (also a bandmate of RO's own Ryan Zoidis in Lettuce). Their grooviness is highlighted on the song "High On Everything" which is a track that could have easily found it's way onto their major label debut "Viva Nueva!" which was supposed to catapult them into the alternative jam band stratosphere and set them up as the next DMB. Well, the show must go on, and the first track on this album showcases why the band's stock is as valuable today as it was ever predicted to be. Everything happens for a reason, and now, Rustic Overtones' cult of followers are proof enough that this band and album are, at the very least, stellar.

#reviewoftheweek / Graham Colton - Lonely Ones

Starting out as an independent artist, then signing a major record deal, and having returned to his roots as an independent musician, Graham Colton is at the top of his game. When you can keep churning out music as an indie act, despite the changes in the way yours and all music is consumed, you have got something special. Colton keeps his sound fresh and new on his latest album and, once again, adds to his collection of hit songs. While the music may not win awards or find its way onto pop radio, it's refreshing to hear such quality and solidly crafted songs. Songs such as "Hands Untied" and "Born To Raise Hell" showcase Graham's ability to build excellent music with tight lyrics that are accessible across a multitude of generations. This is the type of music that you loved as a teen, continue to love as an adult, and can't wait to share with your kids. Colton sings and writes about universal themes and this album is as good as all of his catalogue. He continues to show that staying power in the music world is as simple as doing what works and doing it well.

BURN THIS / February 2014

1. Eric Hutchinson "Tell The World"
2. Brett Dennen "When We Were Young"
3. Courtney Jaye "Love And Forgiveness"
4. Graham Colton "Hands Untied"
5. Needtobreathe "The Heart"
6. Little Hurricane "Sheep In Wolves Clothes"
7. Swear And Shake "Fire"
8. The Belle Brigade "Ashes"
9. Pete Francis "Nosedive"
10. Karl Denson's Tiny Universe (featuring Nicki Bluhm) "My Baby"
11. The Bamboos "Avenger"
12. Rustic Overtones (featuring Eric Krasno) "Martyrs"
13. Wake Owl "Candy"
14. James Vincent McMorrow "Cavalier"
15. Greg Laswell "Comes And Goes (In Waves)"
16. Gregory Alan Isakov "Saint Valentine"
17. Mason Jennings "Wilderness"
18. Jamestown Revival "Fur Coat Blues"
19. Lee DeWyze "Like I Do"
20. Ben Fuller "Love Song For The People"