#reviewoftheweek / Rogue Wave - Delusions Of Grand Fur

Indie rock, and a style, would be nothing without certain bands. Rogue Wave is one of those bands who pioneered a sound that hovers just one side of full-fledged alternative rock. While these guys have turned out some pretty recognizable hit songs over the years, they have returned to a much more subtle display of their signature sound. "California Bride" has elements of light hearted power pop directly from the west coast and "What Is Left To Solve" is one of the more alternative sounding songs on the album. The gem of the album is "In The Morning" which was produced by another indie rock legend, former Death Cab For Cutie member and indie rocker extraordinaire Chris Walla. Rogue Wave have staying power in the music world, and this album proves that you don't need big hits or gimmicks to succeed. All you need is awesome music that is instantly identifiable as only coming from one band.

#reviewoftheweek / Wild Belle - Dreamland

After wowing the masses with their critically acclaimed debut album, Wild Belle have returned with a new collection that tries to top the original. It is equally as good, but goes in a different direction than the original. While the first album was full of sunshine and reggae, this album uses both of those as influences on a heavily produced indie and alternative rock sound. "Throw Down Your Guns" and "Giving Up On You" are the album standouts. But, on songs like the lead track "Mississippi River" they show off their songwriting in combination with their killer unique sound. Wild Belle is an exciting band, and this album shows they aren't just a one trick pony.

#reviewoftheweek / Elephant Revival - Petals

Quietly coming to the forefront of both the folk and jam scenes, Elephant Revival have been churning out albums quite steadily over the past few years. Their newest is poised to help them cross over into a more mainstream limelight. Merging styles of bluegrass, folk, and rock you can easily draw comparisons to bands like the Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, and the Lumineers. However, their sound is still a bit more quiet and reserved, and their songs really develop and unfold with each listen. They flirt with crossing the line into the country world and show off that their instrumentation is as big of a part of every song as each carefully crafted lyric. "When I Fall" is one of their best songs yet, and surely the one that future fans will chart as the one that got them hooked. Elephant Revival may not be a new band, but with the folk scene growing, this album is sure to solidify them as one of the pioneers of the modern take on a familiar style.

#reviewoftheweek / JD Eicher - The Middle Distance

Some might say the world doesn't need another singer/songwriter slinging a guitar. You might be right, but he world could use more like JD Eicher. Not trying to emulate any one specific influence, Eicher shows off his songwriting skill well on this album, his first without his backing band, The Goodnights. His pop sensibilities rival those who came before him such as John Mayer and Joshua Radin and fans of rock bands like OneRepublic and The Fray will find songs on this album they can identify with. "This Heart" and "Not Everyone Runs" are standout tracks, and given the right radio airplay could catapult JD Eicher to the top of the charts. Eicher is no rookie when it comes to playing and songwriting, and now it's time for the rest of the world to know his name.

#reviewoftheweek / Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals - Call It What It Is

Ben Harper hasn't recorded music with his band the Innocent Criminals in about 10 years. It was almost as if that was a chapter of his musical career that was closed and never was to be revisited. Boy, were we wrong! And it's a goods thing too, because this new collection of songs reminds us just why we fell in love with Harpers music over 20 years ago. The combination of folk, funk, rock, blues, and reggae is unlike any other band touring or recording music these days. It's a throwback kind of sound that feels fresh and new and updated to reflect the changing times, both musically and socially. The title track is a social commentary which is paramount to Harper's lyricism. It's not his first lyrical expression of his opinions but it is one of his best. Straight up rock hits in the form of the lead single "Pink Balloon" and the lead off track "When Sex Was Dirty." The band even has time to throw in an old school reggae track called "Fining My Way," which is a standout all Harper's reggae tracks. One of the best bands and leaders to hit the stage over the past quarter century, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals are back, and hopefully here to stay!

#reviewoftheweek / Greg Laswell - Everyone Thinks I Dodged A Bullet

One of the most solid musicians making music these days is Greg Laswell. You can always be guaranteed to be impressed with each collection of music he puts out. Never one to have broken out into the mainstream, Laswell's music stays just below the radar enough to keep him intriguing and artistic, without having to cater to the demands of the music world. That being said, his latest is raw and insightful, showcasing his signature vocals and storyteller lyricism. The track "Dodged A Bullet" is a perfect display of just that, and other songs like "Out Of Line" use the lyrics as their bedrock. The album's lead single "Lifetime Ago" is the closing thing you'll get to a pop hit on this album, and it's about as close as you'll want to be with Laswell's music. In the truest sense, Greg Laswell is the epitome of a singer/songwriter, and 30 years we may look back at his body of work the way we look at Dylan and Simon and Cash.

#reviewofthweek / Dave Barnes - Carry On, San Vicente

Dave Barnes is one of those artists that you can't seem to get away from. His music is everywhere and he cowrites songs with everyone. It's always nice when he puts out a new collection, so that you can see what he's up to. Not straying too far from his signature pop rock sound, Barnes' new collection is bright and upbeat as usual, focusing on some of the best lyrics he's written. The title tracks is an upbeat fun track that is reminiscent of 80s and 90s soft rock, showcasing a very nostalgic feel. In fact, the entire album feels nostalgic, both in influence and in history, as you can hear elements od each of Dave's releases throughout the collection. Never one to disappoint, Barnes has delivered another stellar album.

#reviewoftheweek / Lissie - My Wild West

My Wild West is a great new album from Lissie. She mixed indie and classic rock sounds for a well rounded album, that showcases more of her excellent lyricism than ever before. She's not the type of chick you mess around with, and you can tell, because she can hold her own with a guitar. Standout tracks on the album include "Daughters," "Hero," and "Don't You Give Up On Me." Being that this is her third album, it seems kind of hard to reproduce the success and sound of her pervious. Lissie does that and more with this collection, showing that going sideways is just as awesome as going forward It's not always about topping yourself, it's about showcasing your many talents.

#reviewoftheweek / Mason Jennings - Wild Dark Metal

Contrary to what the title sounds like, this album is not full of heavy metal music sung by Mason Jennings, one of our generations prolific folk-rockers. However, the album is a little heavier and darker than what we are used to from the Minnesota singer/songwriter, similar to his 2009 release "Blood Of Man." Mason's voice is instantly identifiable and he branches out, away from his traditional acoustic folky sound to get a little more raw and rock 'n roll. Crunchy guitars are a signature of songs like "Arma" and "Two Dollar Man" while the lyrics are the star of songs like "Heaven" and "Death Grips." The bones of the music are typical Mason Jennings, but the sound is a bit edgier than we are used to. It's nice to see singers branch out and give us something different than the norm, and Mason Jennings is one of the best at doing that while still keeping true to his roots and his influences.

#reviewoftheweek / Matt Corby - Telluric

Matt Corby was a virtual unknown until about 10 years ago when he appeared on season 5 of "Australian Idol" (the down under version of the hit US TV show) where he finished as runner up. Fast forward about 10 years and Corby has been making music and making waves in his native country, churning out a handful of critically acclaimed singles and EPs, some of which have been released stateside. Now, he's finally released his first proper album and has broken down the barriers of what you'd expect from a reality show contestant. Indie rock and folk rock collide to create a sound unlike anything you'd hear on the radio these days. His voice is almost gospel like and the instrumentation mixes funky with ambient in a way that can only be described as unique. Incredible songs like "Monday," "Knife Edge," and "Sooth Lady Wine" could have legs on US airwaves if given the right exposure. From start to finish, the entire album is adventurous and proves that the genius of a musician comes out when the musician has full control of their vision. Corby made sure this album, a work in progress for years, was exactly what it needed to be before unleashing it on the world. And, thankfully and expectedly, the music was well worth the wait.

#reviewoftheweek / Roo Panes - Paperweights

The debut album from Roo Panes is a thing of wonder. This up-and-coming singer/songwriter is going to spearhead a new generation of mellow folkies that is going to take the world by storm. Just as musicians like David Gray and Damien Rice, Panes is bringing straightforward mellow acoustic music across the pond. The airwaves have been dominated by poppy singers with acoustic guitars and folky balladeers, but Panes is different. His voice is an instrument equally as much as any actual instruments on the disc. Highlights on the album include "The Original" and "Where I Want To Go." This is the type of music you can listen to while falling asleep, going on an adventure, or chilling by the pool. It's different and familiar at the same time and accessible by fans of all genres. One of this year's true gems, this album is destined to be among the year's best come December.

#reviewoftheweek / The Hunts - Those Younger Days

It's hard enough to imagine what's it's like to be in a band that features 7 members. It's another thing all together to imagine what's it's like to be one of 7 siblings. The Hunts are a new folk band that features 7 siblings ranging from 16 to 24 years old, that are all incredible singers and multi-instrumentalists. Their performances are mindblowing, and that is because this album is mindblowing. Featuring every instrument you can think of from banjos and mandolins all the way to violins, their mini string orchestra coupled with the talents of their main singers (both male and female) show just how exciting folk music can be. The entire album has an underlying pop feel but lives squarely in the new folk movement, similar to bands like The Lumineers, The Lone Bellow, and Houndmouth. Songs on the album that showcase the best of their best are "Illuminate," "Make This Leap," and "Just For A While." You will never hear a band have more fun making music on a studio album, but it is evident that this family band loves what they do and does what they love.

#reviewofthweek / The River Arkansas - Golden Light

Indie folk has taken the world by storm over the past few years, so it's only natural that anyone with a remotely identifiable sound would come out of the woodwork to try and grab a piece of the action. The River Arkansas are not doing that. Instead, the band has subtly appeared and quietly announced that they have something to offer. The album's title track is a standout, showing off how lyrics and simple instrumentation can paint the same types of pictures that full orchestras usually do. This is local music at it's best. It's the type of music you hear at coffeehouses and want to seek out when having a beer. The River Arkansas do not strive to be the next big thing. What powers them and what makes this album shine is the honesty of the lyrics and their sound.

#reviewoftheweek / Chadwick Stokes - The Horse Comanche B-Sides: The Story Of Bobby And Maeve

Chronicling a story of a soldier who died in Afghanistan and his love, this 4 song collection is an extension of Stokes' excellent last album. The roots rock mastery of this music is in the forefront and these songs tell a story like only Chadwick can tell. It leads off with a cover of the classic song "You're The One That I Want" from the movie Grease, a favorite of the couple that the EP showcases. "Indiana Fall" closes out the short collection, and instantly becomes one of the best compositions of Chadwick's solo career. He is one of the best storytellers of his generation, and being a member of 2 roots rock bands (Dispatch and State Radio), separating his delivery as a front man and his ability as a solo singer/songwriter has been challenging. This EP showcases that his solo work is where he shows off his best abilities and his best stories.

#reviewoftheweek / Joshua Hyslop - In Deepest Blue

Folk music has been a prominent force in the music world lately, but Joshua Hyslop is not following a trend. He's the real deal, and has been for some time, now releasing his newest album "In Deepest Blue." The album is defined by it's subtlety mixed with powerful lyrics. Hyslop is an excellent storyteller and does not need flash and innovation to showcase his talents. Songs such as "The Flood," "Living & Dying," and "Gone" are the defining moments on the album. Joshua Hyslop may not be a household name like some other folkies, but he can hold his own, and shows just why all music fans should take notice on his latest album.

#reviewoftheweek / Circles Around The Sun - Interludes For The Dead

When the Grateful Dead decided that they were going to have some 50th anniversary shows, their fans went nuts, and quickly these shows became some of the biggest events in the band's history. But who would have guessed that the music that would play over the loudspeakers in between sets would become such a big deal. This album consists of that such music, a jazzy mix of jam rock created specifically for these events. This is the type of music you listen to in the background, but if you listen closely, it holds up as foreground music as well. Comprised of some jam band all star musicians, Circles Around The Sun is a band that, if desired, could record and tour as an entity on its own. For now, enjoy what the fans enjoyed between jamming out with the Dead during the summer of 2015.

#reviewoftheweek / Marc Broussard - Magnolias & Mistletoe

Marc Broussard's new Christmas collection is a roots rock holiday masterpiece. The thing about the collection is that it's not hard hitting soulful rock like we're used to from Broussard. Rather, it's a poignant collection of mostly traditional Christmas classics, sung by one of the most soulful voices in rock music. It's not about partying and having a good time. The collection is more about reflection and celebration. There are a few originals thrown in for good measure including the excellent "Almost Christmas." Broussard is a true musical talent, and sometimes it's just great to listen to him sing. This is a great way to do that as well as celebrate the season.

#reviewoftheweek / Train - Christmas In Tahoe

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to get into music. Usually it's year end "best of" lists and holiday tunes all over the radio and the internet, and this year Train has thrown their hat into the ring. Previously, they had released the single "Shake Up Christmas" which can be found on this album, but now they have put together a full collection! Featured on the album you will find a mix of originals and classics, both traditional and contemporary. The best of the collection are "This Christmas" and "What Christmas Means To Me." They've also included great renditions of greats like "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "O Holy Night," and "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)." It's the next logical progression in a career that has been fruitful and lengthy, and Train's Christmas collection is a great addition to every holiday playlist.

#reviewoftheweek / Lettuce - Crush

This album is quite possibly the best instrumental album released in 2015 (despite having a few tracks featuring vocals). That being said, Lettuce has never been better. What is essentially a fun side project for the members of the band that have other gigs, this band knows how to blow it up. The horn driver album features a fun party vibe that doesn't stop from end to end. Killer tracks like "The Force" and "The Lobbyist" and just fun and funky and danceable. "Sounds Like A Party" and "He Made A Woman Out Of Me" are the two vocal tracks on that album, but the band doesn't take a back seat to the guest at all. Songs like "Chief" and "Get Greasy" mimic 70's funk and have a kind of cop show feel to the music. "The New Reel" sounds like it came straight from a spy thriller soundtrack. The album doesn't quit from beginning to end, and these guys show how much fun it is to play this music, and it's the next best thing to seeing them do their thing live on stage.

#reviewoftheweek / Jon And Roy - Riverside

Hailing from the great white north (Canada), this duo has just released their sixth album (Jon released 3 solo albums as well), and this one is just as good as all the rest. The secret is not messing with a tried and true formula. Sure, when you are a duo and you stamp your names across the front of all your albums, you've got to be able to back it up with some killer music. That has always been the case for these guys, and their latest is no different. Hitting the acoustic folk (that at times sounds like it should come from the coast of California or shores of some island paradise), songs that stand out from this release are "Come Again" and "Light Me Up." The title track is another beauty, and the duo show they can go the distance on the 7+ minute "Quatro." All in all, its the consistency that counts, and with Jon And Roy, you can never go wrong.