Dublin born and raised Eoin Glackin has delivered an album of brash charm which zips along at a fair old pace, full of earworms and some lovely melodies. Opening with the guitar driven ‘High King Falls’ followed by the Hothouse Flowersy ‘Where While You Can,’ all shouted vocals and fiddle harmonies. ‘Barabbas Walks Free’ appears to alter the template with its delicate picked guitar but soon succumbs to a driving rhythm, hollered vocals and there’s that fiddle again along with a short and sweet guitar solo. Continue reading “Eoin Glackin “Fires Of Innocence” (Independent 2018)”
Juanita Stein “Until The Lights Fade” (Nude Records, 2018)
Juanita Stein’s debut album, 2017’s ‘America,’ created a splash and placed the Howling Bells singer firmly in the solo spotlight. That she’s back within twelve months with a sophomore effort is a clear sign that the Australian wants to swim the mainstream. Does the music match the ambition? Perhaps. Electric guitars dominate and the production from Stuart Sikes (Cat Power, White Stripes, Loretta Lynn) is sympathetic to Stein’s gentle vocal strokes and meandering melodies. Opener ‘All The Way’ shares spaces with the southern gothic stylings of, say, Lera Lynn, whilst single ‘Forgiver’ (written with Brandon Flowers when touring as support for The Killers) is a kind of spoken-word, Iggy Pop-fronting-Primal Scream kind of blues – all balls and bluster. Continue reading “Juanita Stein “Until The Lights Fade” (Nude Records, 2018)”
John Murry + Benjamin Folke Thomas + Steve Grozier, Broadcast, Glasgow, 16th September 2018
John Murry seems to be on his own (smaller) version of Dylan’s never ending tour as he and his band resumed a UK tour which kicked off back in June and then had a short break. Murry was joined on the road once again by his new buddy Benjamin Folke Thomas (the pair seem to have really clicked according to some of their social media posts) who was the main support and who then joined the latter half of Murry’s set on guitar and good vibes. Continue reading “John Murry + Benjamin Folke Thomas + Steve Grozier, Broadcast, Glasgow, 16th September 2018”
Rhett Miller is back with new album “The Messenger” – Listen
And there’s also a Christmas album from his “old” band too – yes, it’s that time of year again you’ll be delighted to know. RS Country reports: “Old 97’s leader Rhett Miller is at his most messed up best on the new hard luck song “Total Disaster,” the first track to be released from his upcoming solo LP, The Messenger. Continue reading “Rhett Miller is back with new album “The Messenger” – Listen”
Track premiere: Starry Skies “Be Kind” – Listen
We ran a track from the new album from Starry Skies last month and so delighted were we with it that we’re first on board with the release of their new single ‘Be Kind’ which is out today. Echoing Frank Turner’s recent sentiments, the band are headed up by Warren McIntyre who has quite a history on the Glasgow music scene having been in the band that was the precursor to Belle & Sebastian. Warren told us: “‘Be Kind’ is a song about the need for more kindness in our day to day lives. It’s important, particularly in these times, where selfishness and greed run rampant, to stand up for others who need a helping hand and to call out against injustice and hatred. More peace and more love please.” And that includes you Mike Pence.
Video: AlascA – “Red Herring”
More evidence that Americana is something approaching a universal musical language comes from the Netherlands in the shape of AlascA and a live version of this excellent track from their latest album, Plea For Peace, out on October 12th.
Zack Logan “Raised by Wolves” (Independent, 2018)
Zack Logan comes from a long tradition of American singer songwriters mining a seam of blue collar, working man’s hopes and dreams. Opening with the subtle finger-picked delight ‘Annalee’ with its gorgeous string backing is reminiscent of early John Prine or perhaps a less care worn Kristofferson. So this is good stuff. It is in many ways a simple album, effective narratives driven by simple guitar lines and fiddle accompaniment, lyrically straightforward but affecting with some gorgeous warm production and a voice built for weaving acoustic stories. Continue reading “Zack Logan “Raised by Wolves” (Independent, 2018)”
Courtney Marie Andrews has a new song, UK dates
We’re rather big fans of Courtney Marie Andrews here at AUK and she’s just released a new track ‘Heart and Mind’, a standalone cut that she is putting out because in her own words she “wanted to write a song that embodies the importance of empowerment when you feel weakened my misrepresentation and/or sexual harassment. Continue reading “Courtney Marie Andrews has a new song, UK dates”
They Might Be Giants “The Communists Have the Music”
This year alone They Might Be Giants released their 20th full-length album ‘I Like Fun’ (don’t we all?), played 50 US cities demolishing stages to mostly sold out rooms, was nominated for a Tony award for their song ‘I’m Not A Loser’, posted 20 additional songs on their Dial-A-Song service, was the featured guest on WTF with Marc Maron, and performed on Conan. They also found time to release this little gem packed full of those melodic hooks the band are famed for. They hit the UK tomorrow for dates.
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters + Adriana Spina , The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen, 12th September 2018
The venerable Blue Lamp in Aberdeen is something of a hidden gem, its unassuming frontage concealing not just one of the city’s oldest bars but also an adjoining, intimate and atmospheric music venue. It’s been the locus for an impressive selection of Americana/roots acts who have ventured this far north over the past few years thanks in the main to the enterprising Almost Blue Promotions who seem to be able to lure class acts to the granite city. Continue reading “Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters + Adriana Spina , The Blue Lamp, Aberdeen, 12th September 2018”