It’s officially been one year since I started “hot singles in your area”, which remains one of the best things i’ve ever named (including my kids). Not doing anything to celebrate, but I’m not opposed to a cake if someone wants to oblige. Regardless, we’re just gonna do what we’ve done for the last year: highlight some incredible singles from some incredible local artists. Keep scrollin’ and find something to love, below.
Reviews by TJ Foster
Maggie Doherty - “Night Words”
Maggie Doherty's first single off her upcoming EP of the same name is genuine Americana through and through. It's chock full of country-tinged instrumentation (think shuffling drums and a delightful pedal steel) and well-executed harmonies throughout. Doherty is sure to quickly become a local favorite for fans of this genre so hope you've got yer boots on and they're ready for tappin'.
Shannon Tehya - “Child Eyes”
Shannon Tehya's latest single has a rather ethereal way about it, reminding me of early Azure Ray. It's earthly folk-infused spirit is compounded with the flowery artwork which completes the package, offering listeners a delightful journey from start to finish.
Christian Evanko - “Valley of the Bluebird”
Christian Evanko hasn't release anything in a few years, and "Valley of the Bluebird" is simply a triumphant return. The structure and progression is pop-rock through and through, an acoustic-led jam that goes down easy. It's Christian's vocals that carry the torch here though, simultaneously anthemic and intimate. Here's hoping this is just the beginning of his return to songwriting.
Morris & Rivers feat. Belle-Skinner - “Just Wanna Wrap You In My Arms”
Morris & Rivers collaborate here with Belle-Skinner for an old-timey love song that should appeal to fans of Lake Street Dive, et al. Belle-Skinner is commanding as ever atop a jazzy backdrop of instrumentalists that also features Dylan Perrillo. This one makes me want to snap my fingers which is always a good sign.
Joe Mansman and the Midnight Revival Band - “Headlights Underwater”
For the first glimpse of their upcoming full length, Gas Station Elvis, we get a surprisingly tame ballad in 6/8 time from the hard rockers. "Headlights Underwater" has more in common with an Andrew McMahon song than it does with the southern metal-adjacent acts they tend to gravitate towards. A lovely display of artistry from the band with a wicked chorus to boot.
Shane Guerrette - “Ain’t Looking Good”
Shane Guerrette's "Ain't Looking Good" technically came out at the end of August, but since none of you are keeping track, we're rolling with it. Anyways, the song kicks off with a ripper of a guitar solo before Guerrette hits you with the title belted with enough twang and grit to make any professoinal blues-rocker crack a smile in appreciation. I've never been to a honky tonk, but I imagine this is what one sounds like.
Buggy Jive - “What Do Y’all Know About Shakespeare?”
New Buggy Jive is enough to get anyone excited, but you throw a Shakespeare reference into one of his titles, and suddenly it becomes that much more anticipatory. His vocals run the gamut of rhythmic and dynamic and all in all, this is just a supremely fun listen, especially when Buggy dips way down in the lower depths of his vocal range.
Bruiser & Bicycle - “Sinister Sleep Shuffle”
The latest single from Bruiser & Bicycle's upcoming release Deep Country gradually shuffles over the course of five and a half minutes, a rather lo-fi tune that operates as if The Front Bottoms sat in with a jazz quartet. Sound interesting? It should. Easy to get lost in this one.
Dayburn - “Anemoia”
If you've been paying any attention over the last couple months, you know I'm a bit head over heels for this new post-rock duo featuring John Glenn of LiketheAstronaut/Stellar Young. They divided their latest release into two parts, and "Anemoia" was the first taste of Part II. It's got all the elements of a good post-rock song: tremolo guitars, pounding drums and beautifully delicate vocals from Glenn. Highly recommend listening to the record in its entirety as soon as you get the chance.
G.o.L.e.M. - “Kykeon”
"Give Out Love, Embrace Music" appears to be what G.o.L.e.M. stands for (as well as, I assume, a homophonic reference to Lord of the Rings). The group certainly lives up to their mantra on new tune "Kykeon", and quite honestly on the band's whole new record too, which staffer Jonathan Patrizio recently reviewed. This particular song ebbs and flows in and out of hard rock and mellow indie with ease, providing a rather compelling listen.
Zorbas Trio - “Halloween Song”
Is September 19th too early to release a Halloween song? Zorbas Trio says no. The three infinitely talented siblings get spooky here with some haunting organ and eerie harmonies for a tune that's perfect for your Halloween party playlists. A whole lot of fun that should get you in the spirit.