Versus "Ex Nihilo EP (Ernest Jenning Record Co.)"
If you would have told me 25 years ago that in 2019 (25 years in the future at the time) I would be listening to new EPs from Versus I would have said “Sure, why not? I’m gonna live forever!” Ok, so follies of youth aside, turns out I was right as 2019 is bringing us Ex Nihilo (Ernest Jenning Record Co.), a new EP from Versus! Will this accompany a new forthcoming album? Probably, that’s how they always worked and I’m not expecting that to change here. Check out “Invisible Love.”
Walker Lukens "ADULT (Modern Outsider)"
Walker Lukens’ unique funky, soulful rock sound is back in full effect on his latest release, ADULT (Modern Outsider). There is a reason he has been referred to in the press as a “non-sexually intimidating version of Prince,” and that’s because it’s a rather apt comparison to make. His songs are–like I said before–soulful and funky, but still reside in the rock area of the record store if you are hoping to find one of his releases on your next crate digging expedition (don’t forget the dollar bins, there are always treasures in there!). Full of crooning vocals, synths, danceable beats, quirky touches, it really is a sound like no other. Check out the singular “Tear It Out My Heart.”
Hembree "House On Fire (Thirty Tigers)"
Mixing some hip-hop production with ‘70s and ‘80s beat rock bands like Blondie and Talking Heads and modern danceable bands like St. Vincent and LCD Soundsystem, Hembree have landed on a sound all their own–though it did take me like 20 minutes to figure out who Issac Flynn’s vocal stylings remind me of. Spoiler alert: its Kenny Loggins. Not a striking resemblance or anything… just where my ear’s brain went for some reason. You can make your mind up for yourself by checking out the danceable and slightly sinister “Culture.”
Tallest Man On Earth "I Love You. It’s A Fever Dream"
In times of trouble (like the constant brain tsunami everyone is suffering these days) there are few sounds more calming than that of The Tallest Man On Earth, who manages to make the world sound beautiful, small, intimate, and not the worst. Strapping on his acoustic guitar and cape (of course) Kristian Matsson is here to save your brain/planet. Gorgeous songs with a voice that should make Bruce Hornsby retire (do we really need a new record by Bruce Hornsby?), or get Thanos to finally bring back all of the Avengers. Being the Tallest Man is truly an unstoppable super power that will make you forget that the world is melting. Be saved by Tallest Man with “The Running Styles Of New York”.