Austin B. Sweeney – “Carryin’ On”
-There’s a subtle blues energy to this track that makes it work right from the start. I’m a huge fan of the effect the organ has on the overall sound. The mix ends up being a bit heavy and heartfelt, all while being blended with this inherent optimism. “Soon the sun will be rising above the horizon. That’s what keeps me carryin’ on.” Amen to that, brother. Life goes on, despite the circumstances. The production on this track does a great job of allowing the message to resonate. It’s a great tune that allows the listener to connect with the lyrics to truly shine through.
Eric Long – “I Don’t Feel Like Talking”
-As an introverted person who loves the water, the opening of this song is infinitely relatable. Back when I was in college, I used to make my way down over the hillside to sit by the river side and be alone when I just didn’t feel like talking. It’s wild to hear a song that connects with my own lived experience and deeply with my own soulful experience. The resonate quality of the lead vocal works really well on this recording as well. I don’t make this comparison lightly, but something about Long’s intonation and expression reminds me of Jeffrey Martin. I admire the way that Long writes with poetic phrasing about relatable and engaging themes. This is certainly an artist to watch.
B. Knox – “Messy (Again)”
-Take a nice acoustic guitar and highlight it with a steel guitar… that’s a good place to start for any song. B. Knox has a sound that feels equal parts early country music and mid-20th century folk rock (ala James Taylor). The combination makes for a chill sound that fits with what we enjoy and curate quite well. Knox has a style of phrasing that reminds me of a lot of classic songwriters from that mid-century time period. The lyrics are a bit of a confessional about a relationship that didn’t quite work out. There’s a heaviness to the lyrical message, ultimately requesting forgiveness and another chance. It’s relatable and, frankly, a bit unsettling. But it’s still a cool Americana tune that’s worth your sincere engagement.
Image courtesy: Eric Long IG
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