Three new alt country tracks that you’ll want for your next playlist

John Kolar – “Skipping stones”
-Everything about this sound is just right. There’s a cool fiddle part here that I really appreciate. The vocal sits right in the pocket of the composition. The overall style is satisfying with elements of country mixed with folk and Americana. I like the line “these mountains sure look good on you.” If you’ve ever been in the mountains, there’s definitely something liberating and it can certainly feel more free and easy living there. I appreciate how chill this track is and it makes you really want to sit back and enjoy it.

Death Valley Jupiter – “Don’t You Call on Me”
-This is a rowdy one that really gets the toes tapping. I appreciate how the sound feels like a happy blend of alt rock and of course classic country elements. It’s hard to explain what it is about the sound that feels not quite fully country, but there’s something in it that really clicks for me. I appreciate the spirited piano work that feels like it takes elements of classic boogie-woogie combined with more of an alt rock style. It pops really well. It’s ostensibly a breakup song about wanting someone to leave and leave you alone. It’s a nice juxtaposition to have such a positive, bouncy sound with such a dark lyrical concept. Honestly, it works.

Charlie McNeal – “Bar Friend”
-If you’re a country fan of a certain age, you’ll say there’s nothing “alt” about this song at all. It feels like it could have been recorded by George Strait a few decades ago without much problem. I appreciate the classic sound for sure. The clean guitar work and steel guitar set the perfect stage for a classic country drawl that expresses each line with just the right amount of charm. If you’ve ever had a friend at the bar who is always there but you don’t even know his last time, this song is absolutely for you. I appreciate the mix of tongue-and-cheek humor with… well, cold hard truth… that’s what makes this song so good. I like it musically, but the down to earth lyrics are just vintage. So glad to support this sound!