Jake Etheridge – “Strawberry chapstick”
-I can’t stop listening to this song. After a few listens I put it on my song of the year candidate list. If you listen to the first line, you’ll hear why. The narrative form, expressive vocal, and excellent guitar all work together for something truly magical. Before I could even finish writing my review, I had to share this song with three of my friends. That’s how personally this music hits me. The imagery is so visceral and the punctuated lines almost feel like listening to a slam poet. Etheridge has the most grounded rock-influenced sound and I appreciate so much. I hope his work goes platinum.
Rowan Niemisto – “Gimme strength”
-I think this is a prayer. It’s a gorgeous piece of acoustic songwriting that is sure to bring a lot of solace to listeners. It’s also a lament. There are bluesy elements about a breakup where the other partner has become successful, while the protagonist is clearly down. The interplay between the acoustic and steel guitars is magical here, but it’s the expressive vocal that really makes this song remarkable. The line “I write songs to no applause,” makes me sad. I’m here applauding, Rowan. I hope you have the strength to keep writing these songs because they mean so much to us. This is a tear-jerker for sure.
Cooper Kenward – “Make me blue”
-Fans of Dawes-style indie rock are going to find a lot to like from Cooper Kenward. The effect on the guitar for this track is really great; it’s just enough grit and attitude to magnify the bluesy rock energy of the track. The understated vocal style works really well in the pocket of this song. The balance between the energy of the guitar riffs and the expressive lyrics makes for an enjoyable listen. It reminds me of listening to someone vent where they will bounce between a little angry and a little sad, but the overall mood of the moment is consistent. This song captures that pulsing, agitated, expressive style in a way that is enjoyable to listen to because of how much we can all relate to the heartache.
Image courtesy: Jake Etheridge IG
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