Rookie RookieBloodshot Records [2020] The debut album of 6-piece Chicago band Rookie comes out of the box just dripping with references to a much earlier time in rock music history. From the opening crunchy guitar chords of “Hold On Tight,” it’s clear this band’s goals are to relive in a fresh way the musical highlights … Read more
Monophonics It’s Only Us Colemine Records [2020] We are currently in really strange times so the smooth soul of the Monophonics fifth record, It’s Only Us, brings on a very comforting vibe that just blankets you with its harmonizing background vocals. The West coast band has dubbed their sound “psychedelic soul” and I feel more … Read more
The DistrictsYou Know I’m Not Going AnywhereFat Possum Records [2020] For The Districts’ fourth full-length release, You Know I’m Not Going Anywhere, singer/songwriter Rob Grote withdrew to his bedroom with a guitar, a synthesizer, and a drum machine during a period of introspection and creative exploration while juggling “this desperate desire to escape and the … Read more
Stephen Malkmus Traditional TechniquesMatador Records [2020] Stephen Malkmus has been on a creative tear of late, releasing a band record with The Jicks in 2018 after four years away, Sparkle Hard, and an experimental solo record dabbling in electronica last year, Groove Denied. On his third release in as many years, Malkmus continues to experiment, … Read more
DisqCollectorSaddle Creek Records [2020] What is not to like about Madison Wisconsin’s Disq? They are a young five piece barley into their twenties that play a combination of power pop, indie rock, post punk and just overall have released a very catchy and carefree debut record. When the opening line of first track “Daily Routine” … Read more
Sonny Landreth Blacktop RunMascot Label Group [2020] Sonny Landreth is a guitar player’s guitarist, much the way John Hiatt and John Prine are songwriter’s songwriters. Bob Dylan is one of the most beloved and respected songwriters of the modern era, yet back in ’87 he covered John Hiatt’s song, “The Usual.” Bonnie Raitt has written … Read more
EyelidsThe Accidental FallsJealous Butcher Records [2020] When you can list Guided By Voices, The Decemberists, Stephen Malkmus and Elliott Smith as artists you have played with it should be an automatic for any indie music fan to be following Portland’s Eyelids. Now, when you find out that R.E.M.’s Peter Buck produced and plays on this … Read more
Tame ImpalaThe Slow RushInterscope Records [2020] Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker is a perfectionist and he has slowly turned his musical vehicle away from the psych rock driven debut Innnerspeaker from ten years ago into the extra smooth snyth grooves that flow throughout his newest long player The Slow Rush. This move to supplying more beats … Read more
Guided By Voices Surrender Your Poppy Field GBV Inc. [2020] The 2020 release calendar finally feels official with a new album from Guided By Voices. After releasing three records in 2019, GBV is back officially with their newest album of indie rockers, Surrender Your Poppy Field. If you are a follower of Bob Pollard then … Read more
Phil Madeira Open HeartMercyland [2020] At this late date, Phil Madeira must still feel that he has something to prove. Besides his “day job” as part of Emmylou Harris’ backing band, The Red Dirt Boys,” he’s recorded three solo albums in the last two years, after producing an all-star tribute to the songs of the … Read more
Beach BunnyHoneymoonMom + Pop Music [2020] Chicago’s Beach Bunny started out as an acoustic solo project from Lili Trifilio back in 2015 but has transformed into one of the more exciting indie rock bands today with their debut LP Honeymoon. The band has grown a consistent buzz ever since their 2018 Prom Queen EP and … Read more
Post Animal Forward Motion GodysseyPolyvinyl Records [2020] I feel like if I’m going to introduce you to Chicago, Illinois’s Post Animal then I have to get one thing out of the way first. Joe Keery, yes, Steve Harrington of Stranger Things contributed to their debut album When I Think Of You In a Castle. I … Read more
Wire Mind HivePinkflag [2020] It’s the rare band that stays together over 40 years, and even rarer not to have evolved musically over time. AC/DC perhaps being the exception that proves the rule. Wire arrived on the British punk scene with their aggressive debut, “Pink Flag,” in ’77, chock full of short, minimalist guitar-driven attacks. … Read more
…And You Will Know Us By Our Trail Of Dead X: The Godless Void And Other Stories Dine Alone Records [2020] Austin, Texas’ …And You Will Know Us By Our Trail of Dead has been building grand cathedrals of music since there conception in 1994. Their 2002 release Source Tags and Codes is considered by … Read more
Nada Surf Never Not Together Barsuk Records [2020] Nada Surf’s ninth studio recording and first in almost four years, Never Not Together, does not necessarily mark new territory for the band but highlights the veteran groups quality writing, musicianship, and knowledge of how to grab the listener with a hook. For some that remember the … Read more
Tall Tall TreesA Wave Of Golden ThingsJoyful Noise Recordings [2020] Mike Savino is Tall Tall Trees and he is probably best known as the highly talented electric banjo player for Kishi Bashi. A Wave Of Golden Things is Savino’s fourth studio album and it will probably be one of the most heartfelt records you will … Read more
Frances Quinlan Likewise Saddle Creek Records [2020] TFN Album Review: I am sure the name Frances Quinlan may not stand out to you but she is the vocalist/guitarist of the excellent indie group Hop Along and Likewise is her debut solo record under her own name. With at least 15 years of recording on her … Read more
Andy Shauf The Neon Skyline ANTI- [2020] TFN Album Review: Over rock history, the soft voice story telling singer/songwriter has been a big thing with names like Billy Joel, Paul Simon, Tim Finn and Michael Penn. The list can go on but in this modern era of music I feel like the list of recognizable … Read more
of Montreal UR Fun Polyvinyl Records [2020] Album Review: For the 16th album form the Athens, GA-based of Montreal, principal songwriter and band leader, Kevin Barnes opted to make the album in isolation, playing all of the instruments himself. While Barnes often takes the band out on tour as a quintet and will likely do … Read more
Pinegrove Marigold Rough Trade Records [2020] TFN Album Review: Ever since Pinegrove’s Cardinal release in 2016, I thought the band would have an incredible musical arc that was going nowhere but up. Of course, life is unpredictable and the band went completely quiet in November of 2017 after Pinegrove bandleader Evan Stephens Hall explained some … Read more
Kiwi Jr. Football Money Mint/Persona Non Grata Records [2019/2020] TFN Album Review: Here is a record I have been sitting on for a bit as this Friday will see the world-wide release of Football Money, the debut album from Toronto’s Kiwi Jr. The album is being released via Persona Non Grata Records and follows its … Read more
Joseph Arthur Come Back World Moonage Rebel [2019] Album Review: Given all the artists who Joseph Arthur has collaborated with, it’s always surprising to me that he’s not achieved the kind of ‘household name’ notoriety that come with music industry breakthroughs. An early singer/songwriter discovery, Arthur’s earliest albums were on Peter Gabriel’s Real World label, … Read more
Thom Yorke Anima XL Recordings [2019] Who: The irreplaceable frontman of Radiohead. Thom Yorke had been one of the most important figures in music since the early 90’s. Sound: Thom has been fond of many types of music. His solo outings usually focus on beats, loops, and electronics. TFN Final Take: Thom Yorke has been … Read more
Jay Som Anak Ko Polyvinyl Records [2019] TFN Album Review: If you have been a fan of Jay Som, aka Melina Duterte, since her early work was on the Intranet (and then captured on 2016’s Turn Into) you already have a sense that some of her best work was to come. Anak Ko represents her … Read more
Chris Taylor Lovers, Thieves, Fools + Pretenders Self-Released [2019] Album Review: While I’ve been a fan and acquaintance of San Antonio singer/songwriter, band leader and visual artist Chris Taylor for more than two decades, I have to admit when I recently checked out his bandcamp page, it was immediately obvious that he’s a lot more … Read more