Sierra Hull : Mad World Review
by Steven Miller
Sierra Hull has built an impressive career that has been precocious and prodigious, with her mandolin mastery and vocal gifts earning her a place among bluegrass royalty. From her early Grand Ole Opry appearances to Grammy nominations, Hull has continually expanded the boundaries of her artistry. Her latest single, a cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” provides another example of her ability to transcend genre labels while staying rooted in the craftsmanship that has made her a bluegrass standout.
“Mad World,” a song originally released in 1982 by Tears for Fears, has been covered by many [...]
by Shannon Smith
Lotte Gallagher’s debut EP, A Better Feeling, is a striking entry into the alt-rock landscape, reflecting her musical roots and raw, emotive lyricism. As a 17-year-old singer-songwriter from Northside Melbourne, Gallagher has already made a name for herself, impressing Triple J tastemakers and earning a top-five finalist spot in the 2023 Unearthed High competition. With influences ranging from the 90s grunge scene to the modern indie sounds of Phoebe Bridgers and Angie McMahon, her music feels organic, refreshingly blending angst with introspection.
Opening with “Gasoline,” a slow-burning track [...]
by Shannon Smith
With their latest single, “Sunrise,” The Baker Brothers have delivered a track that’s destined for the dance floor. Featuring the soulful stylings of Hannah Williams, though not as the lead vocalist, the song boasts an undeniable groove, polished musicianship, and infectious energy that will keep listeners moving well past the first listen.
From the moment “Sunrise” kicks off with its sharp, hip band hits, Chris Pedleys’ slap-and-pop bass line grabs the listener and locks them into a tight, funk-laden rhythm. Ted Carrasco’s drums anchor the track, laying down a beat that [...]
by Steven Miller
Chris Potter’s Eagle’s Point is the kind of album that only comes around when the stars align—literally and figuratively. Featuring a modern supergroup of Brad Mehldau on piano, John Patitucci on bass, and Brian Blade on drums, this release on Edition Records marks a triumphant moment in contemporary jazz. Each of these musicians has carved out a legendary career in their own right, but here, they come together as one, creating something that feels rare and special.
This album, composed entirely by Potter for this occasion, is a meeting of jazz giants; it’s a convergence of individual mastery, [...]
by Shannon Smith
Jack White, the former frontman of The White Stripes, released No Name on August 2, 2024. It marks the next step in his solo career with its boundary-pushing sonic adventure, which blends his familiar gritty rock with inventive experimental sounds.
The album opens with “Old Scratch Blues,” built upon blues-inspired guitar riffs and White’s trademark vocal style. The raw, garage-rock energy is paired with lyrics reflecting themes of emotional turbulence and self-reflection.
“Archbishop Harold Holmes” is a track that will catch you off guard with its heavy seventies-styled riff that blends [...]
by Shannon Smith
Jessie Murph’s debut album, That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil, showcases her approach to today’s songwriting and genre-blending, but her vocal skills are the most impressive. From breath control and pitch to emotional nuance, this 12-track project underscores Murph’s ability to connect deeply with her listeners through emotive voice alone.
Murph’s control is evident throughout the album, particularly in tracks like “I Hope It Hurts.” Here, she moves effortlessly between her chest voice and her upper register, holding sustained notes [...]
by Steven Miller
Chris Potter’s Eagle’s Point is the kind of album that only comes around when the stars align—literally and figuratively. Featuring a modern supergroup of Brad Mehldau on piano, John Patitucci on bass, and Brian Blade on drums, this release on Edition Records marks a triumphant moment in contemporary jazz. Each of these musicians has carved out a legendary career in their own right, but here, they come together as one, creating something that feels rare and special.
This album, composed entirely by Potter for this occasion, is a meeting of jazz giants; it’s a convergence of individual mastery, [...]
by Steven Miller
Since hitting the rock scene in the 80s with the band Guns N’ Roses, Slash’s guitar work has always been synonymous with a particular kind of raw, unfiltered energy—a tone that straddles the line between controlled aggression and melodic eloquence. With Orgy of the Damned, his latest offering, Slash steps away from the high-energy terrain of hard rock and dives headfirst into the rich, muddy waters of the blues. Released on May 17, 2024, under Gibson Records and Sony Music, this album is a collection of classic covers; it’s a homage to the genre that lies at the very foundation of rock ‘n’ [...]
María Dueñas’ debut album, Beethoven and Beyond, is an exhilarating musical exposition, illuminating the intricate weaving of virtuosity and expression that characterizes the young violinist’s style. The album’s tour de force lies in its exploration of cadenzas. This musical endeavor amplifies the dynamic interplay between the perennial works of legendary composers and Dueñas’s nuanced, innovative interpretations.
Kicking off the album with Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Dueñas unveils the musical palette she will [...]
Bonnie Raitt is back with her latest album, Just Like That…, her first album in over six years. The Rock And Roll Hall of Famer continues to draw on all the influences that have shaped her legendary career while simultaneously creating something that articulates the circumstances and challenges of these unprecedented times. Just Like That… was recorded in Sausalito, California, with an all-star band that included two longtime members of Raitt’s band, bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson and drummer Ricky Fataar, as well as two new musicians, Canadian Glenn Patscha on keyboards and backing vocals and Nashville guitarist Kenny Greenberg. Her longtime [...]
