Superman by Peter Donegan is a five-track Country
EP of bold intent that is named after the first track. Peter’s strengths are song-writing with
lyrics that are believable and memorable.
On Ode to a Friend, it’s a more crossover sound, akin to Mumford &
Sons- and all the songs have a very contemporary flavour. For his next full-length album, in this
crowded genre, I would be seeking a duet with the very best Country performers
in the States, whilst simultaneously seeking a more offbeat duet for the UK
market for more exposure on both sides of the Atlantic. It shouldn’t be difficult to arrange as these
songs sell themselves and Peter will encounter a lot of goodwill in the music
industry in fond memory of his late father, Lonnie.
Black Stone Cherry have
released Black to Blues, a six-track
EP. Built for Comfort, my favourite
Hoochie Coochie Man and I want to be Loved, were written by Willie Dixon (as
were Little Red Rooster and I just Want to Make Love to You) and have been
performed by Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Bo Diddley, as well as by Cream, The
Doors, Jeff Beck, The Stones, Led Zep’, and ‘Hendrix. Black Stone Cherry carve out their own
versions of the songs that they say run in their blood. I also see it as merely a continuation of
their evolving creativity (still strong after 17 years!) that saw them record
Edwin Starr’s War and acoustic ballad The Rambler on their last album Kentucky. Make sure there is a passenger alongside if
you are listening whilst driving, as these tunes could conjure up the wrong
type of blues in your rear-view mirror.
The Swift Drag from
Austin, Texas are nothing like their name may suggest. Their psychedelic music is far more
satisfying and the title of their EP We
Won’t Need That, perhaps implores us to let their music entertain us. Will
Evans and David Jobe interlace drums, guitars and impassioned vocals into
elaborate patterns combining the energy of The Doors and the creativity of The
Black Keys. It’s very “Burning Man” in
its shamanic percussion, guitar technique and riveting vocals.
Self-released
Days Like These by American born,
Essex based Philip Marino is his
third EP, ably assisted by The Felice Brothers which came about after replying
to an open request to send demos in.
What sets this artist apart is his matchless deep and full-bodied voice,
meaningful songs and acoustic mastery.
He’s got a strong following in the South-East for his live shows and
airplay on national radio is increasing his well-deserved popularity.
Danish
rockers We the Moon are the final
band to make the cut for this issue. Rhea
is a four-track triumph on Phillipa Records that has genre-resisting vocals
and a heavy groove. I particularly liked
how the whole band builds a momentum to each song, bringing a refreshing
unpredictability and a rawness to their music.
NE
