Delta Spirit: Ode To Sunshine (Rounder)

Delta Spirit: Ode To Sunshine (Rounder) - Cheers to San Diego five-piece Delta Spirit’s debut album Ode To Sunshine.  Self-released in 2007, it’s been re-mastered and repackaged stalwart roots imprint by Rounder.  Americana, Indie Rock and soul coalesce for a true album experience.  In an age where music production is often tailored download singles, it’s consistent strength is rather refreshing.  Road-weathered vocals, dustbowl electric guitar, spirited piano and jubilant rhythms are hallmarks.  Some harmonica, tambourine, and acoustic guitar strums add a folkier side.  Though them times they are a changing (still), it’s nice to be re-assured some things stay the same.  Recommended. 

South - From Here on In

South From Here on In   South's debut record, From Here on In, seems to effortlessly blend traditional indie rock sounding guitar work and vocals with lush electronic backdrops to create a sound which is haunting while at the same time accessible. Packed with two new songs and a sound which is as unique as it is classic, this new US release is sure to bring the UK band the success they well deserve. While at times reminescent of older Oasis material, they manage to lace the traditional four piece set with soaring electronic sounds which sound perfectly natural and integrated. While many rock bands attempt to bring in electronic sounds which end up sounding forced, South's beautiful electronic harmonies and beats perfectly complement the equally rough and soft vocal melodies and acoustics. The album opens up with the mesmerizing Broken Head I which fades in and out of simple guitar and vocals to the lush electronic backdrops which give South their unique sound. Other notables are the catchy Paint the Silence and the folky, blues twinged I Know What You're Like. There are even some straight electronic songs like the trippy All in for Nothing (Reprise) and to balance that, some basic acoustic songs like the beautiful title track, Here on In. Regardless of whether you prefer basic indie rock or electronic work, there's something that everyone can enjoy in South's new record.   - Jana Smith South's web site is: south.uk.net.

Samantha Crain: Confiscation (Ramseur)

Samantha Crain: Confiscation (Ramseur) - Oklahoma’s Samantha Crain national debut of indie-folk.  Alternately whimsical and earthy, Crain’s throaty voice expressively delivers her literate narratives of love, hate, betrayal and redemption. It’s sparsely arranged works focused on guitar, tambourine, harmonica.  The CD packaging looks and feels like a book. The musical short stories are divided into five chapters.  Good. 

The Curse of Company: Leo Magnets Joins a Gang [digital release] (Dangerbird)

The Curse of Company: Leo Magnets Joins a Gang [digital release] (Dangerbird) - The Curse of Company is a project of Australian singer/songwriter David Wiley Rennick (of Dappled Cities).  With support from members of Mr. Bungle, redsunhand and Gerling he crafts muted, psych tinged indie rock.  Dramatic reverb soaked vocals expound stories atop shadowed guitar / keyboard driven productions.  Recommended. 

Colourmusic: f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13 (Great Society)

Colourmusic: f, monday, orange, february, venus, lunatic, 1 or 13 (Great Society) - Basing their work on Newton’s colour theory, whereby a prism decomposes white light into a visible spectrum, the Oklahoma based indie-rock quintet Colourmusic take the white light of the sun and fragment it into shimmering pools of psychedelic pop.  Playful guitars, keyboards, ebullient rhythms and loads of human expressionism in the form of harmonies and handclaps coalesce into energizing summer sounds where catchy melodies abound.  Recommended. 

Kristoffer Ragnstam: Wrong Size of the Room (Bluhammock)

Kristoffer Ragnstam: Wrong Size of the Room (Bluhammock) - The sophomore LP from Swedish singer-songwriter Kristoffer Ragnstam packs quite a punch. While lyrical tales of tortured characters struggle to cope, exceptionally seductive pop entwines the unsuspecting listener. Fuzzy guitars, effervescent rhythms, layered voices and restrained keys have a familiar yet refreshing sound. A recommended shot of quality indie pop.

Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumn Line (Barsuk)

Ra Ra Riot: The Rhumb Line (Barsuk) - Shortly after releasing their inaugural EP, Ra Ra Riot’s drummer drowned in the ocean after a Massachusetts show. This incident weighs heavily on their LP debut. While there’s lots of death and water imagery throughout, there is also a triumphant, life-affirming, moving on resolve in the music. The Rhumb Line is catchy indie pop with rich cello and violin backing. Recommended.

Jennifer O'Connor: Here With Me (Matador)

Jennifer O’Connor: Here With Me (Matador) - Jennifer O’Connor is an honest, literate songwriter that straddling the lines of folk-pop & indie rock. Weather the arrangements are sparse or more robust, her crystalline voice always shines in delivering those emotional blows. As Time Out New York said, "You have to love an artist who reminds you of everyone but defies comparison". Comfort music quiet times and rainy days. Recommended.