Dream Wulf - Jason Sees Band - boerd feat. Stella Explorer - Rama Lama Records 2019

Dream Wulf have today released their new single 'Last Know Purple'. With a blasting riff kicking things off, the vocals riding high above a bluesy rock backdrop this is one stand out track. === Another song released today is from Jason Sees Band with the sensitive and thoughtful alt rocker 'Make You Smile'. === boerd feat. Stella Explorer have shared a live session of 'Before We Drown', it's a gorgeous song and fabulous all round performance. === It's not often we feature a record label however Stockholm's Rama Lama Records 2019 'Various Artists' compilation is well worth a share, in fact you may recognise some of the artists and songs as the label has been a regular supplier of music we have featured this year.
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Dream Wulf - Last Know Purple.

"We wanted to feel something different - something that drove us and at the same time something we could let go of and let it take control of us. Jessica and I were living in Austin, Texas writing the demo for this album. We had written and recorded a song a day every day for the last two days. I asked her to write a love song - and the rest is history!"

This song is about the synergy that touches us all. It is, in turn, about the incredible energy that lifts the spirits from within and pulls you to what some may call a destiny- if one listens. Capturing the connection and fervent prospect of the twin flame energy. The Last Known Purple, is an alternative love song about both the journey through life and the mirror souls you meet a long the way, teaching you to see where you are and pushing you to be better. The song is about being mystified by life itself and the magic we come across daily. We can all feel magic when we align with our purpose and continue to listen to the wind and the power within - howling with unbridled creativity, desire, and passion to be let out.

The LP, All Things Unconsidered, is a collection of work expressing the frustration and sorrow for all the world we love and live in. It is about the chaos that ensues us all, and therefore that ensues the world. We are without acknowledgement lost within the constraints and construct of time. It is said, that creativity lies within the eyes of a child. The album echos the desire to not lose that creativity, that is often stifled with age. Throughout the album, lyrical and musical compositions mirror the push and pull of experiencing a society craving magic, all the while revealing the power for radical and creative change has always been our own hands. All Things Unconsidered, is planet positive and dares you to open personal prospective and perspective. The music plays with dark and light energies through the medium of frequency and lyricism.

The title of the album, All Things Unconsidered, describes the left behind, the subconscious thoughts and feelings that have been pushed aside and forgotten. The album itself dares to resurface those thoughts and pushes to challenge uncomfortable topics.

Dream Wulf is a blend of alternative, stoner, psychedelic, dark dream, and bloom gloom rock and roll music. They are based out of Portland, OR. The band is unsigned, as founding members and visionaries, John Villadelgado and Jessica Bahl, enjoy exciting their dream in their own way. They are joined by, prog metal and jazz trained drummer, Glenn Walters, and psychedelic punk enthusiast Kyla Maunakea on her headless bass.

Dream Wulf’s sound is fiercely psychedelic. Powerful female vocals, melting guitar riffs, intricate time signatures, and captivating dark undertones, that leave you guessing in wonder. They create a riff- that flirts between the push and pull of light and dark energy. Creating the constant synergy of a positive message with a dark delivery. Magnetically charged, their live performance are captivating and dreamy, radiating a unified intensity which lives up to their pack name.

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Jason Sees Band - Make You Smile.

Seattle indie artists Jason Sees Band are releasing a new single today Dec 20, 2019. Song Bio: 1.4 million Americans attempted to suicide in 2019. Almost 50,000 succeeded. Unfortunately, these statistics hit home for Jason Sees Band on a personal level this year. As a result, Jason retreated to his personal studio once again to emerge with another indie release that offers solace and hope for the challenges of the human condition. "There are no easy answers to our challenges on this journey. The battle with our own mind is guaranteed to be a plodding struggle through the dark. But nothing worth fighting for is free."

Jason Sees Band is an indie alternative rock group based around the songwriting of Jason Sees. Since 2009 many musicians have come and gone through the orbit of Jason’s songwriting. However, two constants have remained the same; drummer David Campbell and bassist Shaun O’Neill. Since joining forces, the trio have 9 releases under their belts. “Dave and Shaun really are the foundation of our music; I can always fall back on their talent” Jason states. Other musicians that have (or currently) circle in and out of Jason’s music endeavors include Alex Wilson (Broockies), Adam Williams, Julia Sarewitz, Joe Reineke (Orbit Audio), Danny McMahon, Winston McFarlane (Vision Music), to name a few. “I know lots of musicians around the city, and I like having the flexibility to bring in the appropriate talent for the needs of individual songs. It also keeps things fresh and allows me to ensure my music covers a broad spectrum.”

That last point is notable as Jason appears to be perfectly willing to venture across any genre that he sees necessary. His work with indie producer Broockies (Alex Wilson) ventures deep into techno pop, Adam Williams brings a riff laden 70’s rock guitar, and noted Seattle producer Joe Reineke has taken Jason’s songs into the realm of well produced alternative dream pop. Jason says, “At my core I’m a traditional troubadour, songwriting is what I enjoy most. Most of my songs, with notable exceptions, start with a pen, paper, an acoustic guitar, or piano.”

Jason Sees Band appear to be on a journey, if you delve deep into their catalog evolution is apparent. 2014 release A Single Frame Passing Through the Light was a grief ridden production completed with the aide of Joe Reineke after the passing of Jason’s wife due to cancerous disease. Since then Jason has traversed the musical landscape releasing an intoxicating EP called monochrome, self-produced Grizzly Bear EP, and the playful Robot Dance EP. Jason Sees Band’s latest releases are guitar riff rock melodys that delve yet again out of the norm for this band. “Got to push your comfort zones” Jason says with a sly smirk, “if you’re not moving forward your moving backwards.”

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boerd feat. Stella Explorer - Before We Drown (Live Session).

Swedish downtempo producer boerd has just released his new album with Anjunadeep last week and is carving his own unique path in electronic music fusing classical undertones with downtempo electronica. The Swedish producer, who is a classically trained musician performing as part of the Royal SwedishOpera moonlights as an electronic producer signed to London’s infamous Anjunadeep.

Before We Drown features fellow Swede Stella Explorer on vocals. Following his first introspective single with Stella Explorer, ‘Before We Drown’, which demonstrated his capacity for emotive songwriting and live instrumentation, boerd now returns with second single ‘Look’. A showcase of intricate sound design, ‘Look’ features nuanced percussion amongst a warm experimental fog of synthesizers.

As a regular member of the Royal Swedish Opera, Swedish Radio Symphony, and Stockholm Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ericson has also proven himself as an accomplished bass player for numerous ensembles around the world. Touring Tokyo, Stockholm, and New York, the producer performed in the Philip Glass opera ‘Satyagraha’ earlier this year (including four sold out shows in Brooklyn’s illustrious Harvey Theatre). Bård also recently contributed as a member of Andrea Bocelli’s orchestra throughout his Scandinavian tour.

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Rama Lama Records 2019 - Various Artists.

Rama Lama Records 2019 Collection is now out now on all platforms.

A collection of the best music put out on the Stockholm label during 2019
Tracks from Melby, Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes, Julia Rakel, Delsbo Beach Club, Cat Princess, Guds Pengar och Lilla Parasit.

Tracklist - Rama Lama Records 2019
1. Melby - VCR from "None of this makes me worry" LP
2. Kluster B - Wild
3. Delsbo Beach Club - Cryin' (Such a disgrace) from "Two burgers and an LP"
4. Cat Princess - Me and Brigitte Bardot from "Forbidden Items" LP
5. Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes - Change of Heart from forthcoming "Sweetie" LP
6. Julia Rakel - People from "indie fEElz" EP
7. Lilla Parasit - Feather Soul from forthcoming "Lilla Parasit" LP
8. Delsbo Beach Club - Another Day from "Two burgers and an LP"
9. Steve Buscemi's Dreamy Eyes - Moon from forthcoming "Sweetie" LP
10. Julia Rakel - PDFILWM from "indie fEElz" EP
11. Cat Princess - Rocko's Theme from "Forbidden Items" LP
12. Guds Pengar - "Borttappad"
13. Lilla Parasit - Gaslights from forthcoming "Lilla Parasit" LP
14. Melby - Stalker from "None of this makes me worry" LP


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ØZWALD - Arrakis - Rodrigo Leao

ØZWALD have shared 'Lies In Disguise' a refreshing & unique sounding indie pop/rock song with some gentle vocals and a delicious musical backdrop. === From Thessaloniki, Greece we have the new album by Arrakis entitled 'Technontology Vol 1.' (hear it in full below). The band deliver some gorgeous rock that mixes stoner & psychedelic styles together, their own musical stamp being firmly in place. === Rodrigo Leao is described in the accompanying promo as one of the giants in Portugal. The new song 'A Bailarina' is one of those pieces that is worth sticking with, as it builds into a magnificent and creative affair, one that crosses borders with ease.
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ØZWALD - Lies In Disguise.

Comprised of Jason Wade (Lifehouse) and Steve Stout (former-Lost Beach/Blondfire), Nashville-based ØZWALD doles out everyday wisdom on an indie platter.

A departure from their first record, Sweet Delirium, ØZWALD’s new LP Born In A State is inspired by their environment in the heart of Tennessee.  These songs tell stories from the perspective of two creatives pondering the value of art and music in a world of likes and follows.  Truly Nashville, this collection is organic, quietly eccentric, and full of nostalgia.

Roughly five years ago, Stout was called in to play as the guitarist on an international Lifehouse tour that would eventually have its US route canceled, but a bond began to form between Stout and Wade on the overseas run.  Following the tour, Wade needed an engineer to assist him in his California studio where they both lived at the time and called Stout.

What began as an artist/engineer relationship quickly evolved to an artist/artist partnership and the two immersed themselves in the inspiration of something new as they set a goal of completing three songs in two weeks. The duo amassed a total of twelve songs which made up their first record, Sweet Delirium.

They have since moved from Los Angeles to Nashville and quickly found the change of scenery influencing the way they approach writing songs, with the aesthetic of their surroundings really bleeding into the music. Deeper and more colorful, Born In A State probes the melancholic world of Art Pop and Indie Folk, conjuring up the work of Wilco and Foxwarren while retaining their signature levity.

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Arrakis - Technontology Vol. 1 (Album).

Formed in late 2012, Arrakis is a three-piece band from Thessaloniki, Greece that plays an infectious brand of riff-based stoner rock with some psychedelic influences.

Purely instrumental, their songs are based around groovy riffs that straddle a fine line between head-banging/foot-stomping stoner rock and trace-inducing psychedelic jams, robust bass lines and thunderous drum beats.

The very first jams at the rehearsal room led to the creation of two self-released demos, in 2012 and 2013, and to the release of "Sanatorium " EP, which was released in by Deathforce Records in 2014. At the same time, they tested themselves in the live circuit with a number of gigs in Greece, including an appearance at Fuzztastic Planet Festival. Motived by the incredible reactions to their sound, the trio spent most of 2015 crafting and recording their first full-length “Ammu Dia”, which was met with great critical acclaim.

Just one after the release of their debut, Arrakis released their second full-length “Electricon”, which was met with great critical acclaim and now the Greek trio are back with a new effort titled Technontology Vol. I that sees Arrakis the trio further evolving their groovy and psychedelic stoner rock sound. If you enjoy anything from Hawkwind to Karma to Burn then you are definitely going to enjoy this album.

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Rodrigo Leao - A Bailarina.

Rodrigo Leao may not be a name you are familiar with but in his native Portugal he is one of the giants of the music scene. His latest project is set to change that, with the first release from his new album introducing an artist who is both innovative, daring and spiritual.

A Bailarina demonstrates not only Rodrigo’s deft expertise of neo-classical techniques but also such unusual ingredients as a lyric sung by his daughter in a completely made-up language. An ingenious lullaby for the 21st century, A Bailarina will be followed by the BMG International worldwide release of Rodrigo’s new album, O Método, released in February 2020.

Firstly gaining fame as keyboardist in the hugely successful band, Madredeus (amassing over 3 million album sales worldwide), he has since forged a solo career which has seen him perform with such innovative artists as Portishead’s Beth Gibbons; The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon; Tindersticks’ Stuart Staples, not to mention Ryuichi Sakamoto and Ludovico Einaudi and composing three major film soundtracks.

His latest project is O Método (trans. The Method), already being spoken about as the pinnacle of his output so far, an album which sees him takes his minimalist, ethereal soundscapes to new frontiers, both comforting and challenging the listener with questions which don’t necessarily have answers.

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ROCH - The Ah - On-The-Go feat. Naadia

ROCH returns to Beehive Candy for a fourth time this year with her latest single (and album title track) 'Via Media'. Accompanied with a cleverly matched video the imaginative singer songwriter, has a musical backdrop that is atmospheric, whilst once again her distinctive vocals are just captivating. === We are always on the search for music that's just a little different yet engaging and The Ah and his lead single from the 'Mere Husk' album, due in January fulfils all of that with the wonderful piece 'Watermelon Tears'. === Indie quintet On-The-Go (feat. Naadia) have just released 'High' a superb and hook laden song with fabulous vocals and harmonies surrounded by a gorgeous musical arrangement.
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ROCH - Via Media.

London based singer, songwriter, and producer ROCH shares a new video for latest single plus album title track ‘Via Media’. A slinky, melancholic pop song, partly inspired by a small drawing of a violin by the Polish artist Franciszka Themerson – the video examines people's perception of space in the world we live in. Directed by Linda Dorigo, speaking on the video ROCH said: "I saw the creation of a music video as an opportunity to invite the viewer in to a space I momentarily inhabit. I’m interested in our perception of space and the people within it, which compliments the songs themes of communication and placement."

“Untangle our selves from what’s feared,” she sings, breathily, over soft synths and a staccato beat. “We are tipping / While we’re missing / Sounds of violins and roads / Keeping our distance yet welded so deep."

With a sound that is completely unique, ROCH’s (aka Kate Miller) spiralling electronic pop creations are truly something to treasure. Fascinated by crossovers of space and language, and by rethinking the “mundane and ubiquitous ideas” found in every day life. The bridging of grand scale and domestic scale is a concept Miller has been exploring in her work since her time studying performance and sculpture at University of the Arts London’s Central Saint Martin’s college, and continues to probe in the impassioned synth pop she makes as ROCH.

Miller’s interest in the lofty versus the mundane stems from her religious background as well. Roch was Miller’s confirmation name, after St. Roch, the patron saint of the plague. Miller grew up going to Catholic school and studied 13th and 14th century medieval art history in school. She’s captivated by medieval art, patron saints, and religious paraphernalia, and the way those emblems manifest in every day life. “The music is influenced in a lot of ways by sacrifice,” Miller explains. In line with depictions of Catholicism and sainthood, the songs on ROCH’s debut album, Via Media, often deal with sacrifice of the body—taking that quintessential religious image into the every day. Instead of the sacrifice being for God, it’s for family, career, or comradery. “Rather than this saintly sacrifice being these dramatic Catholic ascension-type scenes, it's work, labour, pregnancy.”

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The Ah - Watermelon Tears.

The Ah today announced his sophomore full-length Mere Husk will be released on January 31st via NNA Tapes. The lead single "Watermelon Tears" is out now and provides a glimpse into the imaginative and playful solo work of Jeremy Gustin, a sought after drummer, musician and composer who has worked with David Byrne, Albert Hammond jr, Kimbra, Delicate Steve, Rubblebucket, Marc Ribot, Sam Amidon, Daniel Rossen, and many more.

Jeremy also shared thoughts on creating the track: "I knew I wanted to add sounds or samples in the middle section and I experimented a lot with no luck. Ironically, as the songs title has tears in it, laughter seemed the best fit for the track. But having one person laugh wasn’t quite right so I started experimenting by adding baby’s, old people, and even some animals laughing. Somehow that seemed to work. Perhaps watermelon tears are the kind of tears you get when you laugh really hard. Sweet tears." The release of Mere Husk will be celebrated in conjunction with Gustin's forthcoming photography book Foundscapes (being released with 11A Records) at Brooklyn NY's Step Bone Cut on February 1st.

Jeremy Gustin is a one-of-a-kind drummer who has toured and recorded with Rubblebucket, Okkervil River, David Byrne, Marc Ribot, Delicate Steve, and Albert Hammond Jr.. He has long been in demand for his ability to bring a touch of the unorthodox to highly structured and improvised musical settings alike, so it should come as no surprise that on his own solo project, The Ah, Gustin explores the outer boundaries of his imagination to the fullest.

The Ah's new album Mere Husk, the follow-up to 2017’s Common Bliss, sees Gustin once again crafting animal noises, water sounds, miscellaneous found audio, and his own playing into a harmonic language that straddles the line between his love of pop songcraft and his equally strong attraction to the abstract. Rather than employ gurgling fish tank bubbles and dolphin calls for their ambient properties alone, for example, Gustin bends them beyond recognition so that they mimic synths or serve the role of instrumental parts in an arrangement that falls together like a classic "song" --- whether Gustin includes vocals or not. "I love songs and melody," says Gustin. "As much as I like unusual stuff, I'm a song guy at heart."

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On-The-Go (feat. Naadia) - High.

Having shared stages with the likes of Jungle, The Big Pink and Foster The People, indie quintet On-The-Go have put together an eclectic album with enough uplifting tunes to keep the wolf from the door this winter.

Influenced by pop, folk and electronica, the band combine progressive time signatures, an ecstatic energy and crystal-clear production. Complex arrangements, delicately layered textures and heartfelt lyricism result in an affecting, nuanced record.

The band tells us that “we wanted to make sure that each song is based on specific ideas and lyrics with the rhythm and melody forming around the subject.”

The songs tackle subjects such as looking for balance in relationships in the ever-changing and unpredictable world, the conflicting emotions around raising children within a political climate of fear and hatred, and the changing nature of memories as our current experiences increasingly conflict with the beliefs we held in the past.

This is evident on tracks like ‘Happy’ (feat. Kate NV) which explores the effect of mental health on relationships, and the moral dilemma of trying to help or be supported by a loved one while trying not to be dragged under yourself. Title track ‘Unsaid’ deals with the regret surrounding the things we wish we were able to tell the people we care about but were never able to. Unsaid is available everywhere in February 28, 2020.

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Sharone - Nikolaj Grandjean - Caldonia

Sharone recently shared a couple of videos for 'Turn Back Time' and 'Closer To Love' both taken from her third studio album released just a few days ago. Although I note that metal (usually a personal turnoff) and goth genres are mentioned in the promo below, I have to say plenty of the songs carry melodic hooks and the vocals are natural and distinct, whilst the Gothic overtones add atmosphere. === Danish singer songwriter Nikolaj Grandjean has just released 'Seven Wild Horses' a mixture of Americana and indie folk, and plenty of originality particularly with his refined vocal delivery. === From Alabama we have the pleasure of introducing Caldonia and a couple of songs namely 'Oh Say' and 'Taxi'. Taken from their forthcoming debut E.P (due 27 December) the article below says "Their music testifies to the Southern traditions of soul, blues, rhythm and blues, and other American “roots” music", well on the strength of these to tracks I cannot argue with that!
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Sharone - Turn Back Time / Closer To Love.

Channeling chaos into art, Sharone erupted onto the Denver music scene as a solo artist in 2014 playing local DIY venues; since then she has gone on to play venues such as Marquis Theater, Bluebird Theater, and Gothic Theater, playing festivals, and opening for bands such as One-Eyed-Doll, The Birthday Massacre, Fuel, Saving Abel, Davey Suicide, Tantric, Hell’s Belles, and Stitched Up Heart. The atmospheric and melodramatic music of Evanescence and the psychedelic blues of Black Sabbath inspired Sharone to start performing her music live, and to eventually release her 2017 demo album, Storm.

Despite sustaining a dark and nearly melancholy tone on recordings, the gothic artist’s live shows are nothing short of energetic, full of heavy piano riffs, pulsing rhythms, and enthralling theatrics. From emerging from a coffin to jumping off of monitors and captivating contortions, Sharone captures the interest of each audience member through her piercing stage chemistry with her live musicians, and her ever-growing theatrics.

In the spring of 2017, the singer left her mark on the Denver music scene with the release of her first rock album ‘Storm’. Following the release, underwent a complete lineup change in her band, and came back stronger than ever with the reincarnation of her dark sound: ‘Enchiridion of Nightmares’ (2018).

Sharone followed up the release with three exhilarating summer and fall tours, reaching audiences across the western, central, and eastern United States, and is currently working on her third studio album. This unique rock artist is destined for success in the metal and goth rock realm. Sharone's third studio album, 'Reflection', was released December 7th, 2019.


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Nikolaj Grandjean - Seven Wild Horses.

Danish singer-songwriter nikolaj grandjean releases the first title track from his upcoming EP, “Seven Wild Horses“ (release: 7th of February from Embassy of Music). “Seven Wild Horses“ is the artist’s latest musical offering since his second studio album Together, released in 2014.

“Seven Wild Horses“ longs for the one and only; it longs for a soul mate, the complications that come along with the depth of that partnership, and the beautiful steps along that journey. Nikolaj unmasks the duplicity of making yourself suitable for your vis-à-vis and reveals a certain kind of insecurity behind the process. The single repeatedly questions if we’re enough, underlying a vacant confidence.

Nikolaj grew up in Copenhagen in a total matriarchy. Educated by his mother and her partner, he owes his alternative perspective and modern world outlook to the situation he was born in. The similarities and differences between all humans dominate the theme running through his creative work.

The singer-songwriter began making music early on and exhibits significant milestones; among them, a Grammy nomination, headlining festivals Placebo, and a deal with Sony Music earlier in his music career. Nikolaj describes his music as a mixture between Americana, lo-fi and indie and is deeply inspired by Townes Van Zandt, Willie Watson, Bruce Springsteen and the emotionally brave.

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Caldonia - Oh Say / Taxi.

The six members of Caldonia grew up in small towns in Alabama, where, to quote their website, “revival tents and liquor stores both testify their own truths about the Deep South.” Their music testifies to the Southern traditions of soul, blues, rhythm and blues, and other American “roots” music. They cite James Brown, Wilson Pickett, and Ray Charles among their many influences.

Caldonia has upcoming show dates in their hometown Huntsville; Jackson, Miss., and other Southern towns and cities. Band members hope to extend that reach with their debut EP “Caldonia . . . is Hurtin’ for You,” to be released Dec. 27 on all major music streaming platforms.

Caldonia is Keyton Fike on vocals, Daniel O'Donnell on saxophone, Calvin Montgomery on trumpet, Matthew Gravitt on drums, Carl Kasper on bass, and Jason Wright on keyboards. Listeners who grew up on the sounds of Stax Records and Motown will feel an instant kinship with the four songs on this record. Fans of younger artists who carry on these soul and R&B traditions — such as The Black Keys, The Alabama Shakes, and Vintage Trouble — will also enjoy this debut EP.

With Wright’s opening keyboard flourishes, O’Donnell’s saxophone, and Montgomery’s trumpet lines, the tune “Oh Say,” a Caldonia original, offers listeners a modern take on this classic soul sound. Fike’s fine vocal delivery and a spare solo from Wright on organ really bring home this slow ballad.

“Taxi,” another band original, is a workout for the horns, while the rhythm section of Kasper on bass and Gravitt on drums makes this a rhythmically infectious funk tune.

Two other compositions on this recording pay homage to the late Eddie Hinton, the legendary songwriter and member of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section that worked with so many soul and R&B artists. The arrangement of “Brand New Man” is a rocking scorcher, with the right amount of requisite guttural delivery from Fike. Fike’s vocals are perfect in conveying the emotions of Hinton’s ballad “Hard Luck Guy.” The horns and keyboard make the final chord ring.

Caldonia pay homage to Hinton’s legacy in yet another way. They recorded this debut release at historic FAME (Florence Alabama Music Enterprises) Studios in Muscle Shoals, where Aretha Franklin, Clarence Carter, Etta James, and other legends recorded. The history of FAME created the sound of “Caldonia . . . is Hurtin’ for You,” which band members call a “retro, raw, and reverb-soaked vibe ….”


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