The album’s music is upbeat, with ambient touches creating an expansive sonic space. Lyrically, Gerlock addresses alienation, capitalism, aging, and the meaning and meaninglessness of life. “As I was writing, I was thinking about suicide a lot,” Gerlock said. “It never got to the point that I was worried I might actually do it, but it made its way into the songs.”
“The Flood,” a standout track from Old Heavy Hands’ upcoming album “Small Fires,” is a gripping narrative that melds Americana with alt-country, echoing the soulful essence of acts like Drive-By Truckers and Jason Isbell. Hailing from Greensboro, NC, the band brings to life their y’allternative sound in a song that captures the essence of resilience and rebirth. Produced by Danny Fonorow and engineered by the legendary Mitch Easter, “The Flood” is a testament to the band’s journey through life’s tumultuous waters, from surviving cancer and overcoming addiction to building families and sharing stages with renowned artists.
Discover “The Flood”, Old Heavy Hands’ terribly riffy new rock ‘n’ roll single, complete with powerful and relevant horns. To hear more compositions of this caliber, supported by the warm voice of Nathan James Hall, see you on January 19, 2024 for the release of the album Small Fires.
Max and Nick Gerlock, two siblings who have a knack for both melodic and dramatic moments, are the leaders of this Oakland, California-based band. Max’s strong vocals are very reminiscent of Stanton Marriott (Skeleton Staff). Their powerful debut track, “Continue?” draws connections between the arcade gaming world and overcoming crippling anxiety. “Path through the Past” is a dance-pop pastiche with an infectious chorus, but my favorite here is the brilliant “9 to 5” with its strong guitar riffs and commanding rhythm.
From sharing the stage with Anita Baker to working in the studio with Dan Auerbach, Stephie James has seen every side of music. The Nashville via Detroit singer/songwriter has been earning her stripes in the background while honing her skills as a frontwoman and today, it all pays off. James is announcing her debut album As Night Fades, which is set to be released on March 1. The 10-song album will be available digitally along with some physical pressings that will host two songs not on the digital version. James is giving us our first preview of As Night Fades with the Glide’s premiere of “Losing Side”, the lead single to her anticipated debut. James brings us Honytonk bygone visuals and contagious hooks that reflect a time and place when the world was just a tad… cooler.
Californian rock ‘n’ soul outfit The Helltones return with full-length Medusa, which sounds more charming, subdued and polished than you would expect based on the band name and cover art. The music may have a warm appearance, but the theme is quite dark: “As with the mythical Medusa, this album is about taking your demons, chopping their heads off, and using their severed heads to turn your other demons into stone.”