Oakland garage rockers The Helltones bring a beachy, modern doo-wop vibe to their new album Medusa (out Nov. 17), drawing inspiration from psychedelic surf, soulful Americana & retro rhythm and blues; its harmonized backing vocals, sun-kissed hand claps, grooving organ and overdriven guitar create a cinematic album about love, addiction, picking fights, making up and navigating adulthood while maintaining your sanity.
Austin heartland rocker Rick Hornyak’s new album Dandelion (out July 21) meshes jangly, ringing guitars with introspective and honest lyrics. He challenges notions of toxic masculinity while purging his childhood trauma through the love of his wife and child. His raw and emotive vocals have the familiarity of Tom Petty, the urgency of The Replacements and the alt-country gravitas of Alejandro Escovedo.
Nashville Americana duo Megan & Shane’s new album Peaks and Valleys (out July 14) encompasses one of the great love stories of our time. Its songs chronicle their odyssey from humble punk rock beginnings in Minnesota’s frozen wastelands to their time in the mystic deserts of the Southwest to their new lives in Music City U.S.A. They connected with multi-Grammy-winning engineer Brandon Bell (Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Alison Krauss) and an all-star cast of players to bring Peaks and Valleys to life.
Southern gothic Americana outfit Bonnie & the Mere Mortals’ new album Live & Unplugged showcases alt-country swagger and fellowship around live music. It delves into relationships, mental health, occult mysticism and folklore, putting forth the idea that you can make your own destiny. It was filmed and recorded in front of a live studio audience in Pittsburgh at Club Cafe, encapsulating the intimacy of the live experience following the Covid lockdown era.
Frontwoman Bonnie Ramone is a queer-identifying, tattoo artist, Dolly-Parton-meets-Elvira kind of character who writes literary songs about people who need to feel seen. “I write sad songs with happy lyrics and vice versa,” says Bonnie.
For a long time I felt like I had to say yes to everything. There were a couple times that I was sick and showed up to sing anyway and ended up damaging my voice.
“Comparison is the death of joy. Don’t worry about other folks’ social media numbers or streams or the stages they are playing. Focus on your art.”
VOLK is Nashville indie-rock duo Eleot Reich (drums, vocals) and Christopher Lowe (guitar, vocals). Their new EP Stand the Test (out Apr. 28) delves into bluesy retro-futuristic dance punk, synthwave, new wave, and nostalgia-filled roller rink bangers. VOLK have shared bills with The Dead South, Charley Crockett, Electric Six, Supersuckers, Diarrhea Planet & more.