Articles Formally Known As: Album Reviews Volume 1
The following is part of the ‘Articles Formally Known As” series. This is being reshared exactly as I sent it to my editor at the Beachcomber – with no additional edits or corrections included.
Besides Daniel – T E E M I N G
Hubbub! Music
30a Songwriter Festival alum serves up a new full-length of organic acoustic tunes. In our wild, fast-paced world – there is always something reassuring that music can be stripped down to the essentials and clearly express us at our most human. The quiet production and unique choices (like the choir-like vocals on ‘If You Ask Me To’) make T E E M I N G feel vulnerable and intimate – like a secret shared between friends.
Duck Phat – Big Phun
Independent
If there was a litmus test to single out longtime locals in the region, one of those questions likely would be: Are you on a first name basis with the members of Duck Phat? Don’t worry, if your answer is ‘no’, it just means a few more local parties in your future to the tune of southern music inspired by the deep bayous and Appalachian traditions. ‘Big Phun’ is exactly that. So much fun and bright energy packed onto the album that it requires an alternate spelling. It’s a wonderful thing that this album exists and will bring joy for many years to come.
Slow Low Crow – Skylark Motel
Cat Family Records
Calling Tallahassee home, Slow Low Crow focuses on songwriting while drawing from southern, country, and roots influences. The EP consists of four songs, each one originating from different members of the group – an exploration that further showcases their talent and individual styles within the whole of the band. If you long for icons who helped shaped songwriting in the 70’s like Tom Petty or Neil Young – you will feel right at home in the tracks of Skylark Motel.
Gone with the Flesh – Gone with the Flesh
Independent
Local old-school metal-heads! Do you prefer chugging rhythms, guitar solos, and clean vocals over the death metal approach to the genre? Then Gone with the Flesh is the band you need to add to your rotation. Dynamic vocals lead the mix, while aggressive, memorable riffs help achieve a powderkeg of boisterousness that is best listened to loud enough that your neighbors can hear it too.
Faux/Fox – Congratulations
Independent
Proudly wearing the one-size banner of ‘alternative’, Pensacola’s Faux/Fox concoct a musical adventure with their first full-length release. Perhaps distantly related to shoe-gaze forerunners, the band embraces taglines like ‘Hoping to ruin your day, one song at a time.’ Congratulations is a somewhat nihilistic expression of life and the world around us. The lyrics aren’t overtly bleak, just intelligently somber about the trials of real life and the creeping expectations that weigh heavily on our psyches. In short, it is honest music – well conceived and well executed.
The Mulligan Brothers – Songs for the Living and Otherwise
Southern Routes Records
Hailing from Mobile and constantly touring – The Mulligan Brothers are far from strangers to the area. Embraced by fans of Americana, country, and roots music the well-traveled band is easily hitting an all-new stride with this third full-length studio album. There is something to be said about the art of holding back – not coming at every track with full force like the old-school-cool of ‘Possession in G Minor’ that burns slow and enticing. The Mulligan Brothers are a band of many talents, but their ability to pace an album and draw the listener in is near the top of the heap.
The Underhill Family Orchestra – On the Wind
Skate Mountain Records
The idea of ‘roots music’ making a comeback in recent years and being embraced by younger audiences is an interesting concept in the face of glossy production values and corporate influence. The Mobile-based The Underhill Family Orchestra’s newest album captures their live energy and authentic anthems that lean on the music sensibilities of years gone past. Although the band prefers the homespun label of ‘American Southern Progressive Pop’, the melting pot of southern-roots music serves as the backbone of this mighty fine listen.
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