Tag #ALT-COUNTRY

Sam Varga Charts His Own Path With Defiant NEW SINGLE “MINUTE MAN”

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We recently had the amazing opportunity to check out the new single, “Minute Man”, from Nashville-based artist,Sam Varga. You can listen to “Minute Man” Here .

Sam Varga, has a sound and vibe that needs to be heard in today’s ever changing world. “Minute Man” comes at you fast and leaves a lasting impression.

Varga transforms modern anxiety into an anthemic love song for the end of the world.

I told myself I’d never release a political song,” Varga admits. But in a world where the political is personal—and survival feels like spectacle—he leans into the chaos, offering a defiant, cinematic track that captures the strange romance of collapse. “Minute Man” doesn’t take sides. It’s a scorched-earth snapshot of young love in a broken world: biting, beautiful, and wide open to interpretation.

“We’re all made to feel like it’s the end of the world every day—whether it is or isn’t is above our clearance level,” Varga says. “So I wrote it like a sonic inkblot test. The song doesn’t point fingers. What you love—or hate—about it probably says more about you than it does about me.” Threaded with lyrical Easter eggs and cultural landmines, “Minute Man” invites listeners to project their own beliefs, fears, and hopes onto its apocalyptic backdrop.

Sam Varga blends his emo roots with Southern grit and singer-songwriter soul. Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, he came up in the city’s DIY emo scene, cutting his teeth on loud guitars, basement shows, and late-night chaos. At home, his parents filled the house with ’80s rock, Southern staples, and classic lyricists, giving him a rich musical foundation that laid the groundwork for his genre-blurring sound. That blend of raw punk energy and emotional storytelling forms the backbone of his sound, landing somewhere between alt-country and rock, woven with acoustic textures and dynamic instrumentation. 

Find your favorite listening spot and get lost in the musical magic that is Sam Varga and his new single, “Minute Man”

The Will Call Light It Up With Their Sparkling Single, “Brooklyn On The 4th Of July”

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The last we had the pleasure to listen to Western Massachusetts, based rock band, The Will Call, was back in February, to check out their killer record, “Amnesia” which if your scoring at home was a memorable experience.

The Will Call, are back with their perfectly timed single. “Brooklyn On The 4th Of July “

You can listen to “Brooklyn On The 4th Of July” on Spotify, Here, Apple Music Here

There is a high level of truth and authenticity that is earnestly woven throughout “Brooklyn On The 4th July”, that you just can’t fake . The Will Call , once again prove that they are the definition of high quality/ honest unforgettable music .

“Brooklyn On The 4th Of July, originally appeared on The Will Call’s 2023 album, “You’ll Be OK”

We hear elements of Pavement, Wilco, and even a dash of punk rock.However, the electrifying vibe that fuels “Brooklyn On The 4th July, is 100 percent The Will Call.

The flawless vocals and memorable melodies are what makes The Will Call stand out and “Brooklyn On The 4th Of July,is no exception.

If you’re looking for a way to spark your Fourth of July, you need to check out, “Brooklyn On The Fourth July “ from The Will Call.

LABRADOR Release New Album “My Version Of Desire” And….. We Can’t Get Enough

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We recently had the epic opportunity to check out the new album, “My Version Of Desire” , from Philadelphia, based Maximum Alt-Country’ band Labrador. You can listen to “My Version Of Desire” on Spotify Here and Apple Music Here

Labrador, has crafted memorable and melodic gems on “My Version Of Desire” that are authentic and lasting.

As soon as we heard the opening chords on “Someday I Pay”, we were absolutely mesmerized. Labrador, has a style and sound that perfectly blends a rock / alt -country sound that is letter perfect.

Led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Pat King, Labrador has been around for a handful of years — seen moves to a new city (Philadelphia), seen a handful of lineup changes (the band is now officially King, Will Hochgertel and Steve Kurtz), and an excellent full-length breakthrough in 2023’s Hold The Door For Strangers. As you might guess from the title, Strangers was an album about empathy, full of poignant character studies and patient witching-hour ruminations. 

“Dry June, and “A Favor To Someone”, are two solid tracks , that show off the next level musicianship of Labrador.

The title track, “My Version Of Desire “ in our opinion, is the best track on the album and is Labrador, at their absolute best.

Flawless vocals and brilliantly crafted melodies make “My Version Of Desire”, from Labrador, a must listen.

‘MY VERSION OF DESIRE’ RELEASE SHOWS

5.29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Sleepwalk NYC w/ Perennial + RADAR
5.30 — Philadelphia, PA @ The Khyber Pass Pub w/ Hurry + Lowercase Roses + Petal 
5.31 — Holyoke, MA @ Tori Town w/ Perennial + Radical Joy + Blue Penny 

Billy Dodge Moody Releases Poetically Perfect New Single, “Meaning To Disaster”

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First new music from the alt-Americana artist since 2022’s ‘Condition’ album 

We recently had the distinct honor of checking out the brilliantly beautiful new single , “Meaning To Disaster “, from Boston, alt-Americana singer-songwriter, Billy Dodge Moody . You can listen to “Meaning To Disaster” Here

We were immediately taken by the gorgeous and poignant melody that is beautifully presented with “Meaning To Disaster “

Billy Dodge Moody , takes the experience of a sudden tragic loss and is able to channel all of the emotions associated with that loss and craft his new single, a lush and sweeping ballad of cinematic indie folk-pop titled “Meaning to Disaster,” which hits the streams today (Friday, May 2.)

An expansive track that swirls around the heartfelt creative winds of Americana and pop-rock, offering a gorgeous type of grandeur that can only be revealed through a personal reflection, “Meaning to Disaster” is the first new music from Moody since his 2022 album Condition. It sets a dramatic tone for his forthcoming summer EP, Ephemera, the first in a series of EPs that will combine to form his next album, thematically centering around navigating chaos and finding clarity in life. 

Taking a theme of tragedy and looking back on both a life cut short and one privileged to carry on, Moody first penned the track back in 2021, more than 20 years after his friend’s passing from an unexpected heart attack. Like an old wound needing time to heal and a desire to create something beautiful out of pain, Moody was deliberate in how – and when – he wanted to bring the touching composition to listeners.

Courtesy Of The Artist

“It’s about the shock and confusion that comes with losing someone so young, and how that moment made me confront the brevity, chaos, and randomness of life,” Moody says. “The song grapples with the idea that life itself is inherently chaotic, and our purpose is to find a way to make sense of why we’re here – giving it some sense of purpose in the very short time we have.”

“Meaning To Disaster” by Billy Dodge Moody , reminds us why music is so important for our mind , body and soul. Music is a powerful vehicle and we are witnessing the power, first hand on “Meaning To Disaster”

Moody took “Meaning to Disaster” to his trusted longtime producer, Brian Charles, who the artist worked with previously at Zippah Recording. After a 2021 fire displaced the Brighton studio, Moody and Charles recorded the track over the course of three years, first at Guilford Sound in Guilford, Vermont, with stops along the way at Mad Oak in Allston and The Record Co. in Boston,  before completing it at Charles’ freshly-minted Rare Signals in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Charles mixed and mastered the track, on which Moody performs vocals and guitar alongside Jon Chapman on drums, Sam Bouve on bass, and Tyler Simko on keyboards. Additional vocals were provided by Hannah Foxman.

“Meaning To Disaster “ from Billy Dodge Moody , is about to become a song you can’t live without, you just don’t know it yet .

Philly ‘Maximum Alt-Country’ band Labrador sign to Safe Suburban Home for new album MY VERSION OF DESIRE

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We recently learned that Philadelphia, “Maximum Alt-Country “ band , Labrador, will be releasing their new album “My Version Of Desire”

Philly ‘Maximum Alt-Country’ Band Labrador
Announce New Album ‘My Version Of Desire’ 
Share Single ‘Dry Out In June’ 

The new album arrives May 30th
via No Way Of Knowing (U.S.) & Safe Suburban Home (U.K. / E.U)

We absolutely love the sound and vibe of LABRADOR, The guitar sound is a great combination of alt country and jangle pop . The recent single, “Dry Out In June” is a sonically and melodically pleasing track that we couldn’t get enough.

You can listen to , “Dry Out In June” Here

We were especially attracted to the drum sound within , “Dry Out In June” , it really gave the track an added dimension.

Led by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Pat King, Labrador has been around for a handful of years — seen moves to a new city (Philadelphia), seen a handful of lineup changes (the band is now officially King, Will Hochgertel and Steve Kurtz), and an excellent full-length breakthrough in 2023’s Hold The Door For Strangers. As you might guess from the title, Strangers was an album about empathy, full of poignant character studies and patient witching-hour ruminations. 

We are looking forward to the release of “My Version Of Desire “ on May 30th, You can pre-order “My Version Of Desire “ Here

Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners Have Uncorked A Magnificent Collection Of Music , With New Ep “Before The Fall”

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If the new EP, “Before The Fall” from-based accordion-driven country-rock sextet Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners , was whiskey it would be from the best barrel in the land – guaranteed. You can listen to the splendid new EP, “Before The Fall” below

the high-octane sextet, led by longtime Boston music scene veteran Kier Byrnes and the recipient of Americana Act of the Year at the 2024 New England Music Awards, unleashes the stunning new EP , Before The Fall , today, (Friday, April 4.) The spirited and feisty six-track EP, which blends a spectrum of subgenres that bridge alt-folk, gypsy punk, Celtic, old-school country, and whatever else, gets the proper release party treatment a week later at The Plough & Stars in Cambridge come April 11. 

Photo Credit: Monica Sager

“My hope is to create a unique blend of music from genres I closely identify with; country, rock, Celtic and Bavarian folk music and turn it into something new that defies any genre,” says Byrnes. “You know the joke about what happens if you play a country song backwards – you get your car back, you get your woman back, and you get your dog back. My aim is to take a country song and turn it completely inside out.” 

The Before The Fall EP, fueled by potent lead single and opening track “White Russian,” continues a dynamic 2025 for the band, with no immediate signs of a slow down. In the Kettle Burners, co-vocalist and acoustic guitarist Byrnes is rounded out by lead guitarist and co-vocalist Dan DiBacco; accordion player Jason McGorty; washboard player Monica Sager; bassist Joe Miller; and drummer Brian Lilienthal. And the band just banged out seven live shows over a five-day stretch leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, celebrating their also-new In The Key of Guinness EP of Irish music with high-profile gigs at Harpoon Brewery, The Burren, and a massive 10-hour all-day holiday set at The Stockyard in Brighton.

Every song on , “Before The Fall” , felt more like a monumental musical event rather just an average song , we were literally hanging on every word and melody.

Remarkably, for a band with the Kettle Burners’ hustle and all-overdrive ambition, the tracks that make up Before The Fall were all written and recorded last summer, just ahead of the band’s appearance at Outlaw Music Fest in New Hampshire alongside Willie Nelson & Family, John Mellencamp, Charley Crockett, and others. A few weeks before the gig arrived, Byrnes suffered a tumble down a set of stairs, leaving him with severe injury to his legs and requiring surgery. Finishing the songs was placed on the back-burner, allowing Byrnes time to heal and giving the record its title, as the songs were all written Before The Fall.

With its title already ominous, the lyrical material reveals a slightly darker undercurrent than what the upbeat and zestful music would imply. 

“Some of my favorite country and folk songs are the ones where the music seems really nice and happy-go-lucky, but if you listen to the lyrics, it’s really gory and/or tragic,” admits Byrnes. “It’s fun to sing about darker stuff in an upbeat, energetic way.” 

We blissfully sang and danced our way through “Before The Fall” from Kier Byrnes & The Kettle Burners and truth be told we enjoyed every single minute of it. . “When The Money’s All Gone” , “Train’s Off The Rails and “Hurting or Helping “ are absolute gems that we are absolutely over the moon about . Flawless sing along vocals woven between memorable melodies make “Before The Fall” a collection of music to cherish forever. Our favorite track on “Before The Fall” , is without a doubt “Quarter-Life Crisis “ Everything about this song is “stop you in your tracks “ good.

Do yourself a solid and check out “Before The Fall” you certainly will not regret it.

Pete Mancini Proves His Stories Need To Be Heard With Stunning New Album, “American Equator “

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Sometimes when we settle in and review new music, we truly never know what we are going to get when we hit play. However, every once in a while we find something really special, this is definitely the case with NYC songwriter Pete Mancini. We first had the pleasure of hearing Pete, when we reviewed his single, “Technicolor Days”…. We were absolutely floored. Then we listened to “Stomping Grounds and we realized that Pete Mancini is a voice of great importance. Now that we have had the amazing opportunity to listen to his new album, “American Equator,via Paradiddle Records we realize Pete Mancini might one of the great singer songwriters of the modern generation.

Pete Mancini, artfully takes elements of folk, rock, Americana, country and pop on “American Equator “and creates memorable musical compositions that stay with you long after the music has faded .

You can listen to “American Equator “ Here

The opening track, “Calamity People “ has a powerful folk rock vibe that serves as the perfect introduction to “American Equator “ we found ourselves clapping and singing along right away . We also love the 60’s vibe and killer guitar work on the track as well.

The title track, “American Equator “, has both a strong melody and a strong message. We found ourselves hitting repeat quite often.

Besides being a master class musician, Pete Mancini is a world class storyteller teller . This is front and center on songs like , “Spy Rock Road, “The Paris Hotel ( this song would be perfect for a blockbuster movie on the silver screen) and “Leaving For Raleigh “

Every song on “American Equator” , from Pete Mancini is a gem . It is the type of album that you can just hit play and not skip a single track .

“American Equator”, was produced by Matt Patton, recorded and mixed by Henry Barbe at Dial Back Sound , Water Valley, Ms , mastered by Clay Jones.

Contributions from Jay Gonzalez (Drive By Truckers), Tim Lee, Schaefer Llana, and John Smith (Dexateens) support Mancini as he confidently treads new sonic territory. 

Do yourself a favor and get lost in the musical greatness on “American Equator “ , from Pete Mancini

Old Town Crier Delivers An Epic Collection Of Tunes With EP “Motion Blur”

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We recently had the stellar opportunity to check the EP, “Motion Blur” from Old Town Crier . You can listen to “Motion Blur “ on Bandcamp Here

Old Town Crier , is the solo project of multi instrumentalist, Jim Lough . Jim is best known for his bluegrass band, Riley Coyote.Lough, not only is a skilled musician but a long time advocate of the good fight. Half of the proceeds of “Motion Blur” go to Plymouth COPE Center at bamsi.org.

Photo courtesy of the artist

The EP. was originally recorded in the winter of 2004, a single cassette copy was made , lost , then found it twenty years later.

We were immediately enthralled with “Motion Blur”, Old Town Crier ( Jim Lough) has an honest and authentic sound and message that as a listener , you can’t help but connect with .

The opening track “Back Door” is a brilliant melody filled with alt-country feels and stunning punk sensibilities , which are woven perfectly within “stop you in your tracks “ perfect vocals.

The melody of “Rebecca” greets you like a smile from the prettiest girl at the dance . We must confess we hit repeat on this one many , many times.

The driving backbeat of “Country Boy” grabs your ears immediately. We love the musical energy on this one .

The EP, closes with the rousing,”Real Good Friend” , we found ourselves tapping along and singing to this well crafted gem almost instantly.

The town crier was used to make public announcements in the streets. Old Town Crier ( Jim Lough) artfully uses his voice and music to announce his views and thoughts in to the world, this is heard loud and clear on “Motion Blur”

Nate Perry & Ragged Company Deliver Remarkable Debut EP “The Otherside Of Everything “

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Boston alternative Americana band that releases the CD edition The Otherside Of Everything

We recently had the opportunity to check out the debut EP “The Otherside Of Everything”from Boston based alternative Americana band Nate Perry &Ragged Company. You can listen to “The Otherside Of Everything “ Here

We can’t believe we are late to the party with Nate Perry & Ragged Company… “The Otherside Of Everything “ is that perfectly poured glass of beer and the perfect sunset all rolled into one but… set to music.

Photo credit:Shivohn Fleming

The CD release of The Otherside of Everything, produced by Brian Charles at Rare Signals in Cambridge, surfaces ahead of two choice festival gigs fast on the horizon: An appearance at Thrive Music Festival on September 20 with GA-20 and Crooked Coast; and a show at Team Haverhill’s River Ruckus alongside KT Tunstall and The 502s on September 21.   

The five tracks on the EP act like mini-chapters of an overarching storyline of finding your way through life and the people you meet along the way: The urgent enchantment and upbeat thrust of lead track “Maria”; the twang-driven gallop of “All I Need”; a raw country glow in “Another Day”; the radio-ready pop-leaning euphoria of “Evergreens”; and a soulful spin around Southern blues in “Preacher.” The EP’s title, The Otherside of Everything, reflects Perry’s life after the Army, and the crazy years that have followed. And as the band’s vocalist and guitarist, he’s ready to present these stories to the listener. 

There is this real familiar feel on the EP that really makes the listener feel connected to the music . We found ourselves almost singing along instantly.

“Every song I write is a true story of mine, in one way or another,” admits Perry. “Entirely self-reflective and a bit confessional. Each song is about my life and specifically the last five years or so after the Army. These aren’t songs about partying or anything, and I’m also not claiming to be a genius writer, but I hope they hear the stories and find some common ground with us.” 

So do your music loving heart a favor and check out “The Otherside of Everything” from Nate Perry & Ragged Company .

Nate Perry & Ragged Company

Nate Perry – Lead vocals and guitar

Sam DeMello – Drums

 Connor Milligan – Bass and vocals

Ollie Nash  – Keys and vocals

Mike Chandler – Lead guitar

Other Brother Darryl Delivers A Heartfelt New Single “Drive”

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Design Credit: Dan Cedarholm, IG: @simplebits

We recently had the amazing opportunity to check the new single “Drive” from Boston based country supergroup and cosmic canyon rock band, Other Brother Darryl.

You can listen to “Drive” on Spotify Here and on Apple Music Here

“Drive” from Other Brother Darryl is a timeless heartfelt track that gently touches both your mind and soul.

Photo by : Chris Valle

The message of the new single “Drive” is simple – even if we live in not so simple times: When you see your friends, tell them that you love them. Because we’ll never know when that last chance comes around.

It’s a sentiment the cosmic canyon rock group knows all too well, and one that swirls with impassioned honesty over its hypnotic new Americana single, “Drive,” set for release on Friday, November 10, with a music video to follow afterwards. It’s the second single from the ensemble band, led by Boston music scene veterans Dan Nicklin, Nate Leavitt, Dan Cedarholm, and one that continues to cherish and maintain the memory of their beloved friend and band member Dave Mirabella, who passed away unexpectedly in in the spring of last year.

“It has a laid- back feel, but still drives forward, which mirrors how the band works,” says Leavitt. “Move at your own pace but get there just the same. A motivational rhythm and tempo. Instrumentally, it covers a wide range of sounds that capture the cosmic canyon rock.”

There is this strong energy that is associated with “Drive” from Other Brother Darryl, It is often said that music can be a great healer of both wounds we can and can not see . We definitely feel this is the case with “Drive”

Other Brother Darryl, its name taken from a Newhart reference, was first conceptualized a decade ago at long-lost Somerville venue Radio, with its members bonding over The Jayhawks, Wilco, and the various projects each had been a part of over the many years spent in the trenches of a local music scene. But time was on their side, and after loose exchanges of ideas it would be seven years before the group began writing music together, crafting the harmony-driven, Americana-leaning sound that their spectral surroundings and sharp songwriting acumen were destined to produce.

Then Covid hit, and the world stood still. And in April 2021, the band’s world collapsed: Mirabella died, leaving an empty space within Other Brother Darryl both as musicians and friends. Suddenly, time, once a casual asset, became anything but, and a common refrain of telling friends and family how much we care for them became an important one.

While Other Brother Darryl captured Mirabella’s guitar parts for “Drive,” he was never able to provide vocals for the track. An important and disappointing turn of event for a band that leans into vocal harmonies so heavily. But remarkably, the band discovered that during one guitar recording session, Mirabella actually counted himself in, whispering “Six… seven… Dave.” That part was added to the very start of “Drive,” giving their late friend a voice that introduces and welcomes the listener.

“Drive” is truly a team effort. It was written by the core Other Brother Darryl team of Mirabella (guitar, count-in), Leavitt (guitars and vocals), Nicklin (vocals), and Cederholm (drums); produced by the band at Henley Row; and recorded and mixed by Nicklin at his aforementioned studio in Stoneham, with mastering by Brian Charles. It expands the Other Brother Darryl collective outward, featuring Jim Collins on bass and vocals; Dave Lieb on acoustic piano; Matt Odabashian on B3 organ; Paul Gallo on conga and percussion; and Jason Meeker on bongo and percussion.

Do yourself a favor and get lost in the beauty of “Drive” from Other Brother Darryl