Author: pimpod

One of the great post-punk releases of 2024 comes from SF Bay area band Neutrals. There’s something VERY good in the water of that city with so many fantastic bands emerging and Slumberland yet again shows why it’s continuing to be one of the great labels. The trio channel a wide range of ’70s and ’80s DIY indiepop with terse angularity, but not skimping on melody or intimate storytelling. File under “scrappy Jam-meets-Television Personalties” and that’s totally fine by me. Great listening.

Johanna Samuels is an extraordinary songwriter, her lived experience and darkest moments seep deep into her compositions, which makes for powerful listening. Written in dark times while isolated, she was inspired by conversations with producer Josh Kaufman (The Hold Steady, Bob Weir, Cassandra Jenkins) and by deep friendships in the music community (her old friends in the band Bonny Light Horseman). The result is a sonic template that ranges from the soaring and orchestral to the understated and confessional; at turns free-wheeling and filled with swagger then sincere and precise, with each subtle movement serving to highlight Samuels’ lyrical journeys. A simply brilliant listen from start to finish.

Nick Lowe is something of a magician. He’s a brilliant producer, songwriter, performer and he returns with his first new album in over a decade for the Yep Roc label, Indoor Safari. Twelve songs of brand new originals, signature deep-cut covers and refitted versions of tracks previously released in nascent form as singles, representing a culmination of Lowe’s decade-long working relationship with those mysterious masked men and Yep Roc labelmates Los Straitjackets.

With each subsequent release from California three piece Sour Widows, I became more and more excited, I couldn’t wait for their debut album, it certainly hasn’t disappointed. “Revival of a Friend” evolves their beautiful sound and mountainous grief into a wonderful cathartic yet healing whole. Excellent musical dynamics with lyrics that unveil the spiritually purifying power of connection and love in the face of loss. Highly Recommended listening.