Originating from an island off Ireland’s west coast, The Achill Sound gives a darker take on traditional Irish balladry but achieves the best of both…
The Achill Sound Reinvent Irish Folk
Author: Tom Orr
Tom Orr is a California-based writer whose talent and mental stability are of an equally questionable nature. His hobbies include ignoring trends, striking dramatic poses in front of his ever-tolerant wife and watching helplessly as his kids surpass him in all desirable traits.
Lovely Bolero by Indy Fontaine
Cuban/American Indy Fontaine delivers pure beauty throughout the flute-punctuated bolero “El Amor No Alcanza,” an original work that sounds like a pleasant remnant of a…
Safar Republique’s Afro-Rooted “Progress”
Is it ironic that a track called “Progress” is hard to classify? The work of Belgium’s Safar Republique, the piece is African in its rhythmic…
Patricia Moreno’s Jazz Coated Afro Grooves
An immediately insistent groove, African roots, brightly energetic vocals, jazz layering and a positive message combine to make “Niñas Arriba (Rise Up Girls)” by Venezuelan…
High Energy Riddims by Naya Rockers
The latest in a string of potent reggae tracks advocating growth of one’s mind, “Higher Education” by America’s Naya Rockers features the rich family bloodline…
Bianca Rastafiore’s Swinging Bossa Nova
A name like Bianca Rastafiore suggests a reggae connection, but the Cape Verdean singer going by that name is instead behind “Elle Fait Les Courses…
Frenchie King’s Enticing Classic Roots Reggae
“When Will We Learn?” is the well-worth-answering question posed by the U.K.’s Frenchie King. He does so in a classic roots reggae style, ever an…
Laid Back Storytelling by Kyle C’Ettore
On “Storyteller,” U.S. artist Kyle C’Ettore sounds every bit like he’s got a musical tale to share. He does so with grandly acoustic backup (including…
Idiosyncratic Latin Sounds by Danish Percussionist Benita Haastrup
“Boogaloo For Bees” has not only a nice literal and figurative buzz to it, but also a quirky cool Latin feel courtesy of a band…
Ukulele MJ ‘s Optimistic Uke Sounds
The Netherlands’ Ukulele MJ skillfully demonstrates the emotive range of her chosen instrument with “Lost World,” a grand mosaic of strummed and picked sounds that…