I had the great fortune of reviewing Trampled by Turtles back in my Indiana days. I remember that show so well: the weather was hot and stormy, kind of like it is right now in NYC, and throughout much of the country. Rain you're sort of rooting for. Trampled by Turtles opened for The Head and the Heart that night, and they played a pretty rocking show for a band that can be so mellow. Their newest album (which isn't brand new, but still worth noting), Wild Animals is delightful. A little more whispery than Stars and Satellites. These guys are very confident about their instruments: everything is clean. Having spent some time in Indiana, Tennessee, and Montana, I've heard a lot of string music; some of it you get sick of, but not these guys--you can hear the talent. The Current described the new album saying, "this as bluegrass for people who don't necessarily like bluegrass," and I agree. This feels like a summer album: it feels like moving on music.
Listen
Honestly, when I wrote about Alabama Shakes' album Sound and Color, it made me think of City and Colour, but they don't have a new album out. I saw City and Colour with The Low Anthem a few years ago in Indianapolis. It seems a lifetime ago. But probably, they'll see this blog and release a new album so that we can celebrate that. Dallas Green (a city, and a color, get it?) has a gentle voice. Damien Rice, Alexi Murdoch, Samuel Beam, but with a little extra. A little more beat. A little more ache. Listen to "The Grand Optimist;" if that line after the beat drops, "I guess I take after my mother," doesn't haunt you, well: lucky you. Little Hell is a great album. This band has done more than you might know: I'm looking forward to hearing new work.