Trax
By Bliss 09/17/2009
AM, Future Sons and Daughters (AM Sounds):
(3 stars out of 5)
Hotel Café darling AM managed to secure soundtrack placement for every song from his last album, 2006’s “Troubled Times.” The ear-pleasing pop of his newest release is likely to find similarly warm reception in industry quarters. With a little sunshiny California rock here, soft Brazilian grooves there and the irresistible bounce of “Grand Opinion,” it’s more soothing than challenging (though “Leavenworth” stirs some chills), but it goes down easy. At Spaceland Tuesday, Sept. 22. amsounds.com
SLAVIC SOUL PARTY, Taketron (Barbès):
(3 stars out of 5)
Like a marching band with a funky edge, this quirky NYC-based quintet melds Balkan brass with jazz improvisation, with lively, sometimes kitschy results. The relentless wall of horn sounds can be overwhelming, which may be why the album is most inspiring when it infuses elements from other parts of the globe, as on the New Orleans-flavored traditional “Canaan Land” and the tango- and accordion-accented “Laughter Club.” CD release party at the Echo Wednesday, Sept. 23.
barbesrecords.com
BAND OF HEATHENS, One Foot in the Ether (BOH Records):
(3.5 stars out of 5)
This steady-grooving Austin ensemble carries on the rootsy tradition of jam-friendly classic rockers, particularly Little Feat, The Band and the Subdudes, not least because of the diversity offered by three singer-songwriters: Colin Brooks, Ed Jurdi and Gordy Quist, multi-instrumentalists all. While there’s nothing as anthemic as “Jackson Station” from last year’s self-titled disc, the overall song quality here is stronger and more consistent. Standout tracks include “L.A. County Blues,” “Shine a Light,” “You’re Gonna Miss Me” and the topical blues “Golden Calf” (despite sounding awfully reminiscent of the Norman Whitfield/Barrett Strong soul classic “Smiling Faces Sometimes”). bandofheathens.com
SEA WOLF, White Water, White Bloom (Dangerbird):
(4 stars out of 5)
Frontman Alex Brown Church expands on the poetic confessionals of 2007’s “Leaves in the River” with a full band on this exceptional 10-song collection, the second proper Sea Wolf release. The vivid natural imagery of his lyrics tumbles over insistent hooks and melodies while producer Mike Mogis (of Monsters of Folk) juggles an eclectic assortment of instruments, including Marxophone and hammered dulcimer. Replay-worthy cuts include the title track, “Spirit Horse,” “The Traitor,” “Winter’s Heir.” Should appeal to Monsters of Folk, Ryan Adams and Iron & Wine fans. At the Troubadour in West Hollywood Thursday, Sept. 17. seawolfmusic.com
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