2024’s first roundup of Michigan releases ranges from hip hop glory to funk to rock fervor, from Southeast Michigan’s Annie & Rod Capps to Holland’s Lost Magic. Check out the reviews; listen to the music.
Spanning Michigan: The early January round-up of releases at Local Spins.
While Michigan’s non-winter-like winter is about to shift gears to more seasonal conditions, one thing hasn’t changed at Local Spins: We’re still rolling out our takes on new releases by Michigan artists.
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The first blast of 2024 features a wide mix of artists and covers a lot of territory geographically, too. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the albums below.
And if you’ve missed our round-ups of other Michigan releases, check out previews reviews online here.
Hannah Rose Graves
“Medicine”
What Stands Out: Hannah Rose Graves has never been one to confine herself to just one genre, and her debut album proves that she is capable of mastering any style. From uptempo Americana tunes with a bluesy twist to heartfelt folk ballads, “Medicine” serves as the perfect introduction to the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and the kind of artist she is. The rich, warm tones of Graves’ vocals are the common thread that tie each track to one another no matter how sonically different they may be.
Digging Deeper: The overall theme of the appropriately-titled album is that music can be used as a tool for healing in tough situations. Graves mentions the COVID-19 pandemic in the opening track, “Stir Crazy,” and tells the stories of loved ones with the tracks “Elena” and “The Rog.” At the end of the day, life is about making the best of what you have and, as Graves sings in “Addictions,” “finding the silver lining.” The album ends on an optimistic note with “Slice of Heaven (UP),” an ode to Graves’ home state of Michigan and the beauty it has to offer.
Perfect For: Starting the year with a new, positive outlook on life. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.hannahrosegraves.net/
Upcoming Shows: 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids with Lady Ace Boogie; 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday for “Talent Show Open Stage and Artisan Market” at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids
Listen: “Medicine”
Troy Ceasar
“Staring Into the Sun”
What Stands Out: Released in December to close out 2023, Troy Ceasar returns with an album that was also released alongside “Some Sh!t I Did With My Friends” and one that is as deeply smooth and soulful as it is cinematic. Each track feels like a moment suspended in time, allowing the listener to groove to their heart’s content while a colorful variety of sampled quotes, choice arrangements and tunes that groove in the past, present and future simultaneously. Devoted black American music and media fans will recognize the source material in the style and quoted samples, while new fans will delight in how effortless this album flows from track to track to give that headnod vibe in spades.
Digging Deeper: Troy Ceasar’s output is always admirable, as it shows the level of daily care this artist puts to his craft. Each release offers a window into his process, from the attention to detail within each beat to the careful selection of samples curated to express a unified vibe throughout. “Staring Into The Sun” works great as an album you can keep looping, delighting in new ear candy on each listen. Fans of classic hip hop will instantly connect with this as much as fresh talent will elevate their own skills when checking out this solid album release.
Perfect For: Cruising around town in the colder months and blasting it during the summer cookout in the warmer months. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Troy-Ceasar-Music-2272669019670735/
Listen: “Playing In The Sun”
The Mollusks
“The Sun and the Moon”
What Stands Out: The opening track of “The Sun and the Moon” blends gentle guitar strumming with the serene sounds of crashing waves, a complete contrast to what comes next. The Muskegon-based trio wastes no time diving into upbeat punk songs complete with driving guitar riffs and haunting baritone vocals that sometimes escalate to aggressive yelling in true punk-rock fashion. The album alternates between instrumental and vocal tracks, each one adding a new element to the band’s already unique sound.
Digging Deeper: Dreamy synth interludes, ambient sounds and surf-rock undertones are not things one would typically hear combined together on a punk album, but The Mollusks blend them artfully to create an almost surreal listening experience. The Mollusks have defined their genre as “beach-goth,” which fits the vibe of this one-of-a-kind project incredibly well. The raw emotion expressed in the vocal delivery speaks just as loud as the emotional and political themes the lyrics cover.
Perfect For: When you wish your favorite punk albums were just a little bit more summery. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://themollusks.net/
Upcoming Shows: Feb. 10 for Heart On Your Sleeve Fest at Hagar’s Hideaway in Muskegon with If He Dies He Dies, Tiny Tree, Tonguecutter and more; March 30 at Turnstiles in Grand Rapids with Night Starts, T.H.V., and Silicon Heartbeat
Listen: “II Waste Away”
Short Panic
“Short Panic”
What Stands Out: Short Panic already has made waves in the Grand Rapids music scene with its brand of funk-fueled rock, stellar musicianship and fun live shows that have garnered the band a fan base, a win at The Stray’s “Battle of the Bands” competition, and some attention from local music outlets. This self-titled debut on Midwest Gold Records is filled with funk-laden grooves, tight riffs, soaring saxophone and a dose of disco and jazz to keep the dance floor moving as soloists move through the changes. All in all, it is a solid first outing from a band that has been steadily making its presence known in West Michigan.
Digging Deeper: Whether it’s a basement indie band show, a co-bill at an established music venue or even a music competition, Short Panic has shown an eagerness to roll out great moments on and off stage. Their commitment to one another shines in the music and it’s clear their work is already paying dividends as they continue to show up in style.
Perfect For: Lifting the mood and getting everybody dancing. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://shortpanic.com
Upcoming Shows: Jan. 20 at Rake Beer Project in Muskegon; Sept. 14 at The Starlight Room in Muskegon with Common Molly
Listen: “Slax”
Lost Magic
“Insubordination”
What Stands Out: Lost Magic brings a dark ominous tone to their newest release, “Insubordination,” thanks to fuzzy, muted guitar tones and the minor key that many songs on the album favor. Beneath the cynicism and heavy-handed punk influence, there is a catchy, danceable quality to the melodies that stems from the Holland trio’s appreciation for 60’s and 70’s rock. The tracks “Escapism” and “Disillusion” showcase a softer side of the album and wouldn’t sound out of place on an indie-rock album.
Digging Deeper: The lyrical content of this release is largely focused on frustration over what society has become. It’s about pushing past reluctant acceptance of the state of the world and finding the strength to do something, or at least say something, about it. The line “all of their silence is deafening me,” from “In Passing” speaks to the issue of people remaining silent about injustice instead of using their voices. The album ends with a bluesy wild-card, aptly titled “Disaster Blues,” that almost feels celebratory despite its subject matter.
Perfect For: Throwing a party at the end of the world. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lostmagicofficial/
Listen: “Escapism”
Annie & Rod Capps
“Love & Rain”
What Stands Out: It’s clear that Annie and Rod Capps, a husband-and-wife duo from Chelsea, Mich., want listeners to look on the brighter side of life. The duo brings this philosophy to life through classic folk instrumentals and charming lyrics about the small joys that are often overlooked. Their storytelling lyrics on their latest release are packed with clever metaphors and vivid portraits of characters who may or may not exist in real life.
Digging Deeper: Annie and Rod have been playing music together since the 1980s, which explains why they’re able to so skillfully weave intricate folk soundscapes that enhance the lyrics rather than overpower them. The majority of the tracks on “Love & Rain” are centered around mandolin and acoustic guitar, but the bluesy piano in “We Need the Rain” and the rock ‘n’ roll inspired guitar riffs sprinkled throughout the project keep things interesting. The couple’s easygoing energy translates to their music so effortlessly that you’ll find yourself adapting to their positive outlook before the album is over.
Perfect For: Convincing yourself to go for a walk and appreciate nature, even when it’s winter. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://annieandrodcapps.com/
Upcoming Shows: Jan. 26 at Acoustic Cafe at Howell Opera House; Feb. 14 at The Ark in Ann Arbor for “My Folky Valentine Show”
Listen: “The Way It Goes”
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