From a Detroit rock icon to a rising GR indie-pop duo to a veteran bluesman, this roundup of Michigan releases digs into some enticing releases by regional artists. Plus, listen to tracks from all of them.
Saving (and Advancing) Rock ‘n’ Roll in Rousing Fashion: Jack White (Photo/David James Swanson)
Michigan has plenty of true musical heroes.
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Some are still emerging, others fly under the radar, and some — like Detroit native Jack White — have ascended to the top of the heap, joining the likes of Eminem, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin and Iggy Pop in cementing the state’s influential role in shaping a host of different genres.
But simmering underneath it all are a host of uber-talented artists who deserve the spotlight, too. So, this mid-October round-up of new Michigan releases covers some well-traveled artists as well as new names on the scene.
Check out the reviews below, listen to tracks from all of the releases and check out previous Local Spins album reviews here.
Jack White
“No Name”
What Stands Out: Let’s just say Jack White may be single-handedly saving rock ‘n’ roll. His full-throttled, in-your-face and blatantly raw ferocity on “No Name” recalls the primal nature of The White Stripes at their best — yet so, so, so much better. It’s a non-stop thrill ride from the outset of “Old Scratch Blues” to the raucous romp of the single, “That’s How I’m Feeling,” to the 13th track, “Terminal Archenemy Endling” — a song that easily could have been written, produced and mesmerized fans in the midst of classic rock’s heyday of the ’70s. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of nods to classic rock throughout — modernized and amped up for the New Millennium — including “Archbishop Harold Holmes,” “Tonight (Was a Long Time Ago)” and “Number One With a Bullet,” which teeters dangerously toward complete bedlam in beautiful fashion.
Digging Deeper: One fan proclaims on Bandcamp that “this might be the single greatest album of Jack White’s entire career.” Indeed, everything about this garage-rock project and its subsequent tour represents precisely what makes Jack White the most unpredictable and possibly the most important rock hero of his time. It was released completely unconventionally, followed by “secret” shows in intimate venues announced just days before the concert dates. Likewise, each burly track on “No Name” explodes as a pleasant surprise, one after another, featuring an intriguing cast of musical characters, including longtime Detroit pal, bassist and music director Dominic John Davis, his wife Olivia Jean, his daughter, Scarlett, and Greenhornes drummer Patrick Keeler.
Perfect For: Frequent, high-volume, fist-pumping, living-room wall-rattling so “it won’t be long before my stereo breaks 100,000 plays” as White declares on ‘What’s the Rumpus?” – John Sinkevics
Website: https://jackwhiteiii.com/
Listen: “Tonight (Was a Long Time Ago)”
Greg Nagy
“The Real You”
What Stands Out: From the first track, Greg Nagy’s latest record seeks to push through the worries of life to connect with what makes us all human. Every track fuels this feeling of authenticity — from raw, blues performances to the encouraging anthem that is this record’s namesake. Whether it’s an original tune or a curated cover song, Nagy’s expertise shines brightly as a guitarist, singer and arranger harnessing the talents of several collaborators. Tracks from this release are already making their rounds on the radio and streaming services, showcasing a career by this Michigan artist that spans many genres and appearances as a performer with artists such as the Grammy-winning Bobby Murray and the nationally touring Larry McCray.
Digging Deeper: Greg Nagy has released a solid selection of tunes on this latest release that showcases an artist continuing to expand his range as a creative. Nagy’s solid musicianship and confidence at the bandleader helm makes for an engaging listen, with emotional deliveries in lyricism and instrumental work alike. The inclusion of each cover song also doesn’t feel shoehorned, but rather a means of accenting the themes of love and genuineness expressed throughout the album. If you only know him from his frequent appearances with artists from around the region, “The Real You” is a perfect way to be introduced to the real Greg Nagy.
Perfect For: Blues and rock fans wanting something to cut through the noise of everyday life with an encouraging word and time to express yourself in song. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://gregnagy.com/
Upcoming Shows: Oct. 26 at Crossroads Village in Flint (noon); Nov. 2 at Cadieux Cafe in Detroit (with Bobby Murray Band); Nov. 8 at Urban Beat in Lansing, (opening for Serita’s Black Rose); Nov. 15 at The Token Lounge in Detroit (with Larry McCray Band)
Listen: “The Real You”
Cal in Red
“Low Low”
What Stands Out: Grand Rapids brothers Connor and Kendall Wright offer listeners their first full-length album of upbeat indie pop. With often-reflective lyrics that somewhat contrast with the happy-go-lucky mood set by the production, the album reflects the often down-on-their-luck but hopeful spirit that’s present throughout. Bright synths are combined with catchy guitar riffs to create an easy-going, breezy atmosphere. The Shins’ James Mercer makes an appearance on the track “Kitchen,” acting as a signpost of the duo’s indie-rock leanings.
Digging Deeper: The indie- pop stylings of Wallows are called to mind, especially with some of the more pensive tracks such as “Boyfriend” or “Frontside.” The evocative lyrics allow glimpses of the situations they’re navigating before clearing the way for a soaring instrumental flourish. Cal in Red also flexes its genre-hopping muscles on “1985,” reminiscent of a classic sound like New Order. There’s an undercurrent of hopefulness that permeates the tracks, as if the brothers face the challenges that come their way with a cool indifference. The closing track is a perfect example, with the final line, “I’m taking a minute to figure it out.”
Perfect For: Moving your hand in a sine wave outside the passenger window. – Parker Learman-Blaauw
Website: https://www.calinred.com/
Upcoming Show: Nov 13 at Lager House in Detroit
Listen: “Habits”
Gianna Stansell
“Armageddon Hearts”
What Stands Out: Grand Rapids-area native Gianna Stansell released “Armageddon Hearts” in September, and the Berklee College of Music student and pop singer has followed up 2021’s debut EP, “Love Magnetic,” with a five-track record that showcases her powerhouse vocals and empathetic songwriting. The songs here (including the title track) seem to sit comfortably in the country music genre, while the lyrics themselves seem, at times, a bit too mature for Stansell’s vocals.
Digging Deeper: The album heartily showcases Stansell’s strong and commanding voice, with songs such as “Hold Onto You” highlighting beautiful trills and vocal runs that lend well to the lighthearted musical production. Unfortunately, the pop country production of the album does nothing to really support Stansell’s vocals, and in all honesty, I would love to hear her next musical outing be a more jazz/blues production. Her vocal range and strong, sultry tones are begging to be unleashed on jazz standards from singers such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.
Perfect For: A Sunday morning drive to brunch, and fans of up-and-coming talent developing their own voice. – Virginia Anzengruber
Website: https://linktr.ee/Giannamaria18
Listen: “Pleasant Lake”
Lefty
“While You Were Out”
What Stands Out: Lefty returns with “While You Were Out,” a follow-up to their debut release from 2021, “Are We Having Fun Yet?” This six-piece alt-rock/shoegaze group from Saugatuck crafted seven new tunes that beg for a crowded club night concert to soak in their brand of psychedelia fused with an indie-rock flair. Swirling guitar tones create a flowing current that is driven by the drums, while each track ebbs and flows beautifully to delight in tension that is then released into an ocean of instruments saturated in character and effects processing. At just over 30 minutes, this succinct release still leaves a lasting impression with infectious hooks, hypnotic textures and solid performances.
Digging Deeper: Lefty is a great example of what years of dedicating yourself to a vision can yield. The founding members have known each other since grade school before forming the project in 2019, and with each new member, added the possibilities and arrangements that became much more realized, especially with two keyboardists to add some color and clarity to the density often expressed by the guitar riffs. Rather than anything get lost in their noise exploration, the group locks into a groove on each number to confidently navigate the unknown in their moments of expression, whether it’s swirling guitar pedal delays, intentionally encouraging feedback or layering so many sounds to create a wall of tone that is greater than the sum of its parts. The record speaks to diehard fans of the indie-rock landscape while being a great listen for first-time fans. It’s all wrapped in some solid production to help boost all of the elements that prime Lefty for live shows alongside surprise playlist listens when you’re frequenting a local coffee shop.
Perfect For: A cozy fall drive where the soundtrack feels nostalgic and cinematic. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090805061978&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Listen: “Ripoff”
Hunter Noll Bell
“Music for Spiders”
What Stands Out: Cedar, Mich., solo artist Hunter Noll Bell’s new double-album unfolds as an epic series of events and turning points in Bell’s life. Bell describes the project as a “capsule of a moment” and leans into an overall theme of self-discovery and overcoming fear. The album contains plenty of intriguing lyrics, some of which may not mean a lot to the average listener, but to Bell they are details from pivotal moments in his life that evoke strong emotions and bring memories to the surface. Some, though, are universally understood. “Wizard’s Farewell” describes becoming a new version of oneself, “Spiders Go Hunting at Night” is made up of spoken-word snippets about remembering a loved one after they are gone, and “Salt Lamp” is about missing someone you once loved.
Digging Deeper: A crisp, clean indie-rock sound prevails throughout the album which Bell produced himself. While the project remains cohesive and rooted in the sounds Bell typically gravitates toward in his music, the collection still contains a multitude of different influences and changes in mood. Some tracks are packed full of moody reverb, melancholy lyrics, and even drop into a minor key at times. Other moments on the album — “Laces” and “I Can See the Future” in particular — romanticize the mundane parts of life and contain breezy guitar riffs or dreamy folk-inspired melodies. Glimpses of punk, shoegaze and lo-fi can also be heard in some tracks. Finding yourself and making sense of your life is rarely a linear process, and the shifting ups and downs within this album prove that. It’s only fitting that the track that closes out this tumultuous chapter of life ends with the line, “you’ll be alright in the end.”
Perfect For: Fans of indie-rock who love decoding the meanings behind meaningful and personal lyrics. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://hunternollbell.bandcamp.com
Listen: “Arachnophobia (understood)”
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