This April round-up of new releases by local and regional artists features a mix of genres from folk to hip hop to hard rock to bluegrass to indie-rock to R&B. And listen to tracks from the new albums.
Name Change But the Same Beautiful Voice: Lindsay Lou has a new album, “Southland.”
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Lindsay Lou
“Southland”
Fresh off tours in the United Kingdom and Australia, the northern Michigan songstress who now calls Nashville home recently released the long-awaited follow-up to 2015’s “Ionia” this past week. Lindsay Lou Rilko’s band (formerly Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys) — which also features husband Joshua Rilko on guitar and PJ George on bass — underwent a name change following the departure of Grand Rapids multi-instrumentalist and Dobro aficionado Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood last fall. Huggy’s stamp is all over this album, however, as he appears on all but one track on the band’s fourth album. “Southland” also features guest vocal appearances from Lindsay’s Sweet Water Warbler bandmates May Erlewine and Rachael Davis as well as guest spots from Matt Douglas on horns and the album’s producer Sam Kassirer (Elephant Revival, Joy Kills Sorrow, Josh Ritter, Steel Wheels) on organ. To steal a line from “The Voice,” the first single off of Southland, Lindsay Lou’s new batch of songs are both “aware and unafraid.” From the first notes of the album-opening “Roll With Me” to the upbeat melodies of “The Voice” to the hauntingly sweet title track, listeners know they are in for a treat right off the bat. The George-led “The River That I Knew” and Rilko-led “Simple and Sober,” the recording shows off the band’s vocal diversity and songwriting depth, while songs like “Go There Alone,” “Magic Man” and “Shining in the Distance” — a Sweet Water Warbler staple — put Lindsay’s amazingly beautiful vocal range on full display. While most of the songs will be recognizable to those who have seen Lindsay Lou perform over the past couple years, capturing it all in the studio makes the band’s latest collection a must have for all lovers of Michigan Americana, bluegrass and folk music. – Ryan Boldrey
Website: https://www.lindsayloumusic.com
Upcoming Shows: April 28 at Short’s Brewery Anni-Party (with Steppin’ In It) in Bellaire; April 30 at Ore Dock in Marquette; May 4 at Otus Supply in Ferndale; May 5 at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids
Listen: “Shining in the Distance” (Scroll down for video)
Lady Ace Boogie
“Don’t Box Me In”
Lady Ace Boogie, one of Grand Rapids’ most recognizable artists, follows up 2013’s excellent “Feel Good Music” with a surprisingly complex and nuanced new album, “Don’t Box Me In.” A decided departure from earlier efforts, Lady Ace Boogie introduces us to a more vulnerable and less blindingly optimistic side of herself, showcasing a surprising level of growth and maturation as an artist. Fearlessly addressing personal demons ranging from past addiction to the sisyphean task of battling sexism in hip hop, her newest album adds valuable dimension and insight into the personal story of an already compelling force in local music. Beyond its subject matter, “Don’t Box Me In” is also a remarkably well balanced and polished record, with outstanding production from top to bottom. Lady Ace Boogie has made smart choices on pacing and song order, ensuring a project with the kind of replay value rarely seen in a post-spotify/iTunes world of single-song consumption. In terms of raw rapping ability, Lady Ace Boogie can hold her own with anyone. More surprising to listeners this time around: She shows off her chops as a singer and melody crafter. The choruses are catchy, but not disposable – a difficult feat to pull off. Guests Singa Callab and fellow local luminary Adrian Butler are thoughtful additions to the record, rather than simply filling space. “Don’t Box Me In” feels like a huge step forward for Lady Ace Boogie, a step that could very likely have her crossing into newer and larger areas of success in the coming year. – Ryan Nehring
Website: https://www.ladyaceboogie.com/
Upcoming Shows: 7:30 p.m. April 20 at Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse in Grand Rapids; 8 p.m. April 21 at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids (album-release show with Mama Sol Music, Molly, SuperDre)
Watch: “Love Me For Me”
El Brandino
“A Work in Progress”
Imagine, if you can, the quintessential enthusiast of West Michigan’s music scene. That concert-going, WYCE-listening, craft beer-drinking fan would be hard-pressed to find an artist more representative of his or her tastes than Brandon “El Brandino” Proch. The inviting energy, songwriting prowess and range of genre heard on Proch’s debut album (on which he sings and plays every instrument) put him right at home in Grand Rapids. Proch first cut his teeth in the Grand Rapids area as a member of punk bands Three Cents Short and Cashed Out, and more recently as a saxophonist, backing up the likes of Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, May Erlewine and Mustard Plug for live performances. “A Work in Progress,” evokes the essence of those peers with a delightful blend of jam-rock, ska, punk, blues and folk. Let “The Sentence,” “Figuratively Speaking” and a handful of live-looped ditties serve as evidence, Proch continuously keeps things fun and interesting. Whether he’s playing guitar, saxophone, drums or even scatting, the musicianship is top-notch and in service to the songs. Perhaps the most enjoyable track on the album is the hilarious “I Should’ve Played a Cover,” in which Proch raises a toast to “how much this song sucks.” It’s in jest, of course, but that’s just the point. This album is epically fun. – Devin Anderson
Website: https://www.facebook.com/elgreatbrandino/
Upcoming Show: May 6 at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (Skitchin’ Fest)
Listen: “I Should’ve Played a Cover”
Pop Evil
“Pop Evil”
It’s been more than a decade since Pop Evil’s early days grinding it out in the Grand Rapids area, and yet frontman Leigh Kakaty and company still manage to grow more fierce and energetic with each new album. A follow-up to the West Michigan-founded band’s 2015 release, “Up,” this self-titled album sees the band delve further into metal-inspired rock music, with high-gain guitar riffing and double-kick drum breakdowns galore. It’s the band’s first release with drummer Hayley Cramer, who really commands things rhythmically on intense songs such as “Waking Lions” and “Colors Bleed.” That fervor continues on “Ex Machina” which contemplates the future of the human race amid a dissonant wall of guitars. None of it sounds harsh, though. Whether it’s a blistering rock track or something more relaxed such as “Rewind,” it’s still catchy and listenable. True to its name, Pop Evil can’t help but continue to churn out the aggressive, anthemic rock music which has brought the band chart-topping success for years, and it keeps getting better. – Devin Anderson
Website: http://popevil.com/
Upcoming Shows: May 17 at 105.7 The X Spring Fling in Peoria, Ill.; June 8 at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston
Watch: “Colors Bleed”
Bruce Matthews
“Roll Your Windows Down”
Lowell singer-songwriter Bruce Matthews unfurls a pleasant and fresh take on modern folk-rock with “Roll Your Windows Down.” These seven songs – filled with imaginative lyrics and the feeling of an aimless afternoon cruise – evoke a mellow mood and a feeling of optimism. The lyrics to the soothing “Kyara’s Song” transport the listener to a melancholy summer afternoon, while the album’s title track makes for a great sing-along and features some impressive slide guitar work. Matthews sets aside that easygoing attitude for a few moments on “Run On,” an overdriven, bluesy take on the Odetta classic “God’s Gonna Cut You Down.” It’s the biggest departure in sound on the album, but a definite standout. Altogether, Matthews’ voice and songwriting – along with some nicely arranged instrumentation – make “Roll Your Windows Down” an exceedingly listenable bunch of songs. – Devin Anderson
Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/brucematthews
Listen: “Roll the Windows Down”
Cousin Avery
“Along the Way”
A bluegrass band from Kalamazoo? It’s been done well before. And while Cousin Avery sounds nothing like its elder brethren who have made it to bluer pastures filled with greener skies, the band — founded by fiddle player Colin Killmer and guitarist/vocalist Marcus Taylor — is quickly making a name for itself, and doing so with a slightly more traditional, albeit pop-infused and drum-backed approach. The group’s sophomore effort, “Along the Way,” serves as the perfect highway soundtrack, sending listeners on a lively lyrical and musical journey filled with upbeat progressions and thoughtful melodies. And if you are driving while listening, it will no doubt make you want to turn the volume up and put the pedal down as each number traverses into the next. The band’s follow-up to 2016’s “Steady” serves as a statement in evolution for the outfit, not just through musical maturation, but through the addition of Jeff Brant on bass and Jason Bryant on drums, as well as Ed Martini taking over banjo duties from the then-trio’s original picker, Larry Zemlick. Songs such as the album-opening “I Won’t Let You Down” and “We’ll Find a Way” showcase Taylor’s optimistic approach to life, but it’s his darker, more introspective numbers such as “Heave Ho” and “Catapult” that make this album a well-rounded one. As it does live, Martini’s banjo shines throughout serving as the perfect complement to Killmer’s fiddle, while Brant and Bryant hold down the rhythm nicely. And while Taylor handles most of the vocals, after one spin, you may well find yourself singing the chorus of Killmer’s catchy album centerpiece, “Canoe,” over and over: “Love many trust few, always paddle your own damn canoe.” Like the rest of the album, it’s simple, yet symbolic, and embodies well the independence, perseverance and love of the outdoors of those who call Michigan home. – Ryan Boldrey
Website: https://www.cousinavery.com
Upcoming Show: April 28 at Croswell Opera House in Adrian
Listen: “I Won’t Let You Down” (Scroll down for video)
The Krelboynes
“Crabloins & Quailbones”
Kalamazoo three-piece, The Krelboynes, released their debut LP, “Crabloins & Quailbones,” on the last day of March. Timing sometimes helps to capture a feeling, but at first spin the eight-song, all-original effort seems to nail down what it’s like to stand on the precipice of those carefree spring and summer days, while still spending time burrowing inside on those last remaining dark, grey days of a long, cold winter. Tightly packaged, short-lived songs and lengthy, drawn-out, space rock jams — not to be confused with atypical jam band noodling — as well as lyrics filled with questions of self-doubt, antidotes for depression and imagery reminiscent of early Beck or Pavement make one yearn for the skate park in the summertime or a dingy Midwest basement on a rainy day where music reigns supreme. Bassist Trey Marks handles vocal duties for the trio as he and drummer Spanky Doom create the driving foundation for Brett Burradell’s guitar work to take flight. Burradell chooses his notes as he goes, never overplaying, and is the perfect complement to Marks and Doom. A throwback to the sounds of mid-’90s alternative, the band’s self-described “slam jam thank ya ma’am” style is showcased through the melodic album bookends of “Ripley” and “Ripley’s Reprise,” instrumental centerpiece “Midlair” and the laid-back, head-on lyrics hidden throughout in tunes such as “Another Song,” “Long Gone Move Away” and “Unforeseen Consequences.” A couple lines from the latter, “They say we’re bound to break off and be free, but we live like rats in these city flats, damaged sewer pipes and melancholy, wouldn’t you know the howling never stops,” encapsulate the feel of the record perfectly. “Crabloins & Quailbones” was recorded, mixed and mastered by Chris Frankhauser at Raygun Recording Studio in Kalamazoo. – Ryan Boldrey
Website: http://krelboynes.bandcamp.com
Upcoming Show: 8 p.m. Tuesday (April 10) at Shakespeare’s Lower Level, Kalamazoo (with A Deer A Horse, First Responders and Petrillo)
Listen: “Unforeseen Consequences”
Dayz
“Solitify Vol 1”
The West Michigan music scene is, generally speaking, an embarrassment of riches when you factor for scale. We have an abundance of exceptionally talented rappers, rock/funk/indie bands and a ton of outstanding DJs and electronic composers. Less represented, however, are soul/R&B singers. Frequently relegated to guest appearances on other artists albums, we just don’t see as many full projects from these artists. Enter Dayz, a Holland based singer/songwriter with his debut EP “Solitify Vol. 1.” Dayz, has performed locally with notable artists such as Lady Ace Boogie, JRob, AOG and Callab. With help from local producers N1, The SEVENth, B Coe, Dante Cope, and Savon, Dayz has assembled a five-track collection of sonically rich original material to formally introduce himself. “Solitify” is a shining example of this artist’s exceptional vocal control and natural talent. You get the feeling he could sing rock, front a punk band, or even take a stab at opera if he wanted to. His pitch, tone and technical execution are never lacking. That said, “Solitify” perhaps suffers from a lack of cohesion. Occasional production shortcomings leave the listener wondering what a Dayz album with a singular sonic vision could sound like. Purely as a vocalist, he stands ably toe-to-toe with anything on radio today, but Dayz’s voice feels like something more special than just meeting the industry bar. Given time and resources, his potential seems limitless and “Solitify” helps to solidly fill a hole in our local music landscape. The region’s vocalists deserve more attention and acclaim, and Dayz is a prime example of how excellent local talent extends across all musical genres. – Ryan Nehring
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Dayzical/
Upcoming Show: May 5 at Mexicains Sans Frontieres in Grand Rapids (“Backwoods & Tacos”)
Watch: “Alone”
MORE VIDEOS
VIDEO: Lindsay Lou, “Shining in the Distance”
VIDEO: Cousin Avery, “I Won’t Let You Down”
Copyright 2018, Spins on Music LLC
