This early May round-up of Michigan releases features new projects from DuPont Phillips and Elroy Meltzer, along with some up-and-coming West Michigan bands.
On the Michigan Music Radar: Six new releases at Local Spins.
Consider this just a tip of the toe in the musical waters.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
So many new releases by Michigan artists have piled up on the desk at Local Spins, and we’re just starting to chip away at this mountain of marvelous music.
Check out our takes on a half-dozen of these new albums and EPs, and we’ll be back soon with more for another album review spotlight. View previous reviews here.
The Skinny Limbs
Mozart For Martians
What Stands Out: The Skinny Limbs’ latest EP all but transports the listener to the scenic shores of Lake Michigan with its surfy guitar riffs and summery vibe. The Grand Rapids-based band often takes inspiration from the beauty of its home state, particularly the Great Lakes when crafting its unique brand of alternative indie-rock. The EP experiments with distorted guitar tones and layered vocals that give the entire project a dreamy, atmospheric quality. Amid the more laidback melodies, synth-heavy instrumental breaks appear in a few tracks, acting as built-in dance breaks.
Digging Deeper: The Skinny Limbs’ signature catchy melodies and fun energy are elevated by introspective lyrics and an underlying narrative that spans the whole EP. “Mozart For Martians” covers themes of uncertainty, learning to live in the moment, and coping with significant life changes, topics that are relevant to vocalist Max Knoth’s personal life experiences. “I Know That You Care” stands out with its heartfelt lyrics about family and the cinematic strings that come in near the end. At its core, “Mozart For Martians” is the five-piece band’s most vulnerable release yet that nails down the distinctive sound they’ve been building since the band’s origin in 2017.
Perfect For: Taking the long way out to the lake to watch the sunset. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://theskinnylimbs.com
Listen: “To the Limit”
Future Things
“Watch the Sky”
What Stands Out: Fresh out of the gate with their debut record, Future Things is already making waves in the Grand Rapids music scene with “Watch The Sky,” a collection of alternative rock tunes that offer that bit of nostalgia for the early 2000s. Even without any Internet presence beyond the album being available or streaming, this band has received high praise for their recent victory at the Rebel Road Battle of The Bands competition back in March.
Digging Deeper: Future Things has hit the ground running in the best ways a band can hope to do. Tackling those first steps towards their debut have already resulted in recognition from the West Michigan music scene. Their sound evokes those memories of trying to process those difficult transitions life tosses your way while also inviting you to belt your heart out. Moody lyricism dripping with Midwest emo nostalgia permeates this solid first outing.
Perfect For: When afternoon turns to evening and you’ve exhaled your last anxious thought in a puff of smoke on the interstate. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.facebook.com/futurethingsmusic
Listen: ‘Interdimensional Cable”
Alex Austin
“Nobody’s Home”
What Stands Out: Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Alex Austin’s debut solo album opens with the twangy country track, “5th and Broadway.” According to Austin, the song serves as a tribute to the history of iconic country music venues like the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry. Throughout the song Austin pays homage to the history of the genre by name dropping several country music stars, some of which likely inspired elements of this album. A handful of tracks feature vocals from fellow Michigan artist Carrie McFerrin, creating balanced harmonies and adding a unique element to the storytelling, especially on “Held Back Heart.” “Nobody’s Home” contains a mix of fun, lighthearted tracks and understated songs that rely on honest, impactful lyrics to stand out.
Digging Deeper: Produced and engineered by Greg Baxter of Grand Rapids’ Second Story Sound, “Nobody’s Home” explores everything from a jazzy horn section in “Don’t Leave Me Here,” melancholy guitar chords that mirror the mood of title track “Nobody’s Home,” and prominent harmonica melodies in “Oh Pretty Mama.” While the album echoes the sound of Austin’s blues-rock band Deerfield Run in some ways, it is evident that he took the opportunity to experiment with new sounds and more personal lyrical inspirations. The origins of this project began in 2020, resulting in a deliberately composed patchwork of experiences, feelings, and genres that have inspired Austin over the years.
Perfect For: Anyone who wants an introductory crash course on the many styles and facets of American roots music. – Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://alexaustinsongs.bandcamp.com/album/nobodys-home
Listen: “Nobody’s Home”
DuPont Phillips
“Big Sky Sessions”
What Stands Out: Southeast Michigan-based Chris DuPont and Kylee Phillips joined forces to create “Big Sky Sessions,” a collection of covers and original folk songs full of gorgeous harmonies and gentle instrumentation. Through their candid lyrics and sincere delivery, DuPont and Phillips create the illusion that they are speaking directly to one another and we as listeners are merely eavesdropping on their personal conversations. Even the covers of Sheryl Crow’s “Strong Enough” and Jason Isbell’s “If We Were Vampires” feel as if they were carefully selected by the singers due to their relatability and raw emotion that fits with both DuPont’s and Phillips’ styles.
Digging Deeper: While both Phillips and DuPont favor pop production styles for their solo works, “Big Sky Sessions” offers a more stripped back feel. Celtic-inspired strings, intricate guitar picking, and somber piano melodies are some of the signature sounds on this EP. Even the tracks “Sandpaper Hymn” and “Carole King (Annie Lindbergh),” which originated on DuPont’s solo releases, take on a new life with Phillips’ crystal clear vocals added into them. These songs are far from being surface-level love songs as many of them address the doubts and hardships that come along with relationships in addition to the optimistic moments. Each track on “Big Sky Sessions” is a testament to how comfortable Phillips and DuPont must feel with their listeners to be able to share these intimate details and thoughts about their relationship so freely.
Perfect For: Listening to together with someone you love. – Holly Holtzclaw
Websites: http://www.chrisdupontmusic.com; https://www.kyleephillips.com
Listen: “Strong Enough”
Metzfire
“Coordinate Oblivion”
What Stands Out: Right away, Metzfire displays a level of polish and style that immediately elevates this group above the noise. Their debut record, “Coordinate Oblivion,” showcases a band already sounding strong and crafting some distinct sounds that are reminiscent of groups like Deftones but with a vision to color outside the lines. There are so many moments throughout this record where downbeats hit, riffs feel beefy without losing clarity, and all parts are cohesive without feeling stale.
Digging Deeper: “Coordinate Oblivion” is such a strong first outing from Metzfire, putting to bed any notion of a new band lacking experience on their first release. Any attempts to write this off are immediately met with the stellar musicianship and songwriting demonstrated throughout the release. Crushing riffs open up to soaring chorus hooks, thundering drums sit opposite ethereal guitar textures, and grooving backbeats compliment distorted bass lines, all coalescing together to create a solid listening experience that everyone can enjoy.
Perfect For: Any Midwest metalhead who needs to bang their head and belt the choruses. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Metzfire
Upcoming Show: May 31 at Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids (with Death by Lions, Paradigm Shifter, Dear Dario)
Listen: “Into the Unknown”
Elroy Meltzer
“And The Elderly Midnight”
What Stands Out: Elroy Meltzer has long established its presence in the Midwest alternative/indie rock scene since Steve Meltzer founded the project in 2010. For 2024, the group has released “And the Elderly Midnight,” adding new songs about “death, acceptance and Jon Taffer” to their repertoire. Fans of the Lowell music scene will recognize the release amidn the catalog of newly formed Midwest Gold Records and engineer/performer Ryne Clarke.
Digging Deeper: This record oozes personality with tracks carrying names like “Inextrovert,” “JOHN Pen3:16,” and “5 or 6 Commercial Breaks.” It doesn’t take itself too seriously while never sacrificing the music for the bit. Less of a comedy record and more of a colorful satire blended into storytelling, this concept album takes the back roads and indulges every turn on the winding roads. And the “Elderly Midnight” delights in the unexpected while never pulling away from emotional punches, tongue-and-cheek observations, and a constant undercurrent of Midwest indie rock flowing strong into welcoming ears.
Perfect For: Anyone aiming to laugh and soak in a truly unique offering in the West Michigan rock scene. – Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.facebook.com/elroymeltzer/
Listen: “Inextrovert”
Copyright 2024, Spins on Music LLC
