As warm weather returns, Local Spins heats up with its takes on new releases by Michigan artists. Check out three gems today and listen to tracks from each album.
These Boots Are Made for Country: The Bootstrap Boys recently released “Some Boots.” (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
After a long winter and turbulent spring, things are finally heating up.
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The same is true for Michigan artists unleashing new music, so Local Spins will be spotlighting a bevy of recordings that have been released over the past several months as sunshine and warm temperatures settle in.
Check out previous Michigan album reviews online here.
The Bootstrap Boys
“Some Boots”
What Stands Out: Tales of whiskey-drinking, Chevy truck-driving and life on the road become so much more than classic country tropes when paired with The Bootstrap Boys’ personal stories of loss, perseverance and living in a political climate that seems to have abandoned the American people. Old-school country is certainly trending at the moment, but for this Grand Rapids group, it becomes an outlet for healing, a call for community and one small way to make a change in the world. “Poverty Line” boldly expresses distaste for the country’s current economic state while the group’s cover of Andrew Gold’s “Thank You For Being a Friend” takes a sentimental turn toward celebrating love and friendships formed through music. This album also contains the last recordings from bandmate Nick Alexander, who passed away in January of 2025 and is dedicated in his memory.
Digging Deeper: Recorded at Cold War Studios in Grand Rapids and mastered by Ian Gorman at La Luna Recording in Kalamazoo, “Some Boots” is a step toward fine-tuning The Bootstrap Boys’ signature sound. “What we’ve done here is brought some songs from our past to the now and presented them in the style which we intend to move forward in,” the band stated on social media. With fiddle, harmonica and pedal-steel prominently featured, “Some Boots” celebrates the pioneers of the outlaw country genre with a mix of bittersweet ballads and upbeat honky-tonk tracks that are sure to bring fans to the dance floor at live shows.
Perfect For: Fans of vintage country who prefer to support artists with values that aren’t stuck in the past. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.thebootstrapboys.com/standby
Upcoming Shows: April 25 at Short’s Brewing in Bellaire; May 2 at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill with Moe Reen; May 20 at Plainwell Bandshell Park in Plainwell
Listen: “Better Than”
Feeding Grizzlies
“Routine Maintenance” EP
What Stands Out: Embracing the modern rock genre by the horns is Feeding Grizzlies, a Grand Rapids alternative-modern rock band who recently dropped their second EP, “Routine Maintenance.” Reminiscent of the energetic late-2000’s Arctic Monkeys, the band, led by vocalist and guitarist Grant VanderKallen, blends gritty vocals with impressive guitar riffs and strong bass led by Landon Rodenberg. With Jackson Ritter on the drums, the EP calls back to the band’s definition, each track accented with crisp guitar breaks and velvety vocals wailing over their rock ‘n’ roll sound.
Digging Deeper: The vocals behind this are truly reminiscent of the fervent and reckless sound that has followed alternative rock since its origin. With a little bit of a New Wave, techno touch in the final minute of “Rush,” the band expertly builds up in a way that drives chills up your spine. From the expert fingerpicking, the isolated melodies and bluesy touch across parts of the chorus melodies might almost leave you thinking of Icelandic rock band KALEO. Mastered by Grand Rapids engineer Ryan Jamgotch at Electric Moon Studios, this EP is a brilliant showcase of the modern resurgence of rock and its influence in West Michigan.
Perfect For: Fans who miss the early days of Arctic Monkeys and alternative rock who may or may not have a flannel hiding somewhere in the closet. Be ready to move, because this music calls for anything but sitting still with the energetic bass line and guitar accents perfected by Lorezo Aguayo Jr. – By Sara Bagley
Website: https://www.feedinggrizzlies.com/
Listen: “Calling Card”
Signal Quartet
“Signal 4”
What Stands Out: Signal Quartet once again demonstrates its innate ability to wield sound as a powerful force with “Signal 4,” which was released in January and celebrated with live shows at the Blue Llama Jazz Club and Moondog Cafe. From the first burning bop tune to the intimate sounds of honed expression, this record delivers for listeners eager to hear a group of seasoned players sharing stories through well-crafted tunes and stellar improvisation. These musicians are deeply committed to their craft and constantly adding to their original repertoire for audiences to enjoy.
Digging Deeper: Ben Wolkins (trumpet, flugelhorn), Ian Blunden (guitar), Eric Nachtrab (bass), and Sean Perlmutter (drums) should be proud of this album and the hours of sweat equity on and off the bandstand that it took to realize these new tunes. Many professionals can come into a session, read a chart down, and splice the choice cuts to make a solid product, but it takes a deep level of trust to continually push for something greater than what exists on the page. Every note played, transition expertly navigated, and harmonic avenue explored is a triumph of the human condition, all expertly recorded by Darrin Jones and Josef Deas at Ravine Records.
Perfect For: When you seek a deeper wellspring of expression that leaves soul fulfilled. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.benwolkins.com/
Upcoming Shows: May 12 at Parts and Labor in Melvindale; May 14 at Blue Llama Jazz Club in Ann Arbor
Listen: “Helen and Grace”
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