Local Spins showcases several imaginative, boundary-pushing releases by Michigan artists for this album-review roundup, which includes a collaboration between Joey Gados Jr., Ben Steer and Noah Mercil.
Inventiveness.
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That one word could describe all four of the album releases by Michigan artists recapped today by Local Spins. Check out our takes on these recordings and listen to tracks from each artist.
And if you’ve missed previous reviews of Michigan albums, check them out online at Local Spins here.
Tommy Schichtel
“Touch the Weeds”
What Stands Out: It’s immediately apparent with Grand Rapids guitarist, singer and producer Tommy Schichtel’s debut solo album that The Beatles were a major inspiration, if only to serve as the melodic underpinnings to tracks that palpitate with noisy, fuzzy guitars, quirky vocals and impressive sound effects that weave in and out of aural manifestation. “Bleecker,” in particular, drives it all home with delightful and infectious results thanks to rollicking drums (courtesy of Los Straitjackets’ Pete Curry), retro guitar tones and outer-spacey warbles. Much of the same is true for “Sleepy Eyes of Love,” with Michael Houseman on drums.
Digging Deeper: The frontman for surf-rock’s Concussions, guitar-pop’s B-Sides and garage-rock’s The Fuzzrites takes a different, somewhat-psychedelic tack for his solo collection — mixed by Glenn Brown and Schichtel, and mastered at Third Man Records — while maintaining the raw and goofy vibes that keep listeners guessing and keep that analog-based Goon Lagoon sound intact. “Totaled” may be the album’s hidden gem, a dreamy, pop-laced love ballad that still boasts an edgy guitar milieu. Released on Tobin Sprout’s Petrified Fish label, the album also boasts a touch of Sprout’s inventive indie-rock magic and even features Sprout on the final track.
Perfect For: The listener open to peculiar-yet-mesmerizing, throwback rock with a pop sheen. – John Sinkevics
Website: https://www.facebook.com/tommy.schichtel
Listen: “Bleecker”
Don Julin
“Fractured Fiddle Tunes”
What Stands Out: Traverse City mandolinist Don Julin calls his new studio album a collection of re-imagined traditional fiddle tunes — songs that he’s rearranged and tweaked “to present them in a different light.” Indeed, with a big assist from bassist Kevin Gills, Dobroist Joe Wilson, drummer Will Harris, guitarist Ron Getz, fiddler John Mailander and guitarist Brian “Roscoe White, this 11-song instrumental affair brims with virtuosic flair and engaging charm.
Digging Deeper: Created and recorded over several years, the acoustically seductive recording spans folk, bluegrass, swing, jazz, Celtic music and more — something that’s been a trademark of Julin’s various band and solo projects over the years. Of course, the musician displays his considerable instrumental prowess on the mandolin throughout, trading licks with White on “Clucks and Space” and revving things up tempo-wise with Mailander on “Discograss 3000.”
Perfect For: Fans with dual-purpose musical tastes, content to utilize “Fractured Fiddle Tunes” as a backing soundtrack for road trips or work, as well as those tantalized by masterful instrumental creativity. – John Sinkevics
Website: https://www.donjulin.com/
Upcoming Shows: 7:30 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 27) at The Alluvion in Traverse City (album-release show with the Don Julin Trio); Nov. 4 with Big Fun at The Alluvion in Traverse City; Nov. 14 with Don Julin Quartet at Robin Theatre in Lansing.
Listen: “The Waterfall is Gone” (with Brian “Roscoe” White)
The Lasso/The Go Rounds
“Petal Steel”
What Stands Out: Technically, this airy, meandering and spacey release is a duo collaboration between multi-instrumentalist/producer Andy Catlin (Detroit’s The Lasso) and singer Graham Parsons (of Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds). The Lasso wrote the music and played most of the instruments, while Parsons wrote the words and sings. And as a true collaboration, the songs reflect the musically adventurous sensibilities of both artists, showcasing the electronic and ethereal beats of The Lasso and the pop-hued psychedelia of Parsons’ distinctive vocals.
Digging Deeper: Dedicated to the memory of Ben Parsons, the effects-laden tracks originally were laid down in the Upper Peninsula in 2021, with additional recording taking place in 2023 at The Deli in Hamtramck. Parts of it are enhanced by Seth Bernard on guitar and Saxsquatch on saxophone, with G’itis Baggs and Drew Tyner contributing additional lyrics. All of it makes listeners feel like they’ve boarded a spaceship to a distant galaxy, entranced by the inviting sonic tableau.
Perfect For: That dream-pop fan willing to explore the boundaries of genre-spanning electronic sorcery. – John Sinkevics
Website: https://lasso.bandcamp.com/album/petal-steel
Upcoming Show: The Go Rounds play The Ore Dock in Marquette on Nov. 16
Joey Gaydos Jr., Ben Steer, Noah Mercil
“Moth Week”
What Stands Out: The trio of Joey, Ben and Noah come together in a chaotic storm of droning noise, distorted guitars and crunchy effects, demanding attention and rewarding it with extensive detail. Airhorns, woodwinds and spoken-word verse are all featured somewhere across the nine tracks. The first is one of several purely instrumental songs, crashing through the door to announce the group’s arrival. Lyrics don’t appear until the daze-like “Spoonwalkin’,” delivered in rapid couplets when the playing gets low. Expansive and meditative, the album reflects the myth of stoner-rock bands jamming together, honing their favorite ideas into songs.
Digging Deeper: The group blends wild sound effects with psychedelic rock tinged with noise. A layered female voice cuts through the buzzing, hazy synths on “The Teal Light,” the powerful closer that sums up the project perfectly. The track feels biblical, but damning, like a soundtrack for the end of the world. At 11 minutes, it morphs through movements like an orchestra, or something by Blue Oyster Cult. An intense build-up, crashing in followed by the melodies becoming much slower, even pensive. A jingle gives the impression of a gunslinger approaching a showdown before the tune once again shifts into its third act. Thrashes of guitar, ardent riffs and the return of the jangle, this time reminiscent of an overstuffed key ring. Finally, in the last 30 seconds of the album, a fleeting release of the tension spurred by crashing drums to conclude the wild ride.
Perfect For: Pondering deeper mysteries, hearing a new sound effect with every listen. – Parker Learman-Blaauw
Website: https://linktr.ee/joeygaydosjr
Listen: “Cherries”
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