Mar 29

Mar 29 Review- Scott Ballew: Rio Bravo

The problem with Scott Ballew is that you don’t know where to begin. Peeking into his bio is like embarking on a journey through a fascinating novel with chapters that each hold their own appeal, yet collectively seem too extraordinary to belong to just one man. From his days as a football star to his ventures in filmmaking and battles with addiction, and now emerging as a songwriter, Ballew's 40 years have been a whirlwind of experiences that are anything but ordinary. It's often said that experiences shape a songwriter, and if that's true, Ballew has that in spades. His introduction to Terry Allen, courtesy of their mutual friend Ryan Bingham, proved to be a pivotal moment, altering Ballew's perspective on life and art. Despite not venturing into songwriting until the age of 37, Ballew views writing as more than just a creative pursuit; it's a means of survival. Now, with his third album, Rio Bravo, set to release everywhere on March 29th, Ballew continues to carve his unique path in the world of music.

Mar 28

Mar 28 Review- Sarah Shook and The Disarmers: Revelations

Phillip Ring

Last year with the release of Mightmare’s debut record, I began my exploration of River Shook’s catalog and body of work, which meant a deep dive into the Disarmers catalog. What became immediately obvious to me is that River has always had a substantial power for writing songs with impact. The standout update for me was seeing the maturity in the musicianship and vocal approach to really drive those songs to places that most artists spend late nights agonizing over the details they're hoping to reach. It was simple but without losing any weight or power, it was sharpened and edited down to just hard hitting lyrics coupled with hummable melodies, and it was just what “rock” records should be. The last record River and company produced under the Disarmers moniker was also just an absolute powerhouse. This made me almost hesitant to review Revelations as I was afraid that it wouldn’t hit as hard without the novelty. Well, kind readers, it absolutely still hits like a southern accent tinged indie rock Mack truck head on collision. I shouldn’t be surprised, but somehow, I still am.

Mar 21

Mar 21 Review- Taylor Hunnicutt: Alabama Sound

Derek Scudder

It was the end of January before I finally caught up with Taylor Hunnicutt to talk about the release of her first full-length album. She had been dealing with quite a hectic month to say the least. Just before Christmas, she and her husband learned that they would have to move out of the house in which they were living and had hoped to buy. They scrambled to relocate in time to get packed after the holidays for a week in Key West at Mile 0 Fest. Returning from her debut at the huge festival (which she described as “magical”) there was only time for a quick turnaround before heading up to Virginia for a sold-out headlining show which was to be her only scheduled appearance in February. Then began the wait for the appearance of her long-awaited record Alabama Sound on March 22 via 10 Ton Records before she begins a string of dates including support slots and festival stages stretching through October.

Mar 12

Mar 12 Review- Dalton Mills: Good Place to Hide

Jolene Horihan

March 1st was a busy release day in the independent Americana and Country music genres. So, it’s reasonable that one may not have had the opportunity to listen to the new album by Dalton Mills, Good Place to Hide. I’m going to share with you many reasons why you need to have Dalton on your radar and this album in your rotation.

Throughout music history, Kentucky has been known to produce extraordinary songwriters and the Middlesboro native is no exception. At The Amp, we’ve been fans of Mills’ work for a while now; as evidenced by the review of his self-titled debut album in the summer of 2020. His sophomore release, Good Place to Hide unveils growth and wisdom only obtained through life experiences and the conscious effort of surrounding yourself with like-minded and objective musicians and songwriters.

Mar 7

Mar 7 Review- M.Dunton: Self Titled

Justin N. Kohrs

If you know a cool, hip, avid music listener or polymath and you suddenly popped over unannounced for a beer, M. Dunton’s self-titled album is most likely what will be playing through their speakers when you walk in. Dazzling and beautifully poignant, M. Dunton delivers a compelling cinematic, therapeutic soundscape that comes alive and then disappears like a thief in the night. Although nothing lasts forever, this eight song album is so insanely good that you hang onto every note, wishing upon a star that it would. M. Dunton is the consummate companion for those searching for an escape after a long week, providing the perfect backdrop as you sip champagne and soak in a hot bubble bath.

Feb 29

Feb 29 Review- Shane Smith & the Saints: Norther

Justin N. Kohrs

For some of us, it’s been awhile. For some, Yellowstone has left them wanting more. For some, this is the first introduction. No matter which group you identify with, a new chapter commences for everyone March 1st via Thirty Tigers/Geronimo West Records. After a decade of touring and paying dues with a blue collar work ethic, performing upwards of ~240 shows in a given year. The bill is about to be paid in full and this record signals another meteoric shift. Perhaps altering the trajectory of Shane Smith & The Saints forever, Norther is destined to fly off the shelves at a precipitous pace, left on repeat for the foreseeable future and promptly placed into its rightful position at the top of the charts.

Feb 16

Feb 16 Review- Blackberry Smoke: Be Right Here

Derek Scudder

It’s hard to remember that Blackberry Smoke, now in its 23rd year, is still an independent band. To say they’ve toured relentlessly would be an understatement as they have continued to play practically any place that would have them. They will be out in 2024 for over 70 already-announced dates in the US and Europe, both headlining and supporting. Along with Cody Jinks and Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke will be out supporting their latest release Be Right Here.

Feb 15

Feb 15 Review- The High Hawks: Mother Nature's Show

John Schumacher

There's a line on the new High Hawks album that we northerners can feel in our bones. “Driveway’s got a foot of ice / I swear it’s 10 below (ugh).”

Yeah buddy, along about now, mid-February... we feel that one.

That line comes at the start of “Somewhere South,” the sunny second track on the High Hawks’ second album, Mother Nature’s Show. “Somewhere South” is a breezy ode to getting the heck outta here and going somewhere, anywhere, where we can unclench, soak up some sun and have some fun with old friends.

An easy, comfortable warmth runs throughout Mother Nature’s Show. If it sounds like a gathering of talented friends making music, maybe that’s because it is.

Feb 14

Feb 14 Review- Scott Ashworth: Ghosts and Broken Men

Susan Wood

It is a foregone conclusion that Country, Folk, and Americana music has at least some of its roots in the music of the American South and Appalachian traditional music. In the 1917 publication “English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians,” folklorist Cecil Sharp describes, “The present inhabitants …are the direct descendants of the original settlers who were emigrants from England and, I suspect, the lowlands of Scotland. …I am unable to say; but it is fairly safe, I think, to conclude that the present-day residents of this section of the mountains are the descendants of those who left the shores of Britain some time in the eighteenth century.” It is no surprise then, that Scott Ashworth, hailing from Denny, Falkirk, Scotland makes his way to The Amp’s pages with his debut LP, Ghosts and Broken Men.

Feb 9

Feb 9 Review- The Dead South: Chains & Stakes

Ryan Bush

Clawing from the shadowy crevices of the traditional Bluegrass underbelly, The Dead South continue the creative tear behind their fourth full-length studio offering, Chains & Stakes, an epic collection that solidifies the four-piece, forty-fingered crew as a growing Americana staple. Embarking on the United States tour by kicking off the shenanigans in Cleveland, Ohio on February 12th, the band has gained explosive notoriety behind their loyal followers - The Good Company - a title pulled from 2014’s successful inaugural album of the same name.

Feb 2

Feb 2 Review- Taylor McCall: Mellow War

Justin N. Kohrs

We are starting 2024 with a banger: I am pleased to present to the world the one and only Taylor McCall. Never heard of him? Me neither. But, once I heard his hauntingly delicious voice echo through the palmetto trees and reverberate through my soul, seemingly calling to me from the great unknown, I was hooked like a five pound bass. Once Mellow War hits your ears, bask in the afterglow and soak up the intoxicating dreamscapes of heartbreak, missed opportunities and unrequited love. If you enjoy discovering exhilarating new artists before they blow up, Taylor McCall is the dark horse you have been looking for. Dropping Friday, Mellow War is not to be missed and decisively delivers on all fronts.

Dec 4

Dec 4 Review- Uncle Lucius: Like It's The Last One Left

Susan Wood

Hearts were broken all over Texas - and indeed, the American Independent Music Scene - in September 2017 when Kevin Galloway announced his impending departure from, and the ostensible breakup of, Uncle Lucius. Of the band he co-founded in 2002 with Hal Jon Varpohl in Austin, Texas, frontman and vocalist Galloway said, “12 years, five vans, 4 studio albums, countless miles, and friendships forged in fire, a lifetime of lessons and positive experiences, I’m forever grateful. I have no regrets. I’m moving on. To the fans … thank you for your belief and support. To the band … thank you for teaching me to be just one part of the whole.” This statement was ultimately followed by a farewell show in March of 2018, appropriately staged at the historic Gruene Hall.

Nov 7

Nov 7 Review – Johnny Dowd: Is Heaven Real? How Would I Know?

John Schumacher

You might not know Johnny Dowd. In fact, the self-deprecating Dowd would say the same thing. But your favorite musician probably knows who he is.

Amy LaVere told a story recently on a Memphis radio station about the time that Talking Heads frontman David Byrne gave Texas outlaw country legend Terry Allen a copy of Dowd’s 1998 debut album, Wrong Side of Memphis.

And she relayed the story about how Jim Dickinson, producer of classics by the Replacements and Big Star, mused about the same album, “I’ll never be able to make something like this.”

Oct 12

Oct 12 Review- Abby Hamilton: #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo)

Justin N. Kohrs

Abby Hamilton releases her debut album, #1 Zookeeper (of The San Diego Zoo), October 13 via Blue Gown Records. Across ten venerable tracks; Abby Hamilton jumpstarts your heart and breathes new life into your soul. She recounts personal experiences with a universal relatability, all over an enthralling blend of folk and indie rock. Abby Hamilton is pure unadulterated musical heroin.

Oct 11

Oct 11 Review- John R. Miller: Heat Comes Down

Justin N. Kohrs

Sep 26

Sep 26 Review- Jake Stringer: Just Happy To Be Here

Susan Wood

On September 20th, Jake Stringer posted a five-part missive on his socials, from which the above quote was taken. It was a 15 year retrospective of his life, chronicling some of the ups, downs, and triumphs and lean times as a working musician, culminating in the release of his first full-length album. On September 22nd, Jake dropped Just Happy To Be Here, ten original songs that range from honky-tonk jams to sing-along anthems to love (and not so much) songs.

Sep 22

Sep 22 Review- Brent Cobb: Southern Star

Justin N. Kohrs

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, musician, and now producer, Brent Cobb will release his anticipated new album, Southern Star, September 22 via Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers. If floating down the Chattahoochee river surrounded by fireflies serving as miniature disco lights had a soundtrack, It would be called the Southern Star.

Produced by Brent Cobb (his first self-produced album) and recorded at Macon’s famed Capricorn Sound Studios, Southern Star is a love-letter to Cobb’s southern roots, filled with the sounds and stories of his home state of Georgia. Featuring local Georgia musicians, Cobb finds beauty in the small moments, as he explores seemingly simple themes with his signature southern electric sound and lyrical depth. Brent pulls no punches on this album as he launches his own assault to the penultimate and perhaps join cousin Dave with a Grammy of his own, putting the world on notice that he too can fly.

Review- Rattlesnakes and Wildfire Smoke: Margo Cilker’s Sophomore Album is a Bittersweet Folk Rollick Through the Valley of Margo’s Memories

Sep 15

Sep 15 Review- Rattlesnakes and Wildfire Smoke: Margo Cilker’s Sophomore Album is a Bittersweet Folk Rollick Through the Valley of Margo’s Memories

Mandy Mitchell

Apricots don’t sell like silicone, and California’s once eden-like Santa Clara Valley now stands as a shiny but barren testament to that fact. Margo Cilker, whose debut album, Pohorylle, quickly rose like cream to the top of the favored list for critics after it’s quiet release in 2021, is a 5th generation native to the Santa Clara region, which unfortunately means she and her family have watched from the front row as the once fruitful valley, known informally as the Valley of the Heart’s Delight, was sacrificed piece by piece on the altar of progress.

Cilker’s newly released sophomore album is a stirring and nostalgic tribute to the valley in its natural hay day, and therefore goes by the same title, Valley of the Heart’s Delight. Margo teamed up again with Sarah Cahoone, her producer for Pohorylle, and using the understated musicianship and lyric focused production that garnered so many critical accolades during their first collaboration, the duo have created a second offering just as solid and free as the first. The Valley of the Heart’s Delight culminates as something more than just bittersweet homage, and instinctively feels like a vivid and lyrically illustrative magic portal to a land long paved under in concrete; the Santa Clara Valley of old.

Sep 14

Sep 14 Review- Van Plating: Orange Blossom Child

Jolene Horihan

Geographical origin often plays an integral role in the influence of music and lyric development. The case of Van Plating’s new album, Orange Blossom Child, is no exception. Florida is a cultural melting pot of dialect, instruments, and storytelling that all lend influence to the music made by artists of the region. Storytelling among the indigenous Seminoles and early Spanish settlers laid the foundation of folk music traditions. Telling tales of life in the swampland and along coastlines, these stories evolved into songs set to music throughout the generations. The rich culture of Florida is a blend of African American, Caribbean, and Latin heritages.

Aug 4

Aug 4 Review- William Matheny: That Grand, Old Feeling

Ryan Bush

Cloaked within the casual confines of a brass-buttoned jean jacket, spectacles steaming against the sweat creeping from his forehead, William Matheny is the quaint town Poet Laureate - that Seer with the Deets surrounding the Friday Night follies that transpire beyond the flashing yellow traffic light across from the local gas station. He’s lost between the strums of his guitar, habitually pushing the glasses back onto his nose between chords. The stage is his arena - at least for a short time - an elegant veracity of sound and word colliding before the crowd. Make no mistake, this is creative energy in full bloom: Matheny, the Maestro, in complete control. It’s Hemingway and Petty thumb-wrestling on a dirty summer road.