SJ Hill – “Tonight”
-If you’re a fan of bluesy rock music, there’s a lot to like about this track from SJ Hill. I adore the way the organ creates a sense of depth right from the start, but it’s the vocal that wins this track for me. You just believe this singer. He’s got that authentic style about him. The lyrics dip between heartfelt blues and an almost gospel-like yearning to be with his lover. The line about “falling for temptation” and “headed for damnation” is incredibly powerful; this feels simultaneously spiritual and sincerely true. If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by temptation this track is absolutely going to speak to you. It’s a fascinating intersection of the sacred and the profane.
Caleb Elliott – “Slow Burn”
-There’s something about the momentum of this track that gets my toe tapping every time. Elliott writes with a depth and sincerity that feels new all while reflecting some timeless almost classic rock writing patterns. I’m really impressed by the inflections in the vocal that show the emotion of each line. It’s a difficult thing to sing these unconventional melodies with such clarity and grace. “Nobody here can tell you how to find your own joy” feels like a line out a self help book, but honestly it’s such a powerful sentiment and something certainly worth singing about. This is a rock anthem for a contemporary age, where a lot of people are unlearning and relearning how to be human. If I had to put together an anthology of contemporary Americana to capture our current age, I’d definitely include this track.
CHAPPY – “We’ll Be Alright”
-The percussive energy in the opening of this track is spot on; when you add in some clever, engaging electric guitar licks, you end up with an endearing and inviting piece of indie rock songwriting. After the intro, there’s a powerful blast of energy that opens the track wide. I can’t imagine how fun that would be to hear that live! The group vocal on the chorus seems like it would be so fun to sing with everyone in a packed club or at a festival. There’s a sincere togetherness in this recording that echoes the lyrical sentiment of enduring in the midst of trial — “we’ll be alright.” I’m not sure I’m personally always optimistic enough to agree with this sentiment, but I definitely agree with the need to “run to forgiveness.” The mutual aid idea of “I’ve got you and you’ve got me” is the path forward; I agree with the message of this song.
Image courtesy: SJ Hill IG
