CD Review: Carrington MacDuffie's 'Only An Angel'

Carrington MacDuffie
Only An Angel
Pointy Head Records

New York-native, Carrington MacDuffie, brings a sense of Americana folk with bluesy, poetic, and lyrical tunes with intimate sensibilities and playful vocal calisthenics. The folksy tunes possess a slight alt-rock and country connotation, but the primary sound is largely folksy blues. The ballad-esque, "Hot Sun Of The Summer," is a groovy tune with sparkling instrumentation and alt-folk arrangements with a voice akin to Shawn Colvin and Lucinda Williams. "Red Eye" opens with a plaintive acoustic guitar melody and smoky vocal line. There are country and folk strings with swishy percussion. "Stand Below Heaven" is an alt-folk, roots-inspired tune with guitar, drums, and reverberating B3 sounds. Carrington gets serious on "My Favorite Place In Texas" with galloping drums, metallic drones, and heartfelt vocals spacious and delicate. The country-esque tune is quite poetic and very enjoyable. In fact, the entire EP is enjoyable and worth a listen or two. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Escaping Pavement's 'Uprooted'

Escaping Pavement
Uprooted
Self-Release

Escaping Pavement is a Michigan-based band that explores classic Americana blues, rock, roots, soul, and country with anti-pavement tunes with an Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and Stevie Nicks' sound. Lead female vocalist, Emily Burns, sets the tone with a classy voice that centers around folk, pop, and Americana. The crystal clear vocals and instrumental arrangements contain a heavy 1970s feel that is nothing to laugh at. "Daydream's Haze" opens with a jingly guitar intro and throbbing B3 organ with upbeat drums and a classic vocal lead. The song is folk-tinged and country-cured without any deficiencies. "Part Of Goodbye" contains a folk-centered, rock-tune with vocals akin to Heart throughout. The song is rather punchy, grungy, and infectious. "Winter Homecoming" contains a jaunty guitar, mandolin, and banjo-tuned folk song with both male and female vocals. The Americana song is classic with scintillating strings and varied vocals that do not stray too far from the country roots. Anyone with an interest in Americana folk and rock with a country vein will love Escaping Pavement's latest tunes on Uprooted. ~ Matthew Forss  

CD Review: Heather Stewart's 'What It Is'

Heather Stewart
What It Is
Self-Release

A California-native, Heather Stewart, amazes listeners with gentle crooning and pensive guitar work on her latest release, What It Is. The opening title track, What It Is, represents a gentle romp into light pop and rock fanfare with a touch of folk and alt-country. "Stand Up" is a quaint folk and pop anthem with glorious vocals and sparkling guitar sounds with upbeat percussion. "I Lied" is a quiet and sauntering guitar tune with laidback vocals and apologetic lyrics tied to minimal instrumentation. The vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Adele's more contemplative and emotional works. "We'll Learn" is an open road ode with vocals somewhere between Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, and Lucinda Williams. The uppity percussion and guitars are somewhere between pop, country, and alternative with crystal clear vocals throughout. "A Little More" is a groovy alt-folk and pop song with glistening guitar chords not too unlike that of Nina Gordon. All eleven tracks are catchy and diverse. If you are into great music with a spaciousness and deliciousness rarely seen in contemporary music, then you will love Heather Stewart's sophomore release. ~ Matthew Forss