My Latest Novel
Deaths and Entrances
(101 Distribution)

My Latest Novel, comprised of five members from Greenock, Scotland, has come a long way since its gem of a debut album, Wolves. Deaths and Entrances seems to showcase confidence in their already established melodic sound.

Deaths and Entrances has smooth, sweeping, three-part harmonies that flow calmly together, and what stands out most is the album's deliciously melancholy tone. Between the harmonies and the violins, listening to this album is likely to make you feel as though you are out on the moors of Scotland during the rainy season.  —Jillian Fink


Lovewhip
Love Electric
(Squirrelygirl/Zavrock/Juju)

Somewhere between a disco inferno, New Wave exuberance and Blondie, you'll find the music of Boston band Lovewhip. At times, the group evokes the likes of Missing Persons or the B-52s. At other times it offers pure synth-fueled booty-shaking (and indeed, the album's inner sleeve offers a rather revealing shot of singer, guitarist, pianist and percussionist Erin Harpe, whose left butt cheek seems to be the band's unofficial mascot). The album is an electrified and energetic party, and this Saturday night at Brattleboro's Flat Street Brew Pub, the party hits town to celebrate the release of Love Electric. —James Heflin


Dog Bite
Joyride
(Labellevie/Rave On)

Joyride is a mix of bluegrass, jazz and Americana, and Dogbite's roots appear to be in early rock 'n' roll. Joyride's boot-tapping beats make it easy to sing along with such catchy tunes as "Silver Moon" and "Drink." "In Your Dreams" showcases a host of twangy guitar riffs reminiscent of early country-Western, heartbreak lyrics, and a catchy chorus. An unexpected turn arrives with the Latin sounds that pop up throughout, as in "Nada Fue un Error" and in the beginning of "Trouble in Mind," which turns quickly into a whiskey-laden ballad of a down-on-his-luck man "fueled by desire, lighted by ignorance and misunderstanding." This Americana record, true to its name, might make you want to grab your best friend, jump in a pick up truck and belt out these tunes on a joy ride.  —Jillian Fink