Best New Music from the Blue Ridge and Beyond
Cover photo: Fans of Noah Kahan will dig TopHouse, a Nashville via Montana band releasing the new EP “Patience” on February 14. Photo by Electric Peak Creative
Every month our editors curate a playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. In February, we’re highlighting new tunes from the Devil Makes Three and Sunny War.
Julian Baker & Torres
“Sugar in the Tank”
These two mainstay indie singer-songwriters have been gradually rolling out a new alt-country collaboration, popping up on festival bills and performing this new single on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon at the end of last year. The track, presumably the first taste of an upcoming full-length album, is a sweet slice of twang-rock, with spry banjo rolls and pedal steel fills accenting the upbeat sweethearts’ duet about the ups and downs of long-term love. – J.F.
The Devil Makes Three
“I Love Doing Drugs”
“I Love Doing Drugs” is a cautionary tale about drug use deftly hidden in a jaunty jingle from The Devil Makes Three, a trio who have been crafting punk-edged folk rock since forming in Santa Cruz, California, over 20 years ago. Written not long before singer/multi-instrumentalist Cooper McBean got sober, the allure of drugs and using’s inevitable consequences are painted quite clearly in this ditty whose title surely has Nancy Reagan spinning in her grave. – D.S.
Panda Bear
“Ferry Lady”
Panda Bear—AKA Noah Lennox of Maryland-bred indie heroes Animal Collective—has a new solo album, “Sinister’s Grift,” out February 28. “Ferry Lady” goes down a little easier than some of the trippy noise experiments of Lennox’s main band, as the breezy, cosmic track sounds like dub reggae made in a space bubble. – J.F.
Sunny War (featuring Steve Ignorant)
“Walking Contradiction”
After moving into her late father’s house in Chattanooga, Tennessee, songwriter Sunny War was convinced the place was haunted. Turns out it was only undiscovered gas leaks causing her hallucinations, but ghosts—real or imagined—had her exploring the hauntings of her own past as she developed the set of songs that became her latest album, “Armageddon in a Summer Dress.” On “Walking Contradiction,” War and Steve Ignorant of the iconic Brit punk group Crass highlight the discrepancies between truth and reality central to the power struggle between those in charge and those just trying to get by. – D.S.
TopHouse
“Meteor”
With the songwriting sensibilities of Noah Kahan and harmonies reminiscent of Darlingside, the Nashville-by-way-of-Montana quartet TopHouse has crafted a sound that has gained attention from music fans across the country. “Meteor,” from the band’s new EP “Practice,” features fuzzy guitar and piano dueling over delicate strings, detailing the powerful internal struggle between success and failure, while woefully revealing how fine the line often is between life’s highest highs and lowest lows. – D.S.
Gary Louris
“Getting Older”
Gary Louris, known as an alt-country pioneer for his time in the Jayhawks and collaborations with Jeff Tweedy, has a new solo album on tap. “Dark Country,” which comes out February 14, is described by the singer-songwriter as a love letter to his wife, and earnest sentiments are shared throughout the record’s opening track, a ragged acoustic song about pursuing true happiness as one ages. – J.F.
Michigander
“Peace of Mind”
With its Weezer-esque chorus and guitar-laden hooks, “Peace of Mind,” from Michigander’s eponymous debut album, is guaranteed to be your next singalong. Jason Singer, the producer/singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist behind Michigander, has gathered critical acclaim and passionate crowds over a decade of releasing singles and EPs and racking up millions of streams. While it’s hard to believe that this will be Singer’s first long player, there is no doubt that Michigander’s groovy roots-rock is destined to soon be buzzing in even more ears. – D.S.
Rose City Band
“Lights on the Way”
Ripley Johnson and his merry band of psychedelic ramblers are back with another set of sunny vintage country tunes that often wander into experimental jams. This lead track from the new album “Sol Y Sombra” cruises with a highway-ready groove reminiscent of the Grateful Dead’s “Touch of Grey,” while the lyrics conjure similar optimism, professing brighter days are always ahead during dark times. – J.F.
To hear these songs and more, follow the Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Trail Mix playlist on Spotify.
