1. Carver Commodore — “Ring Ain’t Free” is a meditation on maturity that brings the funk without the masturbatory solos.
2. Captains of April — “Groovy Tuesday” leads from an expansive intro into a crisp pop-punk banger.
3. Dar Stellabotta — “Herb Lady” is a complete shredder played on Stellabotta’s homemade cigar box guitar. You can watch a video of Dar assembling one here.
4. Strong Water — “Reaper” combines pop folk gang vocals with a sincere performance and heartfelt strings and a surprising Weezer tribute.
5. Ilustrada — “Wide Eyed Tigress” is a beautiful chamber folk ballad that will bring peace to the rest of your day.
6. Sneaky Bones — “Settle” is yet another entry in the touring troubadour genre, but this one comfortably nestles between determination and satisfaction in a way I find unusual.
7. Naked Waste — “Suburbia” is a tranquil song that embraces the apocalypse. It’s perfect.
8. Stewart Arp — “Our Song” is a heartfelt ballad that will make you shed the hardened shell you show to the outside world. Just me? Ok.
9. Marie Danielle — “Hustler” displays Danielle’s serious chops as a songwriter and storyteller. This is a fantastic character sketch and, based on the titles of the other songs in this album, there’s plenty more where that came from.
10. The Stapletons — “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is a serene folk interpretation sof the hymn. It’s got heart and quiet majesty.
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