Grace Potter
The powerhouse Nocturnals’ frontwoman’s solo debut “Midnight”
trades her band’s thundering blues, funk and soul for poppier waters that find
the sexy singer playing disco diva and choir leader while tapping into her
inner Prince. While Nocturnals’ fans may frown on the change, it’s refreshing
to hear her stylistic flexibility.
The Foreign Exchange
Not ones to repeat themselves, the Raleigh duo of Little
Brother’s Phonte and Dutch producer Nicolay combine easy-on-the-ears retro
soul, Weather Channel jazz, electronic rhythms, old school House, and Latin
funk on its latest offering, “Tales From the Land of Milk and Honey.”
Truckstop Preachers
This local outfit specializes in driving country-rock, boogieing
piano, and shuffling honky-tonk with a boisterous lead singer that boasts an
Elvis-like quality and working class storytelling akin to Drive-By Truckers.
The group celebrates its new album “Untie the Horses” which includes 11 tracks
that could easily fall into rotation at Sirius/XM Outlaw Country.
Dead Sara/The New Regime
If Grace Potter had metal aspirations, the results might sound
like this eclectic Los Angeles hard rock outfit who counts Dave and Grace Slick
among its fans. On its latest and first independent album, “Pleasure to Meet
You” the band and frontwoman Emily Armstrong illustrate more depth and dynamics
outside of their heavy base.
Allen Stone
With his distinctive voice and authentic, original songwriting
this Washington state hippie soul singer is heir apparent to Stevie Wonder’s
legacy. He may not play “Superstition,” but the material on his latest album
“Radius” is as strong as Wonder (who plays TWC Arena next week) at his best.
New Politics
Throbbing beats, spiky pop-punk, and anthemic pop mingle to form
this Danish rock group’s newest export – “Vikings.” Consisting of mostly earworms
and potential guilty pleasures, the songs sound tailor-made for commercials,
sporting events, dancefloors and the stage. With Andrew McMahon, Australians the
Griswolds, and Lolo.
Flagship/A Silent Film
Following the tragic death of former member and co-founder Grant
Harding last month, Charlotte’s Flagship (the duo of Drake Margolnick and
Michael Finster) stops at home in the middle of its national tour for what will
no doubt be a bittersweet, heart-wrenching return. The duo, which is working on
a new album, released the “Faded” EP in July.
Yonotan Gat
The Monotonix guitarist’s trio brings the spirit of free jazz to
rhythm-heavy, experimental hard rock. Regarded for its intimate, unpredictable
live shows, which take place on the floor – not on stage – surrounded by the
audience, the group manages to invoke John Coltrane and Jimi Hendrix on a wild
bender without sacrificing accessibility.
Tom Keifer
Cinderella always erred on the bluesy side of metal and that’s
the territory the group’s frontman explores on his solo debut, “The Way Life
Goes.” Now based in Nashville he picks up where “Long Cold Winter” and
“Heartbreak Station” left off – diving into Southern rock, rootsy balladry, and
gritty blues-rock without losing his edge.
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