Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Rick Hornyak’s song “No Need To Pretend,” from his forthcoming album Dandelion, which is due to be released on July 21. Dandelion was produced by Rick Hornyak; recorded by Ron Flynt at Jumping Dog Studios; mixed by Stuart Sullivan at Wire Recording; and mastered by Jerry Tubb at Terra Nova Mastering in Austin. Its cover design was created by Josh Finto.
Indie rock band Beekeeper Spaceman unveils their lead single Icicles from their upcoming self-titled debut LP set to release on November 3rd. This cinematic indie rock gem captures the essence of the tug-of-war between the liberating aspects of youth and the domesticity that accompanies adult relationships. The track features intimate vocals that beautifully convey the emotional depth of this theme.
David G Smith shares his sentiments through a series of mellow, melodic tunes that give consistency to the album overall. That said, opening track “River Gonna Talk” is underscored by a jagged rhythm while “Weight You Carry”, “I Wanna Go Out”, and “Let’s Take Our Time and Do It Right” opt for perkier pacing that gives the album its occasional upbeat energy.
Regardless, the points are well made without overt preachiness or pontification. So too, the music bears a kind of folk finesse that maintains the messaging without forfeiting any obvious accessibility. In short, Witness Trees allows both concept and creativity to bloom through equal emphasis. (by Lee Zimmerman)
Oakland garage rockers The Helltones bring a beachy, modern doo-wop vibe to their new album Medusa (out Nov. 17), drawing inspiration from psychedelic surf, soulful Americana & retro rhythm and blues. Its harmonized backing vocals, sun-kissed hand claps, grooving organ and overdriven guitar create a cinematic album about love, addiction, picking fights, making up and navigating adulthood while maintaining your sanity.
The raw, soulful twang of Bonnie and the Mere Mortals’ “Tennessee” taps into a rich vein of alt-country, echoing the likes of Neko Case and Margo Price, but with a strikingly intimate and humanizing edge. Performed live in front of a studio audience, the song immerses you in a vivid tapestry of restless emotions and powerful longing for belonging. The yearning in frontwoman Bonnie Ramone’s voice, a queer-identifying, tattoo artist with a Dolly-Parton-meets-Elvira persona, translates the potent lyrics about dislocation and the universal human ache for connection, creating a deeply poignant and resonant narrative.