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Once Great Estate – The Hunter
Southern Shoegaze with a Cause: Once Great Estate’s Bold “The Hunter”
Once Great Estate, the acclaimed Americana band fronted by visionary Tracy Horenbein, steps into the limelight with their evocative new single, “The Hunter.” Dubbed a protest anthem, this track anchors itself in the band’s unique genre fusion of “y’allternative” and “Southern shoegaze.”
Inspired by the true tale of a bear hunter who never returned, “The Hunter” is a powerful narrative song touching on poignant local concerns in Florida. Once Great Estate aims to amplify their voice against the controversial bear hunts that plague their home state through this release. More than music, it’s a movement—bearing witness to environmental storytelling matched by their dedication to animal advocacy.
Established in 2017, Tracy Horenbein and her ensemble of Southern misfits continue to weave stories laced with the historic and natural beauty of the American South. Their music stands at the crossroads of ambient sounds and cinematic Southern rock, captivating audiences and critics alike. Experience “The Hunter,” where melody meets meaning.
Kete Bowers – CHAINED
Kete Bowers Crafts Emotional Masterpiece with “CHAINED”
Kete Bowers‘ original single carves a haunting narrative into the complexities of human emotion and connection. Originating from Birkenhead, Merseyside, and drawing deeply from his Irish roots, Bowers continues to set himself apart with a soundscape imbued with the rich hues of folk, blues, and Americana. “Chained” cements his evolution as a storytelling maestro, breathing life into lyrics that resonate with the melancholy and freedom of life’s emotional bonds.
In “Chained,” Bowers channels the same evocative storytelling spirit seen in icons like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, yet carries his own distinctive musical fingerprint. His richly textured voice and a raw, emotive delivery invite listeners into a reflective journey through relationships. This release not only showcases Bowers’ skill as a versatile musician but also reinforces his status as a luminary of heartfelt songwriting, promising to continue leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape.
Mark Griffin – Taking Over My Head
Mark Griffin: Lighthearted Storytelling and Melodic Charm
With “Taking Over My Head,” Mark Griffin delivers an intimate slice of life with a musical twist, reminiscent of storytelling legends like John Prine. The song’s appeal lies in its unassuming yet impactful lyrics that effortlessly capture life’s unpredictable moments. This personal yet universal narrative is a testament to Mark’s journey from the quietude of farm life to the bustling streets of global cities.
The recording, shaped at Fremantle’s Sundown Studios, marks Griffin’s inaugural collaboration with producer Elliot Smith. Here, multi-instrumentalist Max Brennan’s distinctive contributions add to the track’s unique soundscape. This synergy has not gone unnoticed, as the track emerged as a finalist in Australia’s Songwriting Competition, underscoring Griffin’s rising prominence in the industry.
Embracing themes of irony and introspection, Griffin’s latest work continues to resonate, drawing listeners into a world defined by melodic stories and simple truths. As he sets forth on this promising musical journey, the world watches in anticipation.
Ezra Vancil – Babylove
Ezra Vancil Embarks on an Emotional Odyssey with “Babylove”
Ezra Vancil, the evocative voice from Dallas, Texas, unveils a deeply personal journey through his latest single “Babylove.” This track is a poignant centerpiece in his ambitious double album, Morning & Midnight. Vancil, known for his sincere songwriting, credits his musical transformation to the organic conditions of an East Texas cabin, where the absence of modern-day studio frills lent genuine warmth and intimacy to the recordings. Key collaborators include Lori Martin, Chris Brush, and the Estes string duo, whose contributions enhance the emotional depth of Ezra’s narratives.
The essence of “Babylove” lies in its raw honesty, evoking the influence of Chris Whitley. Its unvarnished authenticity chronicles love’s intricate dance from heartbreak to redemption—an allegory for Vancil’s own life and artistic rebirth. Each release from Morning & Midnight serves as a chapter in Ezra’s candid diary of human experience, making “Babylove” a compelling entry point for those in search of music that resonates with unguarded truth and vulnerability.
Pony Gold – Highroad Reverie
Highway to Heartfelt Reverie: Pony Gold’s Mesmeric Journey
Pony Gold‘s debut album Highroad Reverie is a defining moment in the Alt-Country and Americana landscapes. This record emerges from the heart of vocalist and songwriter Theresa Anne Bromley, with a raw, unfiltered narrative that embraces themes of resilience, loss, and redemption. Produced by Leeroy Stagger and recorded live at Vancouver’s Hipposonic Studios, the album captures the warmth and authenticity of Bromley’s lived experiences; a sonic tapestry woven with alt-country grit and folk-soul candour.
Tracks like “Big in the City” and “Impossible Dream” stitch together small-town roots with grand ambitions, while “Little Horse” serves as a tender homage to personal loss and healing. Bromley’s intent, as she describes, is for these “songs to meet people where they’re at.” Highroad Reverie invites listeners on a journey through the Telkwa High Road’s symbolic themes—pain, hope, and an unyielding pursuit for joy. This is more than music; it’s a beautifully dysmorphic reflection of shared human experience.
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