April 2024
WOODHOUSE FINDS
Here in the Pitch - Jessica Pratt
A new Jessica Pratt album being plush and beautiful should be no surprise, but the sheer gorgeous extravagance of Here in the Pitch is stunning. Pratt has evolved like many of her ‘60s influences; gracefully and elegantly into a velvet-lined production sound. Her psychedelic musings are matched with backgrounds that could have gone on a Lee Hazlewood joint. The only thing that equals the opulence is the radiating warmth.
Frog Poems - Mister Goblin
2010s interview alumni and underrated hook master Mister Goblin returns with another off-kilter ramble. The catchiness is undeniable, casting back to the ‘90s’ cross section of grunge, folk, pop and whatever else could add to a songs’ sing-along factor. But the section weapon is the strange empathy underpinning each song. “The Notary” has Goblin wanting to be a library or the titular title signer to become helpful. Odd, charming, oddly charming.
Scurvy - Kali
I would say this is an old school slice of UK Dubstep but, in truth, the melodies reach even further back. Influenced by both ‘90s video game soundtracks and goddamn sea shanties, Kali makes a strangely compelling fusion of all three disparate sounds. If nautical nonsense be something you wish…
Escape From Luna - Jinjé
Reminiscent of electronic master Clark, Jinje has a masterful knack for a slow burn build that still hits like a semi speeding down the freeway.
Altera Vita - Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi
Jazz, and I can’t stress this enough, HARP. Honestly, that should be enough considering that there are only so many Dorothy Ashby reissues and Brandee Younger is just one woman, but Alina Bzhezhinska and Tony Kofi have delivered jaw-dropping beauty in their offering.
Plague Dance - Naked Brunch
A little bit punky, a little bit folky, but absolutely not folk-punk, Plague Dance’s debut is a dark yet vibrant slice of charm. It reminds me mightily of the sadly underrated The Act of Estimating as Worthless or Tindersticks, using harmonies and chamber orchestrations to craft velvet-soft dread.
All Gist - James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg
Two of the 21st century’s greatest guitar heroes settling down for a folky traipse through history. Less shredding lessons, more of a soft conversation through strings.
Hey Kekulé - Font
Twitchy, jittery sexiness from Austin up and comers. A groove that infects madness.
New Air - Ben Seretan
Krautrock, Wilco, Springsteen, War on Drugs, I don’t care what you call it, what influences it might be pulling through. “New Air” is a frighteningly brilliant slab of rock’n’roll that earns its sprawling 8-minute run time.