SUSS Nail Ambient Country Vibes with ‘Birds & Beasts’
Ambient country’s SUSS thrive on moody atmospheres and calm amidst the tension. Their music is imbued with the beauty and mystery of the American West.
Chris Ingalls
Chris is a Massachusetts native who spent seven years as a broadcast journalist in the U.S. Navy, serving in overseas locations such as Keflavik, Iceland and the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. He was also a videotape editor for a CBS affiliate TV station, a newspaper editor at a military public affairs office in Naples, Italy, and spent 14 years as a videographer for a Boston-area cancer research institute. He was born in 1969 and has been a rabid music fan since at least 1970, thanks to his three older siblings. A PopMatters writer since 2016, Chris also contributes to the experimental music website Tome to the Weather Machine, is an occasional guest on the music podcast "Losing My Opinion," and is on Twitter @Ingalls1969. He lives in the leafy suburbs outside of Boston with his wife, son, hyperactive dog, and lots of records.
Gabriel Birnbaum’s New LP Is Filled with Deep Emotion
Gabriel Birnbaum takes many aspects of rock, folk, and indie music that everyone is familiar with and subtly rearranges them in ways we never thought possible.
Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion Reunite for Genre-Defying LP
The combined forces of composer/vocalist/violinist Caroline Shaw and accomplished ensemble Sō Percussion continue to thrill and amaze.
Steve Dawson Brings a Direct Feel to ‘Ghosts’
Now armed with a full band, Steve Dawson’s songs have more musical heft on Ghosts, resulting in one of his best and more streamlined solo works.
Arooj Aftab Unleashes Moody, Nocturnal Bliss on ‘Night Reign’
Arooj Aftab’s Night Reign is filled with dark, mysterious corners and an intoxicating blend of jazz and her Pakistani roots with stunning results.
The Bird Calls’ ‘Old Faithful’ Is a Deeply Felt Folk Gem
Under the name the Bird Calls, Sam Sodomsky infuses his songs with warmth, gravitas, and the musical wisdom of a well-traveled music fan.
Thin Lear Reveals an Uncanny Ear for Melody
Thin Lear’s EP is a unique and instantly lovable combination of indie folk and chamber pop and a superb showcase for Matt Longo’s immense songwriting abilities.
“I Just Want to Hear Everything”: A Conversation with Paul Weller
Paul Weller, one of the most revered figures in British rock, is releasing his 17th studio LP. He discusses creative collaboration, John Coltrane’s influence, and more.
Claire Rousay Shifts from Field Recordings to Quasi-Pop Ballads
Sentiment is a deeply melancholic work suffused with a gentle beauty in the emotions Claire Rousay expresses in the lyrics and the ambient delights.
Amy Aileen Wood Emits a Warm, Percussive Vibe on ‘The Heartening’
The experimental nature always hovers above Amy Aileen Wood’s The Heartening, but there’s warmth and a sense of welcome that never seems cold or distant.
Jackie West Dazzles on the Stunning ‘Close to the Mystery’
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Jackie West effortlessly transcends genres and generations on her outstanding debut album, Close to the Mystery.
Michael Feuerstack Matches Questions with Infectious Grooves
In Eternity Mongers, Michael Feuerstack proves his mettle as a fine, seasoned songwriter and captures soulful innocence and throws in killer hooks.