Short Attention Span Record Reviews, May 25 Vol. II

EZRA FURMAN – Goodbye Small Head
Defiant and vulnerable, Ezra’s new album finds the artist expand the sound palette by re-introducing strings and electronica elements to the beloved “trans/gay Springsteen” formula. (8)

GANAVYA – Nilam
If you appreciate Arooj Aftab’s work then you should definitely check out Ganavya, and “Nilam” is an excellent starting point. (8)

GRAILS – Miracle Music
Cinematic post-rock from the masters of the genre. If you haven’t yet discovered the ultimate chill-out band, now’s the time to do so. (8)

TOM HICKOX – The Orchestra Of Stories
I have no idea who this guy is and what else he’s done so far in his career, but discovering this album has been a great gift: Excellent character-based storytelling reminiscent of Richard Dawson, sung in a beautiful rich baritone and supported by a full orchestra. It sounds like absolutely nothing else. (8)

THE MAYFLIES USA – Kickless Kids
I love jangly power pop, and these guys are really good at it. An unexpected but welcome return. (8)

PELICAN – Flickering Resonance
Instrumental post-metal from the masters of the genre. If you haven’t yet discovered, etc. (8)

MARC RIBOT – Map Of A Blue City
One of the great, unique guitarists of the last fifty years explores singer-songwriter territory that reminds me of his sometime boss, Tom Waits – not so much in sound or subject matter, but definitely in originality and out-of-the box-approach to making music. (8)

SLOW MOTION COWBOYS – Wolf Of St Elmo
A new take on cosmic country/americana by a really talented songwriter. If you’re into Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price etc. you should definitely give this one a spin. (8)

STEVE VON TILL – Alone In A World Of Wounds
Neurosis guy goes back to gothic Americana after 2024’s three dub albums as Harvestman. It’s a beautiful, dark, haunting piece of work. (8)

WITCHCRAFT – Idag
It’s much better than “Black Metal” and “Nucleus”, probably better than “Legend” too, and as fuzzy and riff-tastic as their first three albums on Rise Above. (8)

VARIOUS ARTISTS – The Magic Forest: More Pastoral Psychedelia & Funky Folk 1968-1975
Another one of those really fun Cherry Red compilations – three CDs chock-full of what the title implies, featuring a few recognizable names (Sandy Denny, Family, Pentangle, Roy Harper…) and a whole bunch of people you’ve never heard of unless you’re a 70-year-old crate-digging hippie from the East Midlands or something. (9)