Monocle
Monocle Band
Independent
3.5 out of 5 stars
Recorded at the Distillery Recording Studio in the shadows of the red sandstone cliffs of Lyons, Colo. that is home to the famed Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Monocle’s debut album sounds like something that would waft out of the speakers during an afternoon RockyGrass set. Melding bluegrass influences with Americana songwriting, the band is centered around Monica Whittington’s vocal chops, which were cut during her choral singing days.
Backed by a talented quartet, and joined by contributors including lap steel guitarist Sally Van Meter, Whittingon puts forth a mix of 11 peppy, but subdued tracks, which are neither newgrass nor traditional bluegrass, but an amalgam of both classic and modern influences. “Silly Joy” is one of the disc’s highlights — a splendidly written and performed number that is one of the shining examples of Whittington’s vocal strength.
Joe Johnson
New West Sound
Blank Tape Records
3.5 out of 5 stars
There ain’t nothing “alt” about Joe Johnson’s country. It is pure, real deal country that harkens back to Cash, Haggard and even has a few moments that resemble The Byrd’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
The Manitou Springs-based songwriter is joined by members of Haunted Windchimes Sean Fanning and Inaiah Lujan, who recorded the album at The Goat Hill Pickin Parlor in Pueblo, Colo., and a huge list of other contributors. For the CD release shows, Johnson will be joined by Cary Hudson of Blue Mountain, who was named one of the best alt-country guitarists of all time by Gibson Magazine in 2008.
The album ranges from soft country ballads like “No Comfort” to quick heel-kickers like “Ketchikan” and gritty, swampy tracks like “Who’s Gonna Go Your Bond.”
:: The Ivywild (Colo. Springs) :: September 14 ::
:: The Walnut Room :: September 17 ::
AdrienneO
SUPERCHROMATIC
Independent
3 out of 5 stars
SUPERCHROMATIC is oddly sophisticated for an electro-rock/pop group. In the midst of the simplistic, synth-heavy tunes is the impeccable voice of world-ranked/national champion water skier turned-vocal-coach Adrienne Osborn.
Some tracks, like “Someone Like Me,” get a little too poppy and repetitive, but songs like “Two and Two” and “Innocence” bring the EP back down to Earth, where Osborn’s voice sits front and center.
:: Taste of Colorado – KBCO Rock Stage :: September 2 ::
