September Program Titles Released This Week:
Clairo – Immunity CD (FADER Label)
Clairo, the moniker of 20-year-old multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer Claire Cottrill, drops her debut album, Immunity. Following-up her debut EP Diary 001, which featured the hit singles “Pretty Girl”, “Flamin’ Hot Cheetos” and “4EVER”, Immunity sees Clairo team up with co-producer Rostam (Vampire Weekend) in a stunning glimpse into an artist’s growth. Lead single “Bags” is a delicate and delightfully weird taste of the record; the gently strummed track builds to a peak augmented by warped guitars and piano. Quite different from the jangled angst of “Bags”, second single “Closer To You” finds Clairo emoting her desire through autotune and a stark, burgeoning beat. [Vinyl edition due October 4.]
The Commonheart – Pressure CD/LP (Jullian)
“This band is therapy for me to bring myself back to being a better person, and I hope people come along with me,” says powerhouse singer Clinton Clegg of The Commonheart. The testimonial begins with their sophomore album, Pressure – a potent and purposeful dose of grittily redemptive rock ‘n’ soul. The 10-song album showcases raw-nerve soul musicianship pristinely recorded. The opening track boasts soulful sandpaper-y lead vocals, swoops of cosmic slide guitar, a driving Sly Stone groove, and rousing female backup vocals. It’s an up-against-a-wall tune about making a living while raising a family, and it speaks to the album’s title. The bluesy ballad title track, replete with pleading emotive vocals, drips yearning and melancholy redemption. A spirit of a new-day optimism courses through the aptly titled “Different Man”. The song soars with stirring group backup vocals punctuated by Clinton’s vulnerable confessions. It’s a rousing and uplifting slice of R&B brimming with warm organs, clipped soul-guitar chanks, and triumphant horn melodies.
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors – Dragons CD/LP (Magnolia Music)
Drew Holcomb’s songs have always charged his listeners’ hearts and minds while inspiring them to think, feel, dance, and love. But with his new album, Dragons, his subject material finds the singer using a finer brush and mixing more of the joys, struggles, and specific moments of his own life than ever before to help him paint his masterpieces and connect with fans on a universal level. With its modern production, careful sense of craft and collaboration, and rafter-reaching anthems carrying profound, intentional lyrics, the album represents Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors’ biggest moment yet, a powerful portrait stretched across a wide sonic canvas. The story of Dragons is the culmination of myriad events, connections, challenges, and years of hard, determined work for Holcomb, both as a bandleader and a family man. For the last decade, the Tennessee-based musician has established himself as one of Americana and Southern roots music’s freshest upstarts, building his following and critical appeal with every release, show, and venture.
