Evan Way & The Phasers
Evan Thomas Way’s career as the frontman for the Parson Red Heads has made the warmth of his voice synonymous with the band’s hope-filled songs. This is why his new solo record is a surprise. While maintaining the layered guitar harmonies and the gentleness of his voice, the songs on “Long Distance” are darker and more deeply personal. The songs were written throughout Evan’s life and recorded secretly as a gift for his wife. Evan is joined by The Phasers—Raymond Richards (who co-produced the record along with Evan and plays electric guitar and pedal steel), Adam Beam (drums), and Alex Chapman (bass), with support from Michael Blake (keys), Eric Earley (organ) and Ben Latimer (saxophone). The result is an album of astonishing intimacy.
The lyrics walk the line between dogged hope and the weariness of daily life. They are the stories of those who are torn between giving up and pressing on. The album resists providing a definitive answer. The weight of these lyrics is buoyed by the album’s splendid music. The melodies are immediately approachable, some sounding like long-forgotten lullabies. Their simplicity is supported by the tight textures of the band. The guitar hooks are bright and layered with harmony. The organ and keys are rich in reverb. The organic textures of phasers provide a touch of psychedelic. Especially satisfying is when Ben Latimer’s saxophone winds its away around Evan’s falsetto in the songs “Gone” and “Change Your Mind.” The band’s self-described goal was “Neil Young by way of shoegaze.” It is a sound they have mastered effortlessly.
Megan Diana
Megan Diana is pioneering a new genre: DREAM COUNTRY DISCO- what does this mean?
Take your favorite vintage keyboard (hello Wurlitzer, hello Fender Rhodes) put them thru an echo/delay pedal, add lush and dreamy layers of French Horn and vocals, anchor them with throwback drum grooves, and top it all off with space echoed Pedal Steel (thank you Raymond Richards) After the release of her debut album Women in My Head - Megan has been hard at work touring the world and working on her second album Cabin Fever - produced by Richards - to be released in 2023 - She is currently an artist in residence at Villa Lena in Tuscany - living the Italian dream of delicious food & wine, passionate & artful people, with a gorgeous studio to continue her work as a songmaker.
Tobias Berblinger
Portland-based troubadour Tobias Berblinger & the Lonely Planet Boys deliver a comforting range of country and folk nostalgia filled with twangy, heartfelt introspection and cosmic country drive.