Marissa Nadler / For My Crimes

Jennifer Russo

To say I love this artist is a grave understatement. I have followed Marissa Nadler for quite some time, though, for the most part, she has stayed under the radar more than I would like. A Massachusetts native, her sound is authentic and pure, and her words are delivered with a rawness that seems to mirror the idea of lyrics scratched down onto a napkin, just as they are inspired in a coffee shop somewhere. She is a master storyteller, with a sweet, mournful, folky-alternative approach to sharing her experiences and thoughts with the world.

Her latest album, For My Crimes, has happy moments, sad moments, angry moments, confused moments…it is the palette of human emotion laid out bare for all to hear and relate to. It is a slow-moving, acoustic album – perfect for kicking your feet up and reading through the latest issue of your favorite magazine with your favorite Starbucks concoction in hand.

The title song, “For My Crimes,” sets the entire stage for the rest of the album, pleading with someone not to remember her for the hurt she has caused and mistakes she has made, as if she is walking down a prison hallway to her demise. About halfway through, we get to “Blue Vapor,” a song that I find provocative, with easy-flowing vocal throughout her range, a layered instrumental and clever pauses and change-ups. My easy favorite is “Interlocking,” which has a gorgeous guitar intro (which kind of reminded me of an Eagles riff in style) and lovely harmonies conveying a heartfelt story of love and reflection.

I expect to hear much more about Nadler now that this album has released. It is definitely one of my favorites right now.

For more information, visit marissanadler.com.

Lenny Kravitz / Raise Vibration

Mike Wood

Lenny Kravitz has been laying down the beats for nearly 30 years, and for a successful music career to span three decades, you’ve got to be doing something right. Turns out, on his latest release, Raise Vibration, Kravitz is doing most things right. His signature sound is mostly intact and on point, even if the album itself proves to be an uneven foray into 2018’s musical landscape. It’s not that his unique sound is not present or as powerful as in the past, it just that it feels so same-ish for an artist who has always transcended genre.

To listen to Kravitz is to expect a master at work, so wanting a bit more from the artist – to feel his it-factor coolness like we have on previous songs (“American Woman” or “Are You Gonna Go My Way”) – seems entirely fair. The beats and the rhythms on his jam sessions are exemplary here, but the lyrics are sometimes uneven, and they don’t rise to the beats.

Kravitz’s signature voice does seem strained from time to time – and even out of place on some tracks – but he does shine on the songs like “Here to Love” and “Low.” “Here to Love” rises above the noise with its beautiful, timely message about unity and humanity in our divided world. “Low” is also reminiscent of Kravitz’s earlier hits, with its melodic refrain sure to lull listeners into an easy-going groove. It’s all fine, of course. But we ask: Where is the artistry of the undefinable performer who so seamlessly melds rock, funk, folk, soul and reggae into fun, unforgettable tunes? Unfortunately, much on Vibration is just, well, forgettable.

For more information, visit lennykravitz.com.

Shallow Side / Origins

Jason Savio

Shallow Side is gearing up for its first full-length album, and it’s doing so by releasing a compilation of songs from its previous three EPs along with a few new tracks. Origins is a segue leading up to the tentatively titled Saints & Sinners and is sure to get fans of the band excited for what’s to come.

Hailing from Alabama, Shallow Side finds a way to drop hints of southern influence into some its heavy rock songs. “Rebel” has the basic modern rock DNA, but a swing feel – with a banjo-picking breakdown – mixes it up nicely and keeps it from becoming too generic. “My Addiction” continues that approach with a southern swamp twang, complete with the sound of frogs and crickets, as if you’re hanging out on the front porch, before it blasts into modern rock fire. “Stand Up” is a surging number with a memorable guitar riff and chanting vocals, creating a powerful chorus that stands out from the rest on Origins.

Although rock machismo is clearly favored across this collection of songs, Shallow Side actually sounds best when stripping down its sound. The melodic piano ballad of “Crazy” comes with a matching guitar solo, and “Try to Fight It” is further proof that loud, crunching guitars aren’t needed here to hide anything.

Could Shallow Side ultimately trade in the heavy power chords and pounding drums for a more mainstream pop approach? Only time, and maybe Saints & Sinners, will tell.

For more information, visit shallowside.net.