Local Band CD Release Blowout:
A flood of new releases by local bands and artists have been coming into Shout World Headquarters and we thought we’d give you a heads up on what kind of noise they’ve been making.
Defying Belief
Epiphany
Thumbing their nose at their wealthy and self-righteous via intricate acoustic
alterna-pop, Defying Belief packs plenty of harmony-laden punch on their
latest release, Epiphany. Railing against prejudice, ignorance, political
zealots and the apathy of a spoiled nation, the band puts their anger into
a compelling and melodic, radio-ready form.
The King Bees
Big Buzz Live!
To celebrate their twentieth year together in the blues business, The King
Bees are releasing Big Buzz Live!, a live document that catches the band
in fine form. From the simmering, slow burn of Penny “Queen Bee Zamagni’s
“Pomade & Cologne,” an acoustic take on Muddy Waters classic
“Can’t Be Satisfied,” The King Bees show why the internationally
touring act is still at it two decades later.
Lost Ridge Band
Always Home
Fresh off their appearance at the Appalachian Roots Revival, Boone’s
resident good-time bluegrass boys have released a disc full of grooving
grass originals. Along with the help of the sultry voiced former Biscuit
Burner Shannon Whitworth and Dobro champ Tony Reese, the Lost Ridge Band’s
honest laments, upbeat celebrations of their mountain home and gently rolling
instrumentals make for a great back porch soundtrack.
The Naked Gods
It Ain’t Just Cold Outside
In Ain’t Just Cold Outside will probably make future live shows by
the Naked Gods even bigger, more drunken sing-alongs than they already are.
With classic production that makes the band’s swaggering and soul-powered
retro country-rock shimmer and shake, the disc’s six songs are packed
with musical nods to the band’s influences while remaining fresh.
Pour a stiff drink, sit back and dig into a killer first effort by the Naked
Gods.
Robby Norris
Takin’ A Break
Though it seems like Robby Norris’ last CD, Tornado, came out just
a show while ago, the teenage bluegrass picker is back and even better than
ever with Takin’ a Break. Almost impossible to believe, Norris plays
ALL of the disc’s instrumental tracks—mandolin, banjo, guitar,
bass and fiddle—with a the skill and drive of players many years his
senior. With the help of a talented stable of guest vocalists, Norris is
a one-man bluegrass powerhouse at the ripe old age of 13.
Possum Jenkins
Self-Titled EP
Trying to build upon their well-received first CD, Possum Jenkins is set
to release a seven-song EP that takes advantage of the studio setting without
losing the band’s considerable live energy. Extensive keyboard work
from engineer/co-producer Aaron Burleson adds considerable depth, bolstering
the band’s live arrangements of their Southern-flavored alt. country-rock.
Related Links
Defying Belief official website
Lost Ridge Band official website
The King Bees official website