January 2023 @RGM
A belated welcome to 2023 @RGM. After an extended break for the holidays, we’re back with more new music, which we think should be on your listening radar. January found the RGM Inbox inundated with cool new sounds we’d like to share with you. Some artists you might be familiar with, others less so, but as we always say, your favourite new beat combo might be just a click away. So join us as we share new music from both sides of the pond and an unexpected choice of cover tune.
PHOTO CREDIT: EVA CHAMBERS
Brian and Michael D’Addario, aka The Lemon Twigs, burst onto the scene with their debut ‘Do Hollywood’ album in 2016. The brothers’ sound is rooted in the classic rock pop of the 1960s and 70s, with The Beatles, Supertramp, Wings and Big Star name-dropped as reviewers try to nail down their ever-evolving sound (pretty impressive company). Newly signed to Captured Tracks, the brothers D’Addario return with the gorgeous ‘Corner Of My Eye’ drenched in silky-smooth Beach Boy harmonies. Personally, I’m new to the band, so I’ll be off to discover their back catalogue without delay.
Taking a bit of a left turn musically, we arrive at Chris Walton. The Boston-based singer/songwriter and producer released his debut album, ‘Ruminating Thoughts’ in January to streaming services. Chris obviously appreciates the soul greats such as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye while adding a dash of John Mayer to the mix. Soul, funk and jazz textures are delivered via Chris’ smooth vocals, bolstered by some pretty impressive jazzy guitar runs. ‘Ruminating Thoughts’ is an impressive debut. Highlights include the languid, funky ‘Halfway Lover’ and the acoustic guitar-based ‘Give It Time’. Check out ‘Soon’ below:
Welsh singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Benji Tranter recently released his debut album via Pear O’ Legs Records. Tranter’s record is brimming with charming little oddities delivered in a DIY lo-fi style that makes the songs even more endearing. With influences that include Elliott Smith, Conor Oberst and Nick Drake, you might think you know what to expect, but Benji has also been busy in recent years with his power-pop trio Ski Lift, so instrumentally and structurally, you’re never quite sure where Benji will choose to go. For two sides of Benji, check out the videos below, which certainly live up to his album title ‘Songs to Make You Happy’.
Canadian Marco DiFelice has had an interesting career. In the '90s, he was the lead singer of the pop-punk band, Supergarage. After the band dispersed, he found his way into the world of music supervision, where he selected music for films, adverts, and television shows including Orphan Black and Lost Girl. These days Marco is Parks N' Rec. This collaboration between Marco and several producers at his Self Titled Studios creates music dealing with sometimes challenging themes such as lost love, polarizing societies, and self-renewal. His latest album, due in the spring of 2023, is, somewhat surprisingly, a covers record. Recently, he reimagined Leonard Cohen, and now he has classic rock royalty in the shape of Boston in his sights. The resulting version of ‘Peace Of Mind’ is definitely one to check out. After LC and now Tom Scholz, who alone knows what Marco and Parks N' Rec will tackle next.