Will Johnson - No Ordinary Crown - Sep 15, 2023
The sphere of 2000's alt-country can't be discussed without a few key names: Jason Molina, Will Oldham, Bill Callahan, Jason Isbell, etc. With many of these legends having collaborated over the years, many younger listeners and fans will be delighted to find a lot of overlap in their discographies dating back to their respective origins. Intertwined in this dense web of slowcore, alt-country, and blues, is singer-songwriter Will Johnson, who released his 8th solo album No Ordinary Crown this past weekend. His past collabs with Jason Molina clearly had an impact on his sound, as his latest album evokes much of the same ethos and flavor that can be found in some of Songs: Ohia's best work. That perfect touch of lo-fi imperfection and Johnson's clever patience between lyrics and notes leave just enough room for his tasteful references to American folk culture and gut-wrenching universal truths about love and loss. The Texas native shows his experience and brilliance in songs like "In Granada" and the closer "Of Passengers and Plight," where Johnson almost seems to let the song come to him, rather than forcing it to its climax like a younger artist might. Through humor and relaxed wisdom, Will Johnson delivered a collection of timeless songs that even avid haters of country can find something worthwhile to take with them.
Favorite Tracks: "In Granada" ; "Alta (Warped Kite) ; "Conduct"
- Will Lewis
Cannonandtheboxes - High Life - September 14
Athens, Georgia artist CannonandtheBoxes released his first album, High Life, last Friday. A WEGL Concerts on Campus alumnus, this was their official debut album. CannonandtheBoxes previously released a sleuth of singles, a few EPs, and a demo album. High Life has a lot to offer, from twangy guitars to raspy vocals from cannon himself. The band sticks to mostly indie rock, with some folk tendencies coming out on certain songs. Most of the songs from High Life are previously released as singles over the past three years, with a few new cuts for the album. The upbeat songs have a nice groove to them, with most songs having an instrumental climax that’ll make you want to dance. The band employs different instruments on different songs, such as a trumpet on “Professional Wrestling” or a harmonica on “Rockwell Cover Dream”. For the majority of the album, Cannon gets introspective and sings about for somber things. Other that “Professional Wrestling” and “Classic City Celebrity,” you can feel the sadness and sense of longing that cannon sings about. The band does a great job at putting these feelings into their instrumentation. High Life also succeeds at making every song different and stand on its own. The album clocks in at 30 minutes over 10 songs, so it’s a quick but memorable first outing for the band. Overall, it’s a fantastic start and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for some great somewhat-local music.
Favorite songs: “Professional Wrestling” ; “Pastel Houses” ; “Seven (and a half)” ; “Rockwell Cover Dream”
- Logan Hurston
