Point Juncture, WA
Heart to Elk
(Mt. Fuji Records)
Point Juncture is not a real town, but a band from Portland, Oregon whose album Heart to Elk is an impressive debut. The male and female duo vocals often steer the songs, as in "New Machine" and "Kings Part II." Portland neighbor Stephen Malkmus could've rolled out of bed to offer advice on the fuzz guitars and spastic noise that make Point Juncture, WA typical of the Portland indie scene they call home. —Lee Taylor
The Felice Brothers
Yonder is the Clock
(Team Love)
The Felice Brothers' full-length offering from 2009 is a slice of gritty Americana, timeless in its intent and in its ramshackle approach. There is family chemistry at work here, as the Brothers (and their two friends) seem to psychically and organically push and pull each other through each of the 13 cuts. Main vocalist Ian has an untrained, blown-out vocal style which somehow manages to sound both weary and hearty. The music itself is largely acoustic, often accordion, sparse percussion, pianos and more. Pick up this disc for tales of rural life, death, love and lore filtered through the mystery of upstate New York's mountain magic. —Ryan Duffy
Magik Markers
Balf Quarry
(Drag City)
Noise rock duo Magik Markers's Balf Quarry is a well-executed piece of modern psychedelic experimentalism. Elisa Ambrogio's vocals create intense, absorbing moods, often eerie and desperate, but at times angry or even hopeful. The most melodic song, "7/23," reveals the potential of her sweet voice and provides a counterpoint to broken rhythms and droning melodies. Instrumental nods to the psychedelic '60s carry over to the lyrics in "The Lighter Side of… Hippies," asking how the "revolution in your head all went to hell." —Alyssa King
Sonny Landreth
From the Reach
(Landfall)
How can you make the blues sound fresh again? You could ask Eric Clapton for a helping hand—he's just one of the guest performers offering his talents on Sonny Landreth's From The Reach. The guitar playing foregoes string-bending blues jamming in favor of scorching country leads. It's a restless album drawing from country, rock and pop. Landreth's occasional slide guitar offers just enough to qualify this as blues. "Howlin' Moon" is a bayou boogie with a vocal appearance by Dr. John. —Lee Taylor
