In addition to the dramatic uptick in national and international acts coming through town, it has been an excellent year for the local music scene. Today I want to highlight a few locals who have released superb records this year.
GIVERS – New Kingdom
The Lafayette based GIVERS were formed in the wake of Katrina and have recently settled into an excellent brand of lighthearted indie pop. There is just enough new wave in the sound to trip the nostalgia circuits into gear; however, the entire project is informed by just the right amounts of local beats and national indie awareness for a perfect blend.
Donovan Wolfington – How To Treat The Ones You Love
Local indie punks Donovan Wolfington also released an excellent sophomore record this year. How To Treat The Ones You Love is the followup to their 2013 debut Stop Breathing. This album finds the group more secure in their sound, which tends toward the melodic end of punk—school of Bad Religion of NOFX. What sets them apart is the lyrical sentiment, which places them in the company of groups like the Front Bottoms. There is a inherent grappling with understanding here that is universal and the hooks carry you right along.
Nicholas Payton – LETTERS
We are no stranger to Nicholas Payton here in New Orleans. Lately, his turn to the piano and Hammond organ have opened up a whole new dimension of this legendary talent. This is easily my favorite local record of the year. There is an enchanting and balanced playfulness to the record that just works. It never soothes the listener to complete comfort. It demands attention like a long story from an old friend. If anything sounds like 2015 New Orleans, this is it.
To Do This Week
Keep it local tonight with The Trio at The Maple Leaf. Tomorrow MuteMath will be at the Howlin’ Wolf. Saturday Aaron Neville will be at Harrah’s and The English Beat will be at The Carver Theatre. If you can find a ticket check out JoJo at the Hi-Ho Sunday. Monday George Porter Jr is back at the Leaf. Finally, on Wed make sure to check out Judith Owen & Harry Shearer's Holiday Sing-A-Long at Le Petit Theatre.
To Listen This Week
Check out the outstanding new Purity Ring video via Youtube.
Fetty Wap has dropped a Xmas track and will be visiting us for BUKU in the spring via Soundcloud.
Thee Oh Sees have released a wild new track via Soundcloud
