Staff Picks

From the opening menacing notes of lead track Wolves, it is clear that Ist Ist’s debut album Architecture is not for background listening. The now familiar dark undertone of  their music is immediately present, beautifully balanced by the changing  pace and multi-layered instrumentation throughout the album. There is a  theatricality about the songs that engulfs the listener and their  placement is such that it feels like a piece of work that should be  ingested from start to finish; no shuffling tracks here.

Early James’ new album, Medium Raw,  produced by Dan Auerbach and recorded at Buddy Jackson’s Honky Château,  stands as his most compelling work to date. The collaboration with  Auerbach infuses the album with a gritty authenticity, capturing Early  James’ soulful storytelling and powerful vocal delivery. The production  incorporates a field recording approach, giving the album an organic,  lived-in feel that enhances its emotional depth. Medium Raw delves deep into the heart of Americana, blending blues, rock, and folk influences with an unfiltered edge. 

A  gifted lyricist in the Southern Gothic tradition, Early James weaves  dark narratives that resonate with raw emotion, while blending the  whimsical with the profound. His signature, sly storytelling is evident  across the album’s twelve tracks, each a testament to his unyielding  passion with a musical landscape that pushes boundaries. 

Tracks  like “Steely Knives” feature haunting lines such as, “Can’t you see them  eyes like steely knives / It cuts me to the bone,” showcasing Early’s  ability to craft poignant, vivid imagery. In “Nothing Surprises Me  Anymore,” he muses, “They say truth is stranger than fiction / Now  that’s a fact,” and “I guess God’s a twisted skywriter / Chemtrails in  Comic Sans,” blending wry humor with his sardonic wit. Songs such as  “Tin Foil Hat” and “Go Down Swinging” echo the expressive style of Tom  Waits and Marc Ribot. 

In addition to Early James’ musical prowess  on guitar, the impressive lineup of musicians, including Jeffrey  Clemens on drums, Sam Bacco on percussion, and longtime collaborator  Adrian Marmolejo on bass, brings a dynamic energy to the recording,  complementing his distinct voice and evocative lyrics. This album is a  must-listen for fans of authentic, heart-wrenching Americana, promising a  visceral listening experience that is both gripping and unforgettable.