June is here and it’s my favorite time of the year. Summer is on the horizon and the air is brimming with fresh pollen and a resurgence of newfound energy. As I make my way up to Alaska for the summer I will be bringing these wonderful albums along with me for the ride. A lot of these releases tend to veer more towards the ambient and instrumental realms as that is where my head has been at lately. However, there are some “rock ” offerings for those who need to blow some steam.
If you still use Spotify I have put together a playlist of my favorite tracks from each of these eleven releases. If you like the music I encourage you to click on the link to purchase directly from the artists bandcamp page, enjoy!
“American Harmony” by David Van Auken
This debut release came to me as a surprise while listening to the Trailhead radio show. David’s approach to primitive guitar is a refreshing guide through the cinematic elements of a hopeless and undeniable landscape. His minimalistic approach to ambient textures, while utilizing synthesizers, melodica, and squeezebox make for a stand out American primitive guitar performance in the modern age.
“Garden Party” by Rose City Band
This carefree psychedelic country rock offering from guitarist Ripley Johnson and co. is a must listen for anyone looking for a trip towards the sun. This meandering jam will weave you in between melodies of radiating spirit, evoking a sense of ones happy place on that sunny spot of the lawn. This is an invitation to hop in the van for a ride without a worry in the world of where the destination might fare, free of doubt in the spirit of the journey.
“Prairiewolf” by Prairiewolf
Another wonderful debut album this time from the Colorado record heads Tyler Wilcox, Stefan Beck, and Jeremy Erwin alongside the adoring Rhythm Ace drum machine by Acetone. This has all of the vibes for taking you in an out of space and time completely. If this record was a place to behold I would want to live there for the rest of eternity.
“On The Whole Universe In All Directions” by Elkhorn
The duo of Drew Gardner and Jesse Sheppard bring forth another body of work composed on 12 string acoustic guitar, drums, and vibraphone. There’s a calming sense of controlled chaos, with subtle movements swaying between primitive folk influences and ECM worship as the narrative of a red tailed hawk hunts high above the slough.
“Villagers” by Califone
It’s been over three years since the last Califone record and Tim Rutillis absence has not gone unnoticed. The tone of his music is how I imagine things should sound when I am stuck in deep mud trying to record an acoustic guitar outside. This feels minimal, yet full of life terrestrial weirdness, with familiar sounds of common household items as a percussive narrative of long forgotten treasures.
“Keeping Alive” by Doug Tuttle
I can really get behind a musician that is also an engineer, pedal builder, and overall tinkerer and Doug’s music always sounds crisp and refreshing. That’s not an easy thing to do in the world of indie rock/power pop. I believe he recorded this all himself in his home? I should probably get Doug on here to discuss his process but if you love home-made fuzz tones than this album is for you (and me).
“Infinite Spring” by Superviolet
A fitting title for a refreshing new approach to the genre. Steve Cioleks voice is a sonic deja-vu of a scene from the past, yet present in what’s starring back ahead of us. As the skies heat up overhead you will need a trusty sidekick by your side and this powerhouse built on the ground of pop melodies will be as good of a guide as any as we lose ourselves in the battle for simpler times.
“This Stupid World” by Yo La Tengo
After 38 years you might think you’ve heard enough but that’s not the case when it comes to greats. If you have yet to dive into their catalog then I suggest you start here and work backwards. I wish that I had found this band when I was sixteen instead of Long Island emo but time is not meant to be filled with regrets. It’s hard for a band of this caliber to top their albums that got them to this point in the first place. However, it’s nice to hear them not care in trying and just write cool songs like these.
“Long Cool World” by North Americans
If you are struggling to connect with the right therapist while using a 20% off coupon code provided by your favorite podcasts then do I have a solution for you (potentially). Take some mushrooms and throw on a pair of good headphones before pressing play on this album and relish in the moment as you descend past the trailhead of your mind and you watch the world come alive again for the very first time.
“Jump On It” by Bill Orcutt
I once went to go see Bill play what I thought would be solo guitar music but instead he played samples from a Ramones song of Joey counting in through a strange software that he designed. As “1,2,3,4” blasted through the PA on repeat for an hour, I nearly lost my mind and was completely baffled (as to be expected at Zebulon). This however is much more pleasant to listen to if you need some acoustic instrumentals in your life like I do.
“Secret Statosphere” by William Tyler & The Impossible Truth
Revered finger style guitarist William Tyler is no stranger to full band performances on his previous records, but this is the first live recording with this new band of mellow horse riders. The Impossible Truth are Luke Schnieder on pedal steel, Jack Lawrence on bass, and Brian Kotzur on drums & percussion. The room was vibrant and William was driving his songs into new territory, guiding us beyond the boundaries of earths painful realizations.
Crossed Wires 
