Four Arkansas bands have released new music; here's a closer look.
B+ Mothwind
In the Clutches of the Novae
Self-released
Mothwind has former Underclaire/Year of the Tiger frontman Michael Mullins teaming with his pal Jeremy Partin of Vore and Kevin Rains of Holy Angel to crank out this infectious, headbanging debut.
With titles like "The Galactus Effect" and "Exo-Atmospheric Kill Vehicle," futuristic cover art from Austrian artist Shahab Alizadeh and progressive textures among its heavy riffage, the album has a definite science fiction aura in its concept and origins. Following a specific narrative isn't necessary, though, to enjoy the threesome's obvious chemistry and tuneful, heavy melodies.
Hot tracks: "The Galactus Effect," "Sunbender" and the '70s heavy rock groove of "The Adder"
B+ The Infinite Calling
Waves of Luminescence
Self-released
Spacey, thoughtful, meditative, hypnotic -- you start thinking in these terms while listening to this sophomore release from The Infinite Calling, the ambient music project of Jonesboro guitarist Daniel Turner.
Sounding like a spaceship taking off for another world, Waves of Luminescence opens with "Radiating From Within" and soars softly through the next six tracks like a journey to a different plane. It's hard to resist the temptation to simply close your eyes and ride on this expanding mind-trip of a ripple. The faint heartbeat at the beginning of the trance-like "Swirling Through the Cosmic Ocean" becomes louder, transforming to something more ominous before giving way to harp-like strings; the repetitive middle of "Stretching Into Eternity" is transcendent in a Zen way.
If you haven't paid much attention to ambient music, The Infinite Calling and this album make a nice entry point.
Waves of Luminescence is available for streaming at soundcloud.com/theinfinitecalling and for purchase at Amazon.com
Hot tracks: You really need to hear this one from beginning to end, with an open mind and preferably in a room with low lights.
B Dead Anchors
Dead Anchors
Self-released
We caught this Little Rock four-piece (Sean Causey, Jesse Flatte, Mikey Hayes and Kelly Kish) crashing through a blistering opening set for Two Cow Garage back in the summer and were thoroughly smitten.
Their scrappy, PBR-fueled anthems were immediate singalongs. Though their debut album doesn't quite capture that bruising energy, it comes close.
Sounding like early Springsteen and Uncle Tupelo channeled through the amps of Titus Andronicus, Dead Anchors' blue-collar, catchy songs tread the choppy waters of girls, drinking and getting out of town, not necessarily in that order. They are most definitely an Arkansas band, with references to Yell County and the Arkansas River popping up in their lyrics (non-Arkies like Spiro Agnew and the Lindbergh baby also show up; yes, the band has a sense of humor).
There are times when the vocals seem to overpower the arrangement ("The End of the Evening"), and the production is a bit rough, but these imperfections almost add to the chipped-tooth charm, and word is that the band is already working on a follow-up. We can't wait.
Hot tracks: "Get Out While We Can," "You Know What Ol' Jack Burton Says at a Time Like This," the wry "Born to Drink," "Lindbergh Baby"
B+ Collin Vs. Adam
Bloodsucker
Max Recordings
The second album from Little Rock alt-rockers Collin Vs. Adam is dedicated to the memory of Mason Mauldin, the band's bassist who died when the airplane he was piloting crashed Jan. 23, 2013, and it is quite a document. With synthy textures and dance flourishes that feel somewhat distant, Bloodsucker is undeniably intriguing.
Vocalist Adam Hogg's tenor sometimes sounds lonely and detached but is perfectly matched to the group's slyly funky arrangements and palette. He switches from longing ("Get Back to You," "Restrainer") and rage (the thrilling title cut) to bleary-eyed resignation ("Small") seamlessly. Meanwhile, guest Norman Williamson's haunting sax solo on "Sloth" sounds like something from a late-night pop radio show circa 1984 and Little Rock hip hop star 607 lays down a breathless rap over the strong "Information."
With Bloodsucker, Collin Vs. Adam has done its fallen band mate proud.
Hot tracks:"Small," "Deadweight," "Bloodsucker"
...
B Tim McGraw
Sundown Heaven Town
Big Machine
One of the 13 tracks on Tim McGraw's new album features -- no surprise -- his wife, Faith Hill. "Meanwhile Back at Mama's" is a rustic, understated number about the age-old allure of home.
Sundown Heaven Town has plenty of sleekly produced, radio-ready pieces driven by big, loud choruses. Most of the songs take their cue, mood- and themewise, from "Mama's": They're somber and substantive, dealing with adult issues with little melodrama.
For all his continued hunkiness, McGraw is approaching elder statesman status. Here, with the rare exception of piffle like "Looking for That Girl," he shows he can age gracefully, whether he's following the Nashville production formula or stripping things back to rootsier levels, as with "Mama's" and the killer hard-country ballad "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools."
Hot tracks: "Meanwhile Back at Mama's," "Diamond Rings and Old Barstools"
-- NICK CRISTIANO
McClatchy Newspapers
Style on 10/07/2014