I like listening to music, and I like writing about music. It just so happens that I get sent LOTS of music by publicists and bands in hopes of getting a review. I also enjoy reading reviews written by people I respect and admire. So, I usually have a deep backlog of albums that deserve my attention. With this monthly series, I’ll tell you about the artists that jumped out of my headphones and grabbed my attention.

What a weird month. Truly. Not to get too personal, but I lost my job last month. Laid off as part of some generic “corporate restructuring” – which, in this day and age, probably definitely most assuredly has something to do with artificial intelligence. It sucks. Big time. Thankfully, my family is super supportive, and I’ve landed a few excellent interviews. While I don’t have a new job yet, I’m doing my best to keep my spirits high most days.

Anyway. You aren’t here to hear about that nonsense, though, if you are, please send me an email to commiserate. You want to hear about the music! It was a good month, so much so that I have eight projects to share with you. Technically, two of then are four-song EPs, but they’re really good, and they deserve your attention.

Let’s get into it!

Dead Gowns – Vegas

Intimate alt-folk. Maybe it’s the state of the world, or maybe these artists have always been around but just not in my circles, but arty gothic folk is having a moment. And Geneviève Beaudoin is absolutely channeling those sounds to astonishing effect. Dead Gowns is this awe-inspiring fusion of Emma Ruth Rundle, Cinder Well, and Bill Callahan – all weighty atmosphere, dreary textures, and sharp musicianship. Yet it’s her slowly simmering rage that truly captures my attention, as best heard on “Everything You Wanted,” “Hardcore or Wellness,” and “No Longer Contacted.”

Dis Fig – What to Make of These Mortal Hands

Experimental industrial. At my old “Indie Inspection” column for Bearded Gentlemen Music, I had a recurring bit where I picked an album that should have received a full-blown review. And this month, this would be that pick. I found myself downright shook by this entire project. It’s this dank, dark, and demented dirge that assaults your ears, punches your chest, and kicks you in the gut – and then refuses to apologize. Inspired by the likes of Throbbing Gristle, The Bug, and The Body, this music overflows with heavy subbass, caustic vocals that alternately shriek and wail, skittering snares, and malevolent moods. Dis Fig is not for everyone, but it definitely for me, especially on tracks like “The Account,” “Vorago,” “The Snake You Built,” and “The Stone Awakens.”

Fatima Al Qadiri – 3TWI EP

Engrossing, eclectic electro. I have always enjoyed this producer’s aesthetic, as she combines intense Middle Eastern influences with a hard club edge. On this four-track release, Fatima Al Qadiri infuses heady, yet lush swirls of sound that I found intoxicating. Yet, what most appealed to me was the restraint. Instead of crafting sprawling songs with indulgent runtimes, we get highly focused, poppish arrangements that provide for ample grooves and never overstay their welcome. You should listen to the entire thing, but if I must choose, my faves are “7ilween” and “zilim.”

Growing Pains – Daniel Loves Mandy Forever

Vintage indie rock (Part 1). Oh look! It’s a pitch-perfect distillation of indie alt rock from 1995-2005. We’re talking Veruca Salt, The Anniversary, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in one nine-song album. Growing Pains delivers dreamy female vocals, crunchy guitars, killer hooks, and brokenhearted vibes that I would have blasted out of my car stereo throughout my 20s. “Slipstream,” “Swimming,” and “Bottle Rocket” all have the energy of a petulant teenager who grew up into a pensive young adult – and I mean that in a good way.

Jess Williamson – A Mile South of Heaven

Thoughtful country-folk (Part 1). Profound and rueful work from an immaculate singer-songwriter. Jess Williamson has a low soprano that will burrow its way into your heart, thanks to a gentle spirit that’s seen some shit but has lived to tell the tale. The combination of her warbling vocals perfectly matches the aching pedal steel work, while the hushed rhythm section evokes scenes of wagon wheels making their way across the prairie. Get your Kleenex ready when you listen to standout songs like the kick ass opener “Goodbye to All That” as well as “High Heels and Blue Jeans,” “Tracking the Tropics,” and “Legends Die.”

Margo Cilker – Little White Cross

Thoughtful country-folk (Part 2). Hushed, intimate, and authentic music from a spectacular talent. Her voice fuses Kasey Musgraves and Emmylou Harris with deft artistry, and the arrangements set you around a campfire at dusk somewhere in the American Southwest with your best friends. If someone ever wanted to create a gender-flipped version of Lonesome Dove, then I hope they choose Margo Cilker to write the soundtrack. The title track is absolute gut-punch of emotional heft, but I also love “Ladybug,” “State Line,” and “Wolves.”

The Rocky Valentines – Happy Halloween EP

Reverential retro rock. It’s hard for me not to love this guy’s music, as it sounds so much like his dad’s in Starflyer 59. The difference is that these songs have a bit more joyful fervor to them. Yes, it’s heavily influenced by ‘60s garage rock and ‘90s shoegaze, but The Rocky Valentines have brighter vocals and production style that provide a fresh Britpop and power-pop sheen. I heartily recommend this fun project, especially “Everyone Has Left” and “Volunteer.”

Stef Chura – Dancing Alone On the Concrete

Vintage indie rock (Part 2). And by vintage, I mean that it’s classic Saddle Creek – a little bit punk, a little bit folk, a little bit country, and a LOT of youthful sass. Stef Chura’s voice is this raspy bleat that knows how to get introspective at just the right times. The nine-song project clocks in at barely 27 minutes, and I get huge Courtney Barnett, Lucinda Williams, and Conor Oberst vibes in the songwriting chops and overall energy. Check out “The Concrete,” “Babydoll,” and “Danny” to hear exactly what I’m talking about.

Other Stuff I Enjoyed Listening to This Month

• Dawn Richard – Creole Culture (my Spectrum Culture review)
• Emma Ruth Rundle – These Killing Times
• Fontaines D.C. – Dopamine Chamber
• Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – Ruin: It’s Not Just Music (my BGM review)
• more eaze – valley and structure (my Treble Zine review)
• Tinashe – Popstar