New year, new mess! National shutdown tomorrow. Abolish ICE straight to hell. “I’ve seen the atrocity with my own eyes; you cannot tell me what I know.”
…that’s what’s on the frontburner of my brain when not these following things!
IMARHAN
Essam is out in the world now thanks to the fine folks at City Slang. Listen in full while you read the kind and truthful words on this record from PopMatters (“one of tishoumaren’s most dynamic contemporary acts”), OkayAfrica (“a new intimacy, and a foray into electronic production”), No Depression (“once frenetic and meditative, acoustic and programmed”), and more who have helped illuminate this watershed moment in Tuareg music. Imarhan have extensive tour dates in Europe this spring.
LILY SEABIRD
Seabird’s in her natural element, out on the road! Currently in the van with Dean Johnson + co, playing solo shows in Boston tonight and NYC tomorrow. In March, she’ll round up her band for their first tour out west, en route to Treefort and beyond. More dates will be added to that run, but tickets for all announced shows are available now. Pick up a copy of Trash Mountain and Alas, (which just tuned two) at the merch table.
THOMAS DOLLBAUM
Peep this solo performance video of “Whippits/Trailer Lights.” Shot in his New Orleans home, the original version can be found on the outstanding Drive All Night from October, Wilco-recommended and hailed as the 2nd best EP of 2025 by Paste Magazine. Dear Life Records has manufactured a limited edition CD of Drive All Night—pick it up in stores starting February 12, and at the merch table when Dollbaum tours with Esther Rose in March and Fust & Merce Lemon in April.
BROWN HORSE
The Norwich, UK band—named one of Brooklyn Vegan’s 10 Artists Shaping the New Indie-Country Boom—return with their third and best album in as many years, Total Dive (April 10 via Loose Music). “Twisters” is the first single, a wide-open blast of country rock featuring a tangle of shimmering pedal steel and swirling organ. The accompanying music video was directed by Alistair Nicholls and showcases the band reporting on some Michel Gondry-esque weather patterns. Dive in and catch the band on their first North American tour this May.
PS remember last month’s roundup of regional best-ofs? Write me (or leave a comment?) if you found something cool 🎶 here were my discoveries.
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