Video: Dad Rocks! “Lifestock”
Dad Rocks! is the solo project of Snaevar Njáil Albertsson. The Iceland-native and Denmark resident released his debut full-length Mount Mondern back in November. The album has achieved a significant amount of buzz. Albertsson had previously released an EP under the Dad Rocks moniker entitled Digital Age. He is also recognized for his vocal and guitar work with the band Mimas. Albertsson is currently signed with UK label Big Scary Monster Records. Below is a video for the song “Lifestock.”
Connect with Albertsson via Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr
Written by Rob Peoni
Band to Watch: Ryan Stively
When Port O’Brien dropped the anchor on their 6-year career many loyalists, like myself, felt like the air had been slowly released from of our rafts. I floated along with this band through three separate releases and then suddenly the excursion was cut short. Feeling like a child that just jumped into the deep end for the first time, I did everything in my power to keep my fingers gripped to the wall that Port O’Brien had built for me. Revisiting albums The Wind and the Swell, All We Could Do Was Sing and Threadbare offered me a chance to keep my head above water while I treaded, reaching for more. While one ship had docked, my SOS was answered and two separate rescue buoys kept me afloat.
I was satisfied after embracing, founding member Van Pierszalowski’s release Out in the Light. He goes by moniker WATERS and the themes that Port O’Brien drew out remained intact. After consuming and covering the release I felt pleased that an extension of Port O’Brien was still available to me. While this proved to be the ultimate void filler, I discovered an additional spot on the extension of Port O’Brien’s dock with Ryan Stively’s release Soft Kingdom.
Stively now captains his own ship. He uses Soft Kingdom to expand upon the folk side of his Port O’Brien past. Stively ropes in the outstanding member of Port O’Brien, Cambria Goodwin, to the release that was recorded over a 6- month span. Song, “We Forget Everything” is a quiet, acoustic ode to erasing regret. Line, “Winters in the west, give blood to the over dressed” help display the rich song writing of Stively. As I listen to songs “Golden October” and “Psalms from the Kitchen” I can’t help, but hear the influential snippets of acoustic folk legend Jeff Tweedy. Strong song writing, folky goodness, and a quick reminder that Port O’Brien might have deceased, but their spirit is very much alive and well.
Friends in Indianapolis have a chance to hang onto the ghost of Port O’Brien when WATERS comes to town on March 23. Get your tickets HERE. I want to thank Pierszalowski, Stively, and Cambria for refusing to hang us out to dry. Drenched, floating, and headphones above water.
Connect with Ryan Stively via Facebook | Bandcamp
Written by Brett McGrath
Video: Hogslop String Band “Cumberland Gap”
The work week is all down hill from here folks. This is the best video you will see all week. Fuck it. It’s Monday, and we all need a bit of joy in our life. I give you Nashville, TN’s Hogslop String band. This 7-piece, traditional outfit began as an impromptu square dance band back in 2009. The seven members, who originate from all over the country, quickly gained a loyal regional following. They are currently on tour with Annie Williams, whose Live & Reel session was featured in a recent post. Watch below, as Hogslop gives new meaning to the term “driving music.” This is just entirely too much fun. I believe Williams is riding shotgun as the band offers a rollicking version of “Cumberland Gap” from their 2010 debut Hogslop String Band, Vol. 1. Visit their website where, for a limited time, their two albums are available for FREE. With inspiration like this, you’ll be ditching work for a road trip by lunch time.
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 