3 Songs: On Repeat

Fruit Bats – “Gold Past Life” (Eric D. Johnson returns with Gold Past Life, his seventh album under the Fruit Bats moniker and first for his new label home, Merge.  Johnson dresses up his latest collection of folk-rock songs with the honeyed hue of AM gold and the rhythmic bounce of 70’s disco, which aligns perfectly with his fantastic falsetto.  Additionally, the LP version comes with a bonus 7” containing non-album tracks “Shane” and the previously released “Getting in a Van Again”.  Watch the hilarious and nostalgic video for the title track here.) https://fruit-bats.bandcamp.com/album/gold-past-life     

Stream: https://youtu.be/rGHrdis1PDo

Willard Gayheart – “Ern & Zorry’s Sneakin’ Bitin’ Dog” (Hailing from Galax, Virginia, Willard Gayheart is the 87-year old grandfather of Americana star Dori Freeman and his long-awaited debut album, At Home In The Blue Ridge, is out now on Blue Hens Music.  The catalyst for the release of Gayheart’s music was when Freeman recorded an acapella version of his song, “Ern & Zorry’s Sneakin’ Bitin’ Dog” for her breakout album and it quickly became a fan favorite.  The album was recorded live in Gayheart’s frame shop and produced by Teddy Thompson and Ed Haber.  It’s a family affair as well, with Dori, her father Scott Freeman, and her husband, percussionist Nick Falk joining in.  Willard’s a vivid storyteller in the Appalachian folk fashion with a gentle voice and you just have to root for a project like this. Watch the animated video for the full band arrangement of the standout track, here.) https://www.willardgayheart.com/         

Stream: https://youtu.be/Uu_j0dmWxqU

Strobobean – “When You Won’t Look” (Strobobean is the new Cincy-based trio featuring Katrina Eresman formerly of Dayton duo strangewave and Pop Empire, Brianna Kelly of Soften and Jake Langknecht also of Pop Empire.  On their promising debut EP, Winter, the trio alternates between languid and crunchy 90’s alt. rock riffs, blending swirling melodies into their shoegaze/dream-pop hybrid sound.  Check out the psych-rock inspired standout single here, with its transfixing droning melodies and driving rhythm.) https://www.facebook.com/strobobean/      

Stream: https://strobobean.bandcamp.com/track/when-you-wont-look