Family Ways

INDIE ROCKY, FOLKY, COUNTRY, LOCAL. A member of this resurrection of former Bay Area group Shimmer Kids Underpop Association hand-delivered this new release. Lead singer has an excellent indie/folk voice, there’s some killer songwriting, and there’s lots of instrumental talent with eclectic taste. RIYL Old 97’s, Cowboy Junkies. The whole record is very playable, but check the * count. No FCC’s heard.

**** (4:44) Somber, slow, pretty
**** (3:45) Slow ‘n steady rock pace.. Some killer guitar duo stuff.
*** (4:42) More upbeat, little swing. Peppier.
*** (3:31) Acoustic guitar, harmonica. Somber, slower, graceful.
*** (2:29) Little honky-tonk fiddle, slide guitar.
**** (3:35) Twinkly, beautiful, well-written ballad.
***** (4:26) Dynamic, medium pace waltz. “can’t help feeling like I’m just a fool”. Wait… transition to minor key with Spanish guitar? Awesome return and outro. Wow.
**** (3:38) Laid back indie rock.
**** (5:08) Harmonica, swinging rock. Lyrics are the highlight here.