Reigning Sound releases its first new album in five years Tuesday. Also, Chicago-area rockers the Orwells recently dropped a new record and Denney and the Jets’ debut is an overlooked gem.
Reigning Sound – Shattered. Memphis native Greg Cartwright has been spitting out retro garage music through various bands for decades. On Shattered, Cartwright channels Van Morrison, the Zombies and a lot of other nuggets from the ’60s and ’70s. Reigning Sound was started 13 years ago and this album has a more polished sound than some of Cartwright’s previous releases. The album splits between rockers and slower songs. I personally favor the faster songs (My My, North Cackalacky Girl) but the entire album is worth a listen.
The Orwells – Disgraceland. The second album and major label debut from Elmhurst, Illinois’ the Orwells is another slickly produced release. While extremely catchy, this isn’t a particularly cerebral album. Disgraceland is a fist-pumping, but-shaking slab of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s also pretty fun. For me, the album crosses back and forth between the ’90s band Everclear and fellow Chicagoans Smith Westerns. A couple of songs from EPs last year, including the single Who Needs You, show up on the new release.
Denney and the Jets – Mexican Coke. Speaking of butt-shaking, good time music, I almost passed right by Denney and the Jets’ debut full-length, which was released earlier this year. Hailing from Nashville, these guys play great southern-style rock. At least half the album, including Bye Bye Queenie, Broke and Mama’s Got the Blues, are reminiscent of early ’70s Stones (the point when that band paid homage to the gritty sounds of the American South). Other highlights include the R&B-infused opener Water to Wine.
All the Young Punks 