Higher Education – ‘Gift Called Life’

Higher Education are a fun-loving trio comprising brothers Petey and Danny Devaney on guitars, bass, and vocals, with Bradley Wilson on drums. The three has independently released three studio albums since 2010 – ‘Chasing Highs’, ‘Would You Like Fries With That’, and ‘The Ballad Of Alexander Henry’. Their feel-good single, ‘Gift Called Life’, is from their forthcoming fourth album, and serves as the perfect introduction to Higher Education’s fusion of classic reggae and psych rock.

Dwight & Nicole – ‘Hi-Lo’

Roots artists Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson are now based in Burlington, Vermont, but they had a lifetime of music apart before finding each other a few years back. Originally from New Jersey, Dwight had played in a variety of bands throughout the past decade, and found himself in New York and Boston; Nicole was originally from Brooklyn, New York, writing and performing for many years, before also gravitating to Boston. The pair met and the rest, as they say, is history. Dwight & Nicole joined forces and with the help of crowdfunding released two albums, in a fresh mix of blues, garage rock, and American soul. They’ve recently brought in drummer Ezra Oklan, who brings with him a stabilising element, and allows the music to flow at a steady pace.

jacobs run – ‘Sleepwalking’

Melbourne Australia band, jacobs run comprises Michael Jacobs, Fabian Bucci, and Peter Curigliano. The trio have played in bands together for a number of years and it’s this which has led them to craft their self-assured and polished sound, showcasing their mastery of songwriting and orchestration. ‘Sleepwalking’, their latest single, shows to perfection their message as a band, who set out to create music for people who believe in the power of rock and roll to be uplifting, intelligent, and have a substantial meaning.

Free Willy – ‘Remember the Alamo’

‘Remember The Alamo’, the new album from Free Willy, is a collection of twelve tracks in Americana, alt country, and bluegrass styles. The quartet hails from Crockett, Texas, and comprises WB Jones on lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Jim Taylor on bass and backing vocals; Spence Peppard on lead guitar, drums, and backing vocals, as well as lead vocals on ‘American Medley’; Kevin Carter on fiddle and mandolin, and Steve DeVries on banjo and harmonica.