

Indie
Hannah Ellis Album “That Girl” Is A Captivating Debut
Country music has always had a formulaic blend to it, but some artists know how to utilize it a lot better than others. Hannah Ellis is someone who understands the importance of connecting with her audience and, more importantly, adopting a stylistic profile that fits her voice organically, and this is precisely why her new album That Girl feels as naturally strong as it does. Where others are fighting the idea of embracing the minimalist elements that are comprising a new era of country jams, this is a singer/songwriter prepared to take her place in the center of the spotlight. To me, she’s found a way to take an old-fashioned formula and make it sound incredibly fresh and original, which is no easy feat by anyone’s standards.
There’s nothing one-note about the vocal Ellis is putting up in “Still,” “Wine Country,” “Plans,” or the brilliantly soft “Home and a Hometown,” and I like that she isn’t afraid to be a little indulgent at the microphone in any portion of That Girl. She hits these hooks with everything she’s got at a time when minimalism has been a disturbingly popular trend, and instead of giving us a taste of what we would hear in a concert setting, I get the impression she’s producing as close to a raw, live juggernaut as is possible from within the confines of a recording studio.
“Karma on the Rocks,” “Someone Else’s Heartbreak,” and one of my favorite tracks from the record, “Country Can,” present us with an Ellis ready and willing to exploit rhythm as a means of accentuating her lyrics rather than as an agent of progressive exclusively, which on its own puts her leaps and bounds ahead of her rivals right now. She seems genuinely eager to experiment with the limitations of her genre, and yet there’s nothing here to indicate that she wants to abandon the core values of a more traditional country sound just for the sake of getting additional followers on TikTok. Contrarily, songs like “Somebody Else” and the namesake song in That Girl project an affection for the old school that can still exist in the new Nashville provided they’re being presented by someone as alluring as this artist and her work has been to date.
Country’s pop side is getting a surge of buzz like few other genres in America are at the moment, but I can’t say that I’ve heard another singer doing it justice quite as well as Hannah Ellis is. I can’t wait to hear what she’s going to come up with next, but at any rate, I think it’s undeniable when listening to That Girl that Ellis is onto a firm formula for songcraft she could easily ride into the primetime if promoted in the right fashion. That Girl lives up to its lofty title and what it implies about its creator, and although star tracks like “Too Much & Not Enough” and “Country Can” stand out as obvious video/single hits, there’s no unwanted excess here. To me, this was made to captivate a new generation of country music lovers everywhere.
Clay Burton
Indie
Other Brother Darryl’s ‘Watch The Trees’ invites listeners to breathe, reflect, and feel again

Other Brother Darryl’s newest single, “Watch The Trees,” is a warm and thoughtful folk rock piece that feels like a sigh of relief after a long day. The song creates a calm yet meaningful atmosphere, urging listeners to slow down and appreciate the world around them.
The melody brings to mind memories of road trips on twisty backroads and the simple joys of being present at the moment. There’s no excessive production or forced emotions, just genuine, heartfelt music. The singer’s voice carries a sense of wisdom, sharing personal and relatable lyrics.
The music is thoughtfully crafted, combining warm acoustic sounds with a steady beat that keeps the song flowing, much like the changing scenery. “Watch The Trees” reminds us of the power of music to ground us and help us connect with ourselves. In a world of distractions, Other Brother Darryl gives us a song inviting us to pause, breathe, and truly listen.
Indie
Jultrane Sextet Duplex’s “My Sister” is a soulful tribute wrapped in jazz sophistication

Jultrane Sextet Duplex’s new single, “My Sister,” featuring Monika Kabasele, feels like a warm conversation turned into music. This jazz track combines soulful guitar sounds with gentle drum beats, creating a timeless atmosphere. The guitar plays with a deep emotion, almost like a storyteller sharing fond memories.
At the same time, the soft drumming adds a steady rhythm reminiscent of a heartbeat full of love and appreciation. Jultrane takes a thoughtful approach in the arrangement, allowing every note to shine. You don’t need lyrics to understand its message, the music itself expresses love, gratitude, and connection.
If you’re thinking of your siblings or simply enjoying the calmness of the piece, Jultrane makes sure the experience feels personal and impactful. “My Sister” encourages us to pause and feel. It serves as a tribute, a memory, and a moment of calm, all wrapped in the smooth beauty of jazz.
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Jultrane Sextet Duplex’s “My Sister” is a soulful tribute wrapped in jazz sophistication