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Little Wretches Explore Themes Of Faith And Struggle On “Red Beets And Horseradish”

“Red Beets and Horseradish” is the new album from band, The Little Wretches. Named after a traditional Jewish side dish that is commonly served during Passover and Easter, the album is all about the suffering of the singer’s people as well as their history, all presented in the performer’s signature stripped down and raspy performance style. So, how does it all sound?

The very first song on the album, “Rise,” is a perfect summation of just what the album as a whole sounds like, and it’s a fitting opener track. It’s a folksy and joyful ballad, with hints of determination and positivity sprinkled all throughout its mix. Lyrically, the song is a message to the singer’s people to rise up together and harmonize, a strong message of unity.

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Musically, most of the songs on “Red Beets and Horseradish” are sparse, though not lacking in spirit. In such a spiritually charged album, this makes sense, especially as each song calls for the listener to rally and join in joyous song. The second song on the album, “Lovingkindness,” exemplifies this, with harmonious harmonicas and an overall upbeat tone, with themes of enlightenment throughout.

Songs like “Palms & Crosses” and “Old Hundredth” ramp the tone up a little from the softer songs, though it never really pushes things too far, preferring to keep things mellow and happy. What does stay constant throughout all the songs however is the vocal performance on display, which is always solid, clear and full of emotion and passion. They’re a highlight of the album without question.

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Some songs do rein back the happy tones, especially key songs like “It’s Raining,” which is a bit more biting and sad than the typical “Red Beets and Horseradish” song. They’re a nice change of pace, and make the album a much more fun listen overall. Some songs like “Old Lillian’s Story” also shift styles, framing the song more like a framed narrative being told as opposed to a typical song.

“Red Beets and Horseradishes” manages to keep your interest throughout its runtime with its small narrative shifts and fascinating touches, really capturing the listener’s attention effortlessly. While the subject matter may not exactly be for everyone, there’s no denying that it’s a well done album.

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Overall, we recommend giving “Red Beets and Horseradish” a spin, especially if it’s something you’d be interested in. With solid instrumentation, good vocal performances, a fun narrative and engaging performances all around, it’s an album experience that you don’t want to miss.

–Jason Airy

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Artist Spotlight

“Blue Christmas” by Lisa Humber delivers a heartfelt holiday melancholic glow

Lisa Humber

Weaving an ethereal soundscape that cuts straight to the soul, Lisa Humber’s rendition of “Blue Christmas” feels like unwrapping an intimate letter to the heartbroken, transforming the familiar holiday classic into a profoundly personal exploration of seasonal melancholy. Gone are Elvis Presley’s iconic version’s upbeat, almost playful undertones; Lisa offers a stripped-back performance characterized by a haunting resonance.

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Working closely with producer and guitarist Justin Abedin, Humber breathes life into the song’s quiet void that lingers in the spaces where laughter should reside. Her tender and vulnerable voice evokes a rare sense of unfiltered longing. It’s as though she’s singing directly to the part of us that carries the burden of lonely and disappointed festive promises during a time usually filled with happiness and celebration, creating a stark contrast to the glittering cheer of the season.

The minimalistic instrumentation creates an intimate auditory experience. Abedin’s guitar strings hum softly, almost like a fragile heartbeat, leaving room for Lisa’s vocal tenderness to shine. Each note she sings feels deliberate, and every lyric is imbued with the ache of memories and the quiet hope of what could have been.

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Humber’s evolution as a songwriter began with her debut original composition, ‘Boxing Day.’ With this new single, she demonstrates her adeptness in capturing the nuances of human emotions. “Blue Christmas” isn’t just a cover; it functions as a reimagined dialogue with the audience, providing shared solace to anyone whose holiday experiences might not meet the cheerful festive narrative.

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This interpretation of “Blue Christmas” encapsulates a dual sense of introspective warmth and illumination while simultaneously embodying bittersweet emotions. Its impact is particularly pronounced when complemented by visuals of twinkling lights juxtaposed against through a lens of melancholy. Ultimately, it represents a stunning addition to Humber’s growing catalog of musical works.

 

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For more information about Lisa Humber, please visit [website]. 
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Lisa Humber’s Blue Christmas on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Lisa Humber | Instagram | Twitter

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Artist Spotlight

Louise Goffin Takes Us for an Intimate Ride with “Backseat”

Louise Goffin

Louise Goffin’s new single, “Backseat,” takes listeners on a nostalgic journey, like a late-night drive filled with deep emotions. The Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter offers a heartfelt song that feels personal yet relatable to everyone. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling style of Laurel Canyon, “Backseat” invites you to dive into its rich, soulful sounds and escape the daily hustle and bustle.

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Goffin’s talent shines through in her ability to tell a story reflecting her life experiences. Growing up with famous songwriters, she experienced a world full of creativity and ups and downs, which she beautifully expresses in her music. “Backseat” captures the mix of chaos and tranquility, creating a calming yet powerful musical experience. Her gentle voice flows over various instruments, making it feel like a cozy chat with a close friend.

At its heart, “Backseat” touches on balancing being a passenger in life and taking charge, something everyone can relate to when feeling uncertain about the past and future. Goffin’s gift for sharing her thoughts makes this journey feel shared, showcasing her storytelling talent.

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Louise Goffin is truly coming into her own as an artist, turning the intricacies of life into songs that resonate with many. Whether you’re already a fan or just discovering her music, “Backseat” is a song you don’t want to miss—a beautiful celebration of growth, resilience, and the magic of music.

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