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Old Tom & The Lookouts Details How Mental Health is a Process, Not a Destination in New Album‘ Just for Beasts’

Indie-folk band Old Tom & The Lookouts delivers a harmonically decadent recount of lessons learned from mental health struggles in their cinematic acoustic album, Just For Beasts.

Independent folk band Old Tom & The Lookouts excitedly anticipate the release of their upcoming album, Just For Beasts, out November 4. This project is a poetic narrative of their journey with mental health told through a collection of 12 uniquely emotional tracks. With a folksy, easygoing sonic apparatus, band members Alex Calabrese and Cecilia Vacanti create a hauntingly beautiful project with Just For Beasts. Characterized by silky symphonic strings, twangy guitar, and all-encompassing background vocals, the acoustic soundscape achieved on this album is beyond epic. From the passionate chorus on “Hey Edna” to the brooding melancholy on the verses of “Dark Rooms,” Old Tom & The Lookouts pours every ounce of their soul into each track as they take listeners along this profound journey of discovery.

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The band was inspired to create a piece of art that addressed many of the nuanced challenges – like depression and anxiety – many of us are all too familiar with. “This was all written with hopes of improving the dialogue surrounding mental illness,” says Calabrese. Old Tom & The Lookouts makes it a point to create a supportive space for those who are overcoming mental illness with their music. For Calabrese, there is power in the support of your peers; he says in regard to this project, “all I can hope to do is provide even a sliver of that support to someone else who is feeling that way.” Fans can experience this cinematic album on November 4 – available on all major streaming platforms.

The Boston-based Indie-Folk band is known for creating hopeful, evocative music about mental health. The lyrically driven project is shared through the lens of writer and singer, Alex Calabrese and violinist Cecilia Vacanti. With their combined efforts, the two provide a minimalist tone, accompanied by lush string arrangements, witty and brooding lyrics, soulful melodies, and striking harmonies. Paying homage to influences such as Frightened Rabbit, Phoebe Bridgers, and Tom Waits, yet capturing a new voice within the Indie-Folk genre, the band’s full record, Just for Beasts is a concept piece centered around finding community, a sense of self-worth, and finding a healthy and sustainable way to love and support yourself as well as others you care about. The record addresses many of the nuanced challenges presented to folks suffering from depression and anxiety. Some groups Old Tom & The Lookouts associate themselves with and speak in support of are To Write Love On Her Arms and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP Boston).

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Artist Spotlight

Mamas Gun and Brian Jackson shines light on the truth on latest release “DIG!”

Mamas Gun

Mamas Gun makes a strong comeback with their new single “DIG!.” The track sounds more like a strong statement of intent than just a release. The UK band is known for its smooth blend of blue-eyed soul and traditional black music. They show once again that they can make music that sounds both thoughtful and very new, while still being real, emotional, and sophisticated.

“DIG!” was recorded directly onto analogue tape, and every note has warmth, grit, and soul. The production choice gives the music a rich, natural sound that complements the band’s unique groove. It is a piece of music that makes people slow down, really listen, and experience it rather than hear it.

Adding famous collaborator Brian Jackson, whose vocals, keyboard, and flute give the song a timeless elegance, adds even more depth and magic. Jackson is known for working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Gil Scott-Heron, Roy Ayers, and Earth, Wind & Fire. His addition makes the song something truly special. His reunion with Andy Platts, the lead singer of Mamas Gun, almost twenty years after they first worked together creatively in New York, gives “DIG!” a very personal touch that can be felt throughout. “DIG!” sets a strong mood based on connection, art, and essence. Mamas Gun not only goes back to their roots but also makes them stronger. This song is heartfelt, timeless, and completely captivating.

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Artist Spotlight

Bromsen crafts a suspension between attachment and release in new single “Concendrain”

Bromsen

Bromsen’s latest release, “Concendrain,” is very immersive and lives in the space between control and disintegration. The song smoothly shifts from focused to tired, from connected to free, and captures a complex emotional balance that is both personal and universal.

“Concendrain” starts slowly and carefully, the structure has layers that change over time, so each part can come out on its own without any stress or hurry. As time goes on, electronic textures begin to emerge, giving the music a mood that eventually turns into rock-infused energy. These different sounds don’t clash, they work together to create a track that is alive, fluid, and always changing.

The guitar, voice, and rhythm should all work together on the song. These parts don’t compete for attention; instead, they work together to make a smooth flow that pulls the listener into the song’s emotional depth. The arrangement features vocals that complement complex guitar lines and a steady beat that keeps everything in line.

“Concendrain” is really interesting because it has two sides. The track is about the fight in your head between giving up and pushing through, and between staying focused and giving in to tiredness. Bromsen and Reatsch work together to make something that looks natural and well-made. “Concendrain” doesn’t try to be cool or follow trends. Instead, it gives you a slow experience that you should really pay attention to. “Concendrain” is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sticks with you long after the last note has faded away. It stands out because its structure changes, its atmosphere is rich, and its emotions are strong.

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