single review

Song Review: “4th of July” by Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band

December 27, 2022 — Leave a comment

New England’s country/rock outfit Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band have shared their latest single, “4th of July.” The track is taken from the upcoming album Lower County Outlaw, which is set to be released February 2, 2023.

“4th of July” tells the story of the first time Kristian and his wife, April, hooked up, and every aspect of the music and lyrics carries the listener through the anticipation and rightness of the moment.

Kristian has expertly crafted a composition that reflects the build-up to what is going to happen. The music starts rather slow and steady, creating tension as it climbs to its highest point. The lyrics echo the comfort and chemistry between the two, the feeling that it was meant to be, that Kristian and April had only to come to this place they both belong.

The track peaks at a guitar solo and a final chorus sung with the urgency that was felt in the pickup truck on that fateful winter’s night.

“It might be cold in the air tonight, but baby, we’re on fire…”

If “4th of July” is a sign of things to come, Lower County Outlaw is going to consist of 12 songs that play with the boundaries of rock and country, blurring into a genre that anyone can enjoy while masterfully recounting relatable stories with both words and music.

Check out “4th of July” here.

You can listen to the other single from Lower County Outlaw – “Gypsy Girl” – and preorder the album at Kristian’s Bandcamp page.

New Music Alert! Eli Howard & the Greater Good: “Wildfire”

February 5, 2022 — Leave a comment

I am loving what I’ve heard referred to as vintage rock. You know, a new take on an old sound, combining the core elements of both classic and Southern rock while adding touches of everything from the blues to country to unmistakable nods to the British Invasion. And Eli Howard & the Greater Good is among those who are tilting their hats to the past while remaining steadfastly in the present.

Just last night, I discovered Eli Howard & the Greater Good and the brand new single “Wildfire.” One listen had me hooked and I immediately sent it to my brother and played it for my mom.

From the catchy, almost hymn-like opening vocalization and steady beat (sure to be a crowd pleaser), to a voice and singing style reminiscent of Gregg Allman and Doug Gray, to the more rock-oriented instrumentation during the verses, “Wildfire” is an ode to all that is great about the blending of genres. I particularly enjoyed the change about two-thirds of the way in, a psychedelic breakdown that preceded a back-and-forth between a guitar and a Hammond B3.

Do yourself a favor and check out “Wildfire,” now available on all streaming services. The track is the second single from Eli Howard & the Greater Good’s upcoming debut album End of the Line, set to be released February 25, 2022.