Three for your ears
Three recommended new CDs out today:
Jolie Holland, “Wine Dark Sea”: Holland ties her voice into knots over of tendrils of piano, cello and reverbed guitar on songs that seduce and occasionally screech, referencing everything from jazz to noise rock, sometimes within the confines of the same tune.
Haley Bonar, “Last War”: Bonar has ties to indie rock royalty like Andrew Bird and Low, but here, the singer-songwriter channels both a poppier and more mystical side than in her collaborations with either, resulting in this haunting, arresting album.
Castle, “Under Siege”: “Alright now!” That’s how Castle singer/bassist Liz Blackwell begins “Pyramid Lake,” bringing to mind Ozzy Osbourne’s song-opening shout on “Sweet Leaf.” Black Sabbath may be a starting point for this San Franciso hard rock troupe, but if anything, they build upon that’s band’s bluesy rumble on “Under Siege.”
Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476. Follow on Twitter @JasonBracelin.
