R. Ring/Kristian Svitak

Mr. DNA

Phratry Records/Band Camp

R. Ring put out 100 copies of the Devo cover to coincide with a run of dates they’re doing in Ohio this month, accompanied by renowned pro-rider Svitak on some of them. The video linked here originally contained the original version of Mr. DNA, and Warner Brothers got upset, so the clip was pulled. Svitak then enlisted his friends in R. Ring, Kelley Deal and Mike Montgomery, to cover the song, and re-release the clip. That was back in February of 2012. The video is skateboarding moves and tricks galore, very cool to watch, and much fun to see. The song rocks, killer punk, with perfect, and fun guitar shredding and keyboard noises from Deal, Montgomery, and Svitak. Deal and company sound great singing, and like they’re having fierce fun doing so. In short, a good time is had by all. The audio track is available at Band Camp.

http://www.1031skates.com/index.php

http://kelleydeal.bandcamp.com/

http://phratryrecords.com/bands/detail/kelley_deal

Andrea Weiss

Dylan LeBlanc

Cast the Same Old Shadow

Rough Trade

LeBlanc’s second album has him sounding a lot like Ryan Adams, and in many ways better than Adams. While LeBlanc wears his heart on his sleeve, he does it without being cantankerous, a la, Adams, which is a big relief. It’s better to be down about things and trying to work them out without being churlish about it. LeBlanc says that he was an emotional wreck while writing this album, and while that does show, he is also wise enough to know that whining won’t get him anywhere. To be confused is better, because things can be worked out in a more satisfying way.

The music is more old time country, less rock, and that’s good, too. With that kind of music, you can be sad, and have sad lyrics come through better, and with a lot more emotion. And musically and lyrically, this album overflows with quiet emotion. The music also firms up the lyrics, makes them sound tough, and keeps them and him from being a sad sack.

LeBlanc is from the same Alabama scene that the Civil Wars, Alabama Shakes, and the Secret Sisters are from, and while he’s more cult than any of them, there’s also no reason why he can’t be as big. His music and lyrics could be every bit as popular, and should be. Let’s hope that this great musician finds the mass audience he deserves with this album, and that this album puts him on the map with his fellow scenesters. [http://www.dylanleblanc.com/]

Andrea Weiss