Jerry David DeCicca’s 5th solo album, New Shadows, is a literary-goth, avant-Americana meditation. Synthetic and surreal, it features a stunning cast of special guests from vocalist Rosali to Los Lobos guitarist David Hidalgo and many more. The production for the album is modelled on Jerry’s love of his favourite early 80’s albums (Lindsey Buckingham’s Law & Order, ZZ Top’s Afterburner, Robert Palmer’s Clues, Lou Reed’s New Sensations,) while the songs’ architectures and pathos lean more towards Warren Zevon, Townes Van Zandt, and John Prine. A excellent release you should explore.

Maura Weaver has been touring for nearly fifteen years with regional projects around Ohio (Mixtapes, Ogikubo Station, The Homeless Gospel Choir, Direct Hit!, The Mimes) that kept her tethered to both the road and to sounds that were not always her own. She’s wanted to do a solo project since she was a teenager, but it took pandemic isolation to force her to confront the reasons why. I’m glad she’s gotten around to record a fantastic collection of songs.

Avalanche is the essential new release from Jenny Owen Youngs. It offers up an achingly beautiful exploration of loss, resilience, and growth from an artist who’s experienced more than her fair share of each in recent years. The songs are deceptively serene, layering Youngs’ infectious pop sensibilities atop lush, dreamy arrangements that often belie the swift emotional currents lurking underneath. Essential!