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Review: Various Artists – TWISTERS The Album

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Ok, now this is a big hitter. Featuring tracks from Luke Combs, Megan Moroney and Lainey Wilson, this album is an essential for any country music fan. The inclusion of newer artists like Conner Smith and Tanner Adell adds something even more special (their tracks are among the best on the 29-track album). As far as film soundtracks are concerned, we’d be surprised if this wasn’t nominated for nearly every award when the season comes around. The best of the best of country music is on this album, even if you’re not a country fan, you’ll adore this album. From the heavier, rockier moments like Combs’ opening track to Leon Bridges more R&B/pop-friendly track, there’s everything you could ever want here. We can’t speak highly enough – and we haven’t even seen the film yet! Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Alex Warren – Before You Leave Me

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

‘Before You Leave Me’ by Alex Warren is a dynamic and energetic track, released in 2022. With its fast-paced beat and lively rhythm, the song showcases Warren’s versatility. The upbeat nature is a refreshing departure from his more introspective tracks, offering a vibrant, danceable vibe. However, the repetition of lyrics towards the end might not appeal to all listeners, as it can feel overused or monotonous. Despite this, the song remains a strong offering, highlighting Warren’s ability to produce engaging music. For fans who enjoy a lively tempo and catchy melodies, this track is a solid addition to their playlists, reflecting Warren’s growing capabilities as a multifaceted artist. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Floramay Holliday – Song To Myself

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Holliday’s low, raspy voice gets this album going from off with the title track ‘Song To Myself’. It’s bluesy, featuring a shuffling rhythm and a real honky-tonk feel (helped along by the brass band and tinkling piano). The sweet ‘My Best Friend’, about Holliday’s partner, is a lyrical standout on the album, imbued with honesty and love. As Holliday grooves her way into ‘Honest Man’, her lyricism takes the spotlight again with the opening lines ‘I love my mama and Jesus too’ immediately captures the attention. It’s another ode to her husband, although there is a sort of tinny-sounding overlay to Holliday’s voice that detracts slightly from her capable vocal line. Other cuts like the upbeat, catchy ‘Workin’ Man’ make this album a must-listen for fans of classic honky tonk and blues. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Hadestown – Hadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording) Special Edition LP :

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

“Welcome to the underground!” With its haunting melodies, poetic lyrics, and captivating storytelling, the original Broadway cast recording of “Hadestown” invites listeners on a journey to the depths of the human soul. From the opening chords of ‘Road to Hell’, listeners are transported to a world where the line between love and darkness blurs. Mitchell weaves together elements of folk, jazz and blues, creating a sound that feels both timeless and contemporary. Reeve Carney’s portrayal of Orpheus is filled with a tender vulnerability, while Eva Noblezada’s Eurydice exudes a raw, restless energy. Patrick Page commands as the ominous Hades, his deep baritone sending shivers down the spine. Standout tracks include ‘Wait for Me’, a haunting duet between Orpheus and Eurydice that captures the essence of longing and hope and ‘Chant’, a mesmerizing ensemble number that builds to a powerful crescendo. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Michael Hosier – Take Our Country Back

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Hosier goes patriotic with this single. An anthem for American pride and faith, Hosier’s deep, raspy voice provides the perfect amount of grit to this country rock track. Hosier’s voice alongside the distorted guitar and organ lines make this track what it is: absolutely, instantly re-playable. The Arkansas native gives it his all, with a chorus that is catchy enough to be shouted from the rooftops, this track is almost certain to become a festival hit for Hosier. With each verse, Hosier paints a vivid picture of resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit that defines the nation. With its infectious melody and stirring lyrics, this track is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of the American spirit, destined to resonate with audiences far and wide. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Marina Allen – Swinging Doors

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Allen is gearing up to release her third album ‘Eight Pointed Star’. The Americana artist comes back with a single that is a celebration of entering a new phase of life. Where the laidback acoustic guitar falls back and Allen’s soft vocals are allowed to take the spotlight, her lyricism shines. In true Americana style, Allen’s high-pitched voice is backed by subdued drums and a laid back bassline. This track is to be enjoyed, at your own pace. Gentleness can often be overlooked when it comes to music, but the less-is-more approach of Allen on this single proves that you don’t need heavy guitar lines or pounding drums to make a song that’s truly sweet, heartfelt and tackles that period of ‘moving through stuff’ with grace and insight. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Doug Schmude – Cavalry

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

‘Cavalry’ by name, cavalry by nature. Schmude explodes onto this EP with ‘Tumbleweed (Roll On)’, it’s a huge track that instantly makes an impact. Where Schmude excels is in the imagery of his lyrics, they paint a picture whilst his mixture of country, rock and folk combine to create a six-song EP with gusto. ‘The Near Salvation Of Butch Cassidy’ swaggers onto the scene with an intriguing blues guitar edge, which eventually gives way to a howling electric guitar (howling in a good way!). Another bombastic tune arrives shortly after as ‘If There Ever Was A God Above’, complete with heartbeat drums as Schmude searches his own heart for the answers to the ultimate question. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Jim Patton & Sherry Brokus – Big Red Gibson

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Patton and Brokus are back! This time, the Austin folk-rock duo have brought 20 songs to ‘Big Red Gibson’. Patton takes on most of the vocals on this latest album, as Brokus has been struggling with allergies. As far as the pair go, it is a more rock than folk entry into their discography, but anyone who has a distaste for overproduction will like this album. A little rough around the edges, but all the better for it. With the fun harmonies on ‘Janey Has A Locket’ being a highlight, the rock ‘n’ roll sound of ‘Big Red Gibson’ is really what we are here for – particularly the electric guitar on ‘Wild, Dumb and Unsatisfied’. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Cole & Ward – Blues And Other Truths

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

On their debut album, Cole & Ward introduce themselves most with ‘Deep Blood Moon’. The track features swaggering guitar, whilst maintaining a tongue-in-cheek charm that’s undeniably funky. As the bluesy piano comes in, we are completely hooked. When Cole & Ward are at their most playful, they’re also at their best. There’s something refreshing about their sound, it’s not too overproduced but tracks like ‘Ma Jolie Fille’ sound as if they were made for summer. Spanning rock, country, folk and even a waltz, this album is a strange mix of songs (not that that is a bad thing). Top that all off with the track ‘Weird Dream’ and it all becomes explicitly clear: Cole & Ward are having fun, experimenting with sound and we are loving it too. Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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Review: Simeon Hammond Dallas – Make It Romantic

Leave a Comment / Top Picks / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Hammond Dallas achieves the romance with this track. Combining together Americana and blues seamlessly, this track serves to highlight Hammond Dallas’ impeccable vocals. With intriguing bass and piano lines competing for attention, it’s Hammond Dallas that feels spotlighted all the way through the song. Hammond Dallas very kindly allows for the guitar to take centre stage during the bridge, even though we’d be happy to listen to her vocals all day (let alone just the length of a single). Love songs can feel sickly sweet, but with the added grit of blues in the piano and guitar, Hammond Dallas keeps the track tight enough to not allow it to ooze over into cheese. It would make even the most cynical listener want to fall in love – or at least be romanced. To read more exclusive articles and latest news, see our last issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

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