music reviews Faithful Kate “Classic” (Self-Release) You maybe do a double-take when “Faithful Kate,” the first track on the band of the same name’s debut album, kicks into an instant early 1970s vibe. Lead singer Lee Brinn’s voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Face’s era Rod Stewart, Ian Lloyd of Stories (“Brother Louis”) and Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson. “Classic” is an exceptionally well-craft rock album with a few country-rock traits. Just when you thought they don’t make music like that anymore, Faithful Kate delivers a classic rock gem. Add guest lead guitarist Larry Berwald’s sizzlin’ guitar work, lots of Hammond B3 organ, and the all important high-end backing vocals and you’ve got a refreshing formula. Highlights include the slow, soulful “Play Me Home,” “Sippin’ Glass,” the Southern boogie of the cookin’ “Baby Says,” and the very Black Crowes-esque, melodically pleasing “August Train.” Rock on. — Jeff Maisey The Augustine Reunion “All Wires West” (Self-Release) If you’re a fixture on the local music scene the members of The Augustine Reunion will be familiar names—Micah Spruill (vocals/guitar), Walter Wright (guitars, mandolin), JoAnna Lynne (vocals), Jason Seaford (bass) and Phil Seaford (drums). The Virginia Beach-based country-rock band comes out kickin’ like a rodeo bull ride on the edgy title track, “All Wires West.” It’s right on time with today’s contemporary country of Music City. Where “Love Like Marie” and “The Golden State” continue in a similar straight-shootin’ suburban country mode, the use of mandolin on the storytelling “The Firefighters’ Union” and “Settling,” with its nice harmonizing between Lynne and Spruill, showcases the band’s Americana side. Additional highlights include “Kate’s Song (Queen of Memphis” and “Transcontinental.” — JM
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Red Weather “Wishing You Well” (Self-Release) High-energy power/pop band Red Weather delivers another intense collection of tunes with the release of “Wishing You Well.” The quartet unleashes full fury on the opening “Nothing At All” and “Counting Seconds.” A nice change of pace song showcasing the band’s melodic prowess is “Bend,” my favorite of the 10 tracks. Also intriguing is the atmospheric Emo songs, “Sinking” and “Sober Up.” Still, Red Weather is best known—especially live—as an all-in burst of energetic expression and the band gives it their all on “Save My Breath.” — JM Color of Time “Color of Time” (Past Inside The Present) Norfolk-based ambient music wizard Kevin Sery is at it again; this time collaborating on a project with Nick Turner as Color of Time. The droning soundscapes are created through the use of synthesizers, a Mellotron, and guitar with copious effects applied. Above all ambient music evokes emotions by sonically painting a mood. Throughout “Color of Time” the listener can let the imagination run wild or use the vibrant sounds for meditative purpose. The stated description of the music’s intent is that it “focuses on themes of impermanence, loss and the impact that humans have on each other and the planet.” I like to think of it as music to float through space with. — JM Olivia Dyer “It’s You I Like” (Single) (Self-Release) Norfolk singer/songwriter Olivia Dyer returns with a beautifully performed love song featuring just her singing in almost hushed tones late at night at what tonality sounds like an ol’ upright piano. Melodic, honest, and an exceptional display of balladry. — JM
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