Kelsey Johnson

Show Review: The Head and the Heart at Agganis Arena (10/12)

Saturday night was one for the books at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. In a crowded and vibrant space that is often used for hockey games, the Washington-born band The Head and the Heart did something incredible – they made a room built for thousands of people feel like home.

From the moment The Head and the Heart greeted the audience, the 6-piece Americana band had everyone’s attention. The band’s unique energy was clear from the moment they walked on stage and began their set with crowd favorites like “Missed Connection”. In each song, lead singers Jonathon Russell and Charity Rose Thielen did an incredible job of welcoming the audience into the band’s world through their high-energy performances.

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (10/13-10/19): Allen Stone, Macseal

Allen Stone – “Brown Eyed Lover” [single] – R&B

Allen Stone’s timeless voice and classic songwriting are the focus in his single “Brown Eyed Lover”. The track has an amazing groove with electric guitar counter melodies, ear-catching harmonies, and solid bass lines. Each of these elements creates sections that transition into one another seamlessly, and they work together to tell Stone’s simple love story of his care-free lover. It’s hard not to fall in love with Stone’s “Brown Eyed Lover”. Give it a listen below!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (10/6-10/12): Mayer Hawthorne, Jason Kerrison

Mayer Hawthorne – “The Great Divide” [single] – indie pop

Mayer Hawthorne’s single “The Great Divide” is the catchy and retro track that the world needs right now. With a relaxed beat and 80’s-style synths, “The Great Divide” is an easy listen that’s easy to love. Hawthorne’s vocals are timeless and smooth, and they’ll easily pull you into the world of the song. The track features wandering melodies, catchy bass lines, and a guitar solo that perfectly fits Hawthorne’s style. Also, as an added bonus, “The Great Divide” has a fun video! Be sure to check out both the video and “The Great Divide” below!

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Show Review: Joseph at Paradise Rock Club (9/27)

It’s a Friday night at Boston’s Paradise Rock Club. The lights go down, the band walks out, and the crowd’s excitement is almost tangible. As the musicians of Joseph come to the front of the stage, however, it is clear that this concert is going to be something special.

Unlike many other groups, Joseph has three lead singers – sisters Natalie Closer Schepman, Allison Closner, and Meegan Closner. They all shared the spotlight Friday night in a spectacular folk-y show. Each sister took her turn being the lead singer and then stepped back to give another sister the spotlight. It was nothing short of amazing to hear each of the sisters’ powerhouse vocals and perfect harmonies. Natalie, Allison, and Meegan all have similar voices, yet at the same time they are so all different, as they each use their voices differently to tell their story as songwriters and artists.

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (9/29-10/5): Bootstraps, DeVotchKa

Bootstraps -“Evergreen” [single] – indie folk

Jordan Beckett of Bootstraps has such a wonderful voice that is unlike any other, and his latest single “Evergreen” showcases it perfectly. Beckett’s voice is the perfect blend of raw emotion and rasp, and it will draw you into the world of “Evergreen”. Combining traditional singer-songwriter techniques with modern production, his latest single is magnificent and creative. Bootstraps definitely has something special in “Evergreen”, and it’s a great listen for fans of any genre. Check it out below!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (9/22-9/28): Arsun, Hana Vu

Arsun – “Dead Sixty-Six” [single] – rock

Arsun’s new single “Dead Sixty-Six” is wonderfully reminiscent of the early days of rock. Clean guitars and a simple drum beat come together perfectly to create a 1960’s-style track, while Arsun’s modern vocals are showcased over the instruments. Set at a medium tempo and featuring such relaxing and familiar tones, “Dead Sixty-Six” is easy listening that anyone can enjoy. The single is not without surprises, though! “Dead Sixty-Six” treats listeners to a harmonica solo in an exciting twist. Don’t miss out on Arsun’s artistry – give “Dead Sixty-Six” a listen!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (9/9-9/13): St.Arnaud, Amber Run

St.Arnaud – “A Sweet Song” [single] – indie pop

St.Arnaud’s single “A Sweet Song” sounds unlike any other song I’ve heard in a while. The track is quite eclectic, weaving together multiple influences and sounds to create something entirely new and refreshing. “A Sweet Song” features tambourine and harmonies that seem to have walked straight out of the 1950’s and 60’s, and seamlessly combines them with modern drum beats and timeless bass lines. St.Arnaud’s creativity is evident and inspiring. They have the unique ability to effortlessly connect generations, as illustrated in this nostalgic yet contemporary tune. No matter your age, you will love this track. Check out “A Sweet Song” below!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (8/5-8/9): Will Johnson, Husky Loops

Will Johnson – “Cornelius” [single] – indie folk

Will Johnson’s “Cornelius” is unlike any song. The track proudly shows off folk roots with group vocals and tambourine, but also ventures into rock with a lead guitar that balances out a mellow acoustic guitar and vocal melodies. Johnson’s use of a wide instrumentation gives “Cornelius” a welcoming sound that will make you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire with your friends. It definitely creates a musical journey for listeners that stands out from a lot of today’s music. Experience Johnson’s incredible songwriting and give “Cornelius” a listen!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (7/29-8/2): Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, Louis Prince

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – “Love Forever” [single] – indie rock

“Love Forever” is the perfect song to welcome the end of summer; Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s latest single creates a feel-good mood that’s best enjoyed in the August heat. A catchy chorus and background vocals will have you singing along within moments, while guitar melodies will have you nodding along within seconds. “Love Forever” is a triumph of the indie rock genre, but it’s a great song for fans of any style of music. Don’t miss out on the fun – check out Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s “Love Forever” below!

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Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (7/22-7/26): Ben Harper, Malou Beauvoir

Ben Harper – “Uneven Days” [single] – singer-songwriter

On his latest single, Ben Harper’s skill as a singer-songwriter is undeniable. “Uneven Days” is a masterpiece that shows Harper’s artistry through his ability to open up and be vulnerable with his audience. It begins with ethereal ambient noise, but quickly grows into a more tangible and real sound when Harper comes in with piano. Harper shines with this simple instrumentation as his melodies in the chorus work to highlight the word “uneven” in a way that makes listeners feel, well, uneven. Adding new layers each section, “Uneven Days” tells a musical story that gives listeners something new at every turn. Give it a listen below!

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