Australian singer-songwriter / guitarist Gus McKay is making blues-rock fans very happy with latest album, Talisman. Blues and roots-rock influences abound, including J.J. Cale, mixed in with Gus’ Peter Green meets ZZ Top inspired vocals. Essential for blues and rock fans, Talisman is a fascinating spin start to finish.

Songs about purpose and dignity are at the core of Talisman, which also has a deep connection to rural life in Australia. A sense of sparseness permeates Talisman, which is very much centered on Gus’ own ideas of life, while his lyrics are underscored by the excellent sound that Gus receives from his band, including Ronan Charles (drums, keyboards, and tenor sax) and Phil Waldron (bass, double bass, bouzouki, fiddle, trumpet, cello, banjo, pedal steel and tin whistle).

The first thing that grabs you about Talisman is the sonic depth of these songs, while guitar fans will be amazed at the sound that Gus coaxes from his many fine guitars, including Teles and Strats as well as a 1940’s Dobro and an Australian “Galvo” tricone resonator made from 100 year old galvanized roof tin/iron.

The art of modern electric blues is alive and well on Gus McKay’s Talisman.

Led by singer-songwriter Bie Karlsson, Bonefish returned in late 2017 with an album of all new material called Atoms. The eleven track Atoms was produced by Max Lorentz and features a wealth of pop-rock and cutting edge, mainstream rock packed with memorable, melodic arrangements.

The 2018 Bonefish lineup is the best one yet with Bie Karlsson (lead vocals and guitars), Matte Norberg (lead guitar, backing vocals), Rasmus Rasmusson (drums, percussion, backing vocals) and Anders Nylle Thoor (bass, lead vocals).

Featuring eleven hard-rocking songs with thought-provoking lyrics, Atoms is an excellent album that brings out Bie Karlsson’s finest singer-songwriter talents. Bonefish creates sheer rock energy on the upbeat, 21st century sonic groove of Atoms.

Charting a dynamic path in the American pop-rock realm, Matt Smith’s World is back with their latest album, Into The Light. Building on the momentum of the 2020 hit, Being Human, this ten-track odyssey promises a rich fusion of funky, jazzy, guitar-centric electric pop blues, and rock.

Guitar virtuoso, vocalist, and celebrated producer, Matt Smith, returned to his Saratoga, New York roots in 2022 to pen six tracks. The remainder found their genesis at Austin’s legendary 6 String Ranch, co-owned by Matt Smith and Bill Kaman.

Into The Light holds a special place in Smith’s heart, dedicated to his late mother, Helen Smith. A listen promises not just musical enrichment but a spiritual upliftment, with each tune masterfully crafted by some of the most exceptional talents in the 2023 American pop-rock scene.

Tracklist: "Into The Light"

1. Into The Light (3:52) Smith, Epstein, Durawa, Webb, Lack
2. Why Can’t We Have A Good Time (5:05) Smith, Epstein
3. Still Not Dead (4:20) Smith, Perrino
4. Water Of Life (4:08) Smith, Daniel
5. Measure Of A Man (3:30) Smith, Campbell, Kogutz
6. Make The Most Of Your Life (4:07) Smith, Perrino
7. Possibility (4:05) Smith, Daniel
8. My Baby Likes To Ya Ya (5:05) Smith, Webb, Epstein
9. A Change In Me (3:24) Smith, Daniel
10. Life Ain’t Easy (And Then Ya Die) (4:45) Smith, Forsy

Artists Collaborating on "Into The Light": Austin Sessions: Matt Smith (Vocals, Guitar), Ernie Durawa (Drums), Mark Epstein (Bass), David Webb (Piano, Organ), and more. New York Sessions: Matt Smith (Guitar, Vocal), Tony Perrino (Organ, Piano), Pete Sweeney (Drums), and a talented ensemble.

Multi-discipline singer-songwriter and band leader, Dr. Richard Michelson, known by his stage name MOTU (Music Of the Universe), is renowned for his proficiency in playing various string instruments, his prolific poetry, and mastery in engineering. A past SEMI-FINALIST WINNER in both the ISC and IBC, the New York-based artist, a multiple BEST OF LONG ISLAND WINNER, has performed globally and boasts a significant online following, evidenced by over 9.5 MILLION views on YouTube and more than a QUARTER OF A MILLION FOLLOWERS on Facebook. His latest album, "ACCEDING TO THE APOCALYPSE," released in 2024, marks his 23rd official release, following his past Grammy 1st round ballot albums. The album features return performances by Dee Michelson (Vocals), Rich Fry (Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars), Ed Modzel (Drums), and Dr. Rich (Vocals, Slide Dobro, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Keyboards, Harmonica, Bass, and Pedal Steel Guitar).

"ACCEDING TO THE APOCALYPSE" is an ambitious thematic album exploring mankind’s propensity for self-destruction. This theme is examined through 10 new MOTU original songs spanning genres such as American-Roots, Blues, Rock, and Folk, all adorned with multiple vocal harmonies. While the music and vocals are a delight to the ears, beneath the surface lie serious subjects including climate change, racism, political chaos, homelessness, gun violence, income inequality, and even self-destructive relationships. The album harkens back to a time when artists penned socially relevant songs, advocating for change to benefit society. With well-written and executed music performances, this mature artistic album comes highly recommended for all audiences. Rock Rose Music PR is currently distributing review CDs to press and radio stations.

Tracklist for MOTU's "ACCEDING TO THE APOCALYPSE" (total album time: 42:09):

    THE COST (4:16)
    LOVE IS ALL WE NEED (7:29)
    TOO MUCH (5:14)
    WHEN YOUR SMILE HAS LEFT THE ROOM (3:25)
    A TEST OF OUR LOVE (2:59)
    YOU’RE JUST A PILE OF CRAP (2:56)
    I’M LOOKING FOR ANSWERS (4:48)
    I CAN’T BE DENIED (4:02)
    ACCEDING TO THE APOCALYPSE (3:53)
    HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF (3:08)