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BARCLAY’S
To a Candid World – EP
The one thing to know about BARCLAY’S is not to expect anything. They are a mashup of their influences, and their influences are wide and varied. As a blurb regarding their live shows in their bio states, “BARCLAY’S hasn’t yet tried the same thing twice—they are in constant flux, following impulses of free jazz one night and hardcore the next. Though they have a ‘setlist,’ it’s not a ‘set’ list; the jazz background of BARCLAY’S musicians lends an improvisational quality to their live performances that turns each set into something new.” And that quality certainly comes through in their debut EP, To a Candid World. While the songs here are structured, there is just enough room in most of these tracks where you can picture the band going off into the weeds and just jamming out live. And regardless of what types of music you’re into, BARCLAY’S pretty much have you covered. From the background lounge jazz of the bizarre intro “Barclay’s Free Radio (featuring Bo Daddy),” the loud-quiet-loud dynamic of The Pixies-ish “Give Me Dirt,” the smooth alt-jazz-rock of “hello…!?,” the controlled chaos of the post-hardcore “Comatose,” the grungy rockabilly of “Hot Dog Millionaire,” to the oddly beautiful waltz of closer “Until Next Time…,” there is a little something here for everyone. And it’s catchy! Holy crap, is it catchy! There is a jazz element that runs throughout each song here that not only provides massive hooks but also helps smooth out the roughness and ties it all together so perfectly. So I lied in the opening line; expect greatness!
CROP
“Alone” – single
Yeah, I know they’re from Lexington, but they play here enough that I feel like Louisville has kind of adopted them at this point. The thought of starting this review with “If you know CROP, then you know what to expect” initially crossed my mind, except this isn’t what I expected. “Alone” is technically the second single off their upcoming album S.S.R.I. (track “10-56”, which was released as a single in 2023, also appears on the album). Although the song is still very much in their wheelhouse, it’s a little different from their previous tracks, but without sacrificing that signature CROP heaviness. While it is definitely nothing anyone in their right mind would call a ballad, there are ballad-esque qualities to the song in the pace and structure. I’m struggling with how to describe a slow, heavy, plodding, dirge-type song with bleak lyrics when talking about a band whose songs are all slow, heavy, plodding, and dirge-y with bleak lyrics. If you’re not already familiar, CROP are purveyors of some of the finest stoner, sludge, doom metal to ever come out of the great state of Kentucky. Comparisons to Eyehategod and Crowbar are not unfounded. This is heavy, heavy stuff here, folks. Led by the unmistakable southern drawl of vocalist Marc Phillips, whose voice I can best describe as a male version of Janis Joplin gargling with bourbon and broken glass—and I literally mean that in the best way possible—he absolutely has the perfect voice for this kind of music. “Alone” is yet another great example of the power of CROP and a hell of a great teaser for the new album!
Deady
“Bad as it Sounds” – single
After catching the release show for this single at The Whirling Tiger, I stand by my assertion that Deady are hands down one of the best live bands that have ever graced our scene and are an absolute must-see! You can never really be sure what you’re going to hear or see, or what crazy shit they are going to do on or off stage, but you can be certain that it’s going to be good! They played several new songs at the show that will be included on their upcoming full-length album, 2 Dead 2 Furious (due out in September), and I think it’s safe to say there aren’t going to be any filler tracks on there. And you can get a little sneak peek of the album with Deady’s previous single, “Hot Damn” (released back in March), and their latest single, “Bad as it Sounds.” If you’re not already familiar with their sound, “quirky” is the first word that comes to mind. Deady has carved out their own original niche that defies being lumped into any specific genre but contains bits and pieces of punk rock, post-punk, hardcore, post-hardcore, noise rock, grunge, and even a bit of thrash metal at times. It’s a sound that is simultaneously bombastic, aggressive and frenzied, yet approachable, upbeat and downright fun. And “Bad as it Sounds” is an excellent example of this; with its whirlwind of riffs, gang vocal style “Hey! Hey!” chorus chants, and off-kilter change-ups, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the beautiful chaos here! Deady isn’t just on top of their game; they’re on a whole new level altogether!
The Lost Pockets
The Next Go Round – EP
Formed in 2022, The Lost Pockets are a Louisville-based six-piece doing improvisational jazz/rock, but according to the short bio they sent, “all of our folks have been deep in the local scene for many years.” As to who those folks are, I’m not quite sure, as the bio doesn’t mention names, unfortunately. One person who I do know for certain is in the band is vocalist Betsy Kelly, who is also vocalist for ex-My Morning Jacket keyboardist Danny Cash’s band HAWKS. And if you’re wondering about the sound, “We’re trying to bring a funkier New Orleans-inspired sound to the jam landscape while reflecting our wide-spanning influences,” said the band. And on their second and latest studio EP, The Next Go Round, the band brings an infectious mix of Dixieland jazz and 70’s funk to the table that is in the same vein as bands like Galactic, The Meters, and The New Mastersounds. The musicianship and songwriting here is outstanding! Just absolute top-notch, world-class players bringing it time and time again! Recorded at La La Land Studio, so you know I’m name-dropping Anne Gauthier, who worked her magic tracking, mixing, and mastering this piece of art right here. As with pretty much everything that has come out of that studio, Gauthier brings out huge, rich, warm tones in all instruments and vocals the make you feel as if you are sitting in the room with the band as they play. So get ready to get up and dance, as The Lost Pockets have brought a little bit of Mardi Gras to Louisville!
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This article appears in Jun 6-19, 2025.
