Like a great big front-porch jam, the Womack Family Band's 15-song debut is wonderfully laid-back. Packed with spot-on harmonies, the quintet from Norwalk, Ohio, showcases the power of American folk in standouts such as "Desvelo" and "When the Winter Breaks."
fararound.com

Cobra Verde frontman John Petkovic joins forces with Dinosaur Jr.'s J. Mascis for this loud and proud rock record that reminds us too few bands crank their amps to 11 these days. Even better, the acoustic-guitar backbone of "Dead Moon" and the soulful "It's Over Now" show Sweet Apple is no one-dimensional delight.
sweetapplesongs.com

Five years after forming, the Jack Fords are already one of Cleveland's stalwart rock outfits. The four-piece crackles with energy across these 12 songs whether they're delivering hook-laden heartbreak ("Covers Blown") or serving up shot-and-a-beer rock 'n' roll ("Done You Right," "Smoke 'n' Spirits").
jackfords.com