Katie Moore - "Russian Nut"

I first saw Katie Moore play in a local band called Timber. I noticed almost right away that there was something astounding in her voice. Yes, she was effortlessly singing pitch-perfect harmonies, but more than that, it was the timbre of her voice that captured my attention. She has a strong, round tone, with complete control of her tremolo flourishes. She is neither piercingly trebly, nor crooningly bassy. She is the sound of drinking whiskey and soda in an old wooden bar, during winter, playing Scrabble. [Info]

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The Halo Benders - "Mercury Blues"

The Halo Benders never work together, always against each other. The low voice ascends while the high voice descends, the bass guitar is heavy and staccato, the six string is chiming and legato. Clashing lyrics and vocal melodies are sung simultaneously. An interminably wheezy organ is played by one member, certainly to the great annoyance of the other. Yet the outcome is something cohesive and a little bit heart-wrenching.

Like a petty rivalry on the surface of a deep friendship. [Buy]