Spearheaded by guitarist and composer Stephen Griesgraber, Stephen Karl & Handsome Animals bring in harmonium, bass, and pedal steel for an affair where Griesgraber’s Minnesota roots come through via a Dylan-esque feeling.
The record also meet his New York home influences and melt them into Americana-influenced pop songs, one of which is a true story of getting a kiss from Cyndi Lauper.
Darlin Darlin, also from New York, contribute two tunes closer to country shuffling and folk-pop, with Joanie Leon Guerrero’s sublime vocals gliding against warm guitar and quick percussion.
Often sounding like a younger, updated version of Dolly Parton, the two bands share some members, complement each other perfectly, and will appeal to fans of labels like Bloodshot or New West Records.
