By Kendall Gibson
Columnist

‘Drowners’ – Drowners

The Drowners are a derivative, one-note New York hipster band who stole their sound note for note from past rock gods, yet despite all of that I like them. Their nonchalant thievery of British Rock bands comes off as a tribute in my eyes, rather than a robbery. A standout track, “Luv, Hold Me Down,” has the most provocative lyrics on the album. On top of that, it’s syncopated beat completely flips the script for the genre.

If You Like: The Smiths, The Sex Pistols, or Iggy Pop

‘Relatives’ – Minor Wiley

A Georgian band formed by three friends, Minor Wiley has been slowly making their first album since April 2013. So far they have released four tracks, and each one has been epic. “Sidewalk Serpents,” which I consider to be their single, sounds like “A” material from a much more established band, one that has been together for more than their one year. They sound like competent musicians. Some guitarists use reverb as a crutch, because they are afraid of having to play clean, but this band knows how to use it properly.

If You Like: Radiohead, Hum, or Jane’s Addiction

‘The Complete Atlantic Recordings’ – Bettye Swann

If you like vintage soul, it would be a shame not to acquaint yourself with Bettye Swann. Through some fluke of poor marketing and poor luck, one of the finer voices of soul faded into obscurity before seeing a proper spotlight. Her song “Make Me Yours” is the cuddliest, most effervescent to come out of the soul generation. Just listen, and you will agree with me that this woman deserves to be a household name.

If You Like: Etta James, Aretha Franklin, or Ella Fitzgerald