-By Avril Carrillo

Folk artist Lindsay Clark is releasing a new album, Crystalline, tomorrow September 21st. The album maintains a nice balance between vulnerability and resiliency. Clark’s words are intimate and delicate. Her music is deeply grounded in a strong sense of self that permeates each song. Part of this stems from the religious aspects of her music. Like most folk music, the album deals with questions of faith and spirituality. In Crystalline, these questions are permeated with delightfully vibrant depictions of nature. In “Rosehips” Clark’s calm, steady voice bathes the song in a subtle sensuality. The song invites you to forget yourself within the evocative call of Clarke’s voice, and the vivid portraits she creates. Overall, the album envelops the listener like a warm blanket on a cool fall evening.

Lindsey Clark is playing tonight, September 20th, at the Holocene in honor of her upcoming album. The show will also feature Ezza Rose, Anna Hoone, Jacob Miller, and Malachi Graham.

By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Myles Katherine Photography

Ural Thomas has a new album, The Right Time, coming out with his band Ural Thomas & The Pain, via Tender Loving Empire. Thomas is best known for opening for legends such as Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones. Now, at 80 years old, Thomas is releasing a brand new album. The album is a great one, proving that time can’t dull a talent and passion for making music. On “No Distance (Between You & Me),” his voice is fresh, bright, and full of a hopeful energy that is heartening to hear. On some slower songs, like “Gotta Say (I Love You),” Thomas’ crooning is incredibly tender and smooth. It easily rivals acts such as The Miracles. Yet, despite how rooted in 60’s R&B Thomas is, it doesn't mean his music isn’t for the modern day. Ural Thomas makes music that could soothe any heartbreak or put some fire in anybody's step, be it the 60s or 2018. While the album won't be out till September 28th, you can pre-order the album now, here. Ural Thomas & The Pain will also be playing the Aladdin Theater a day after the release, on Sep 29th.

  -By Avril Carrillo, Photo By Brud Giles

As rainy days begin approaching, you may find yourself in search of some music to suit the changing seasons. Enter Mimicking Birds, and their two recently released song “On the Warm Side” and “Hi Lo.” When listening to “On the Warm Side,” you cannot help but move your head along to the slow, mournful tones. It is a soft, melodic meditation on change and self-interpretation. “Hi Lo” has a faster, more synth-based beat. While each is strong on its own, listening to them side by side provides more depth and clarity on the band’s message. Warm and inviting vocals elevate the music. In conjunction with the steady percussive heartbeat and romantic, airy synth lines, Mimicking Birds has made music perfect for the dreamy, rainy weather up ahead.

Mimicking Birds are currently on tour, but will be back in the PNW starting September 28th with a show in Ashland. You can get more information here.

  -By Avril Carrillo, photo by Jimmy Russell

Mexicadelia//PDX, a cultural celebration and Pueblo Unido benefit, is coming up this week. Mexicadelia is an underground festival from Guadalajara, full of talented and creative artists. The Portland festival, presented by The Portland Mercury and XRAY FM, is no different. This “music-driven cultural exchange” will be taking place September 15th through the 17th at different locations across town. All three days of the festival will be supporting Pueblo Unido, who support vulnerable Latinx immmigrants through hiring lawyers for deportation cases, getting people released from detention, and reuniting families.

On Saturday, the Shivas will be headlining at Dig A Pony at a free, all ages show. Orquestra Pacifico Tropical will be headlining at Romtoms on Sunday, which will also be a free show. Finally, Tribe Mars will be at Mississippi Studios Monday the 17th. You can see the rest of the lineup on the facebook page here. Hope to see you there!

A statement from Mexicadelia//PDX describing who they are and what they do is below:

“Mexicadelia//PDX intends to be an opportunity for bridge building, multilingual conversation, and catharsis through sonic diplomacy. The festival aims to be an example of what can be done as artists and community organizers to heal, strengthen, and embolden others to act in solidarity in these divisive times. By activating a network of friends, venues, non-profits, artists, purveyors, and music fans we believe it's possible to display a commitment to inclusiveness and equality through the channels we already know and love.”

-By Avril Carrillo