Dropkick “Throughlines”
Andrew Taylor and his Scottish bandmates in Dropkick have spent years honing a signature blend of melodic power pop, Americana, and alt-country. While their early work drew heavily on the Byrdsian 12-string flourishes of Teenage Fanclub, Tom Petty, and Wilco, Dropkick has evolved into a far more mature outfit—armed with crunchier guitars and sharper hooks.
“It’s a Long Way to Fall Down” kicks off the album with a bright, jangling riff and Taylor’s soothing lead vocals, capturing everything that makes the band so distinct. “You Ought to Know” builds on that momentum using layered harmonies to elevate an already sticky chorus. Elsewhere, buzzing riffs drive the energy of “Toe the Line,” while subtle, soft strings turn the ballad “Circles” into a welcome shift in tempo. Other standouts include “Leave It Understood,” a poignant reflection on avoiding wasted time, and the offbeat chord progressions of “The Start of My Decline.” This is easily one of the year’s strongest releases and a serious contender for my top ten list.
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The Morning Line “Stars”
‘Stars’ by The Morning Line is a welcome reminder of why guitar-driven indie rock never really goes out of style. Spanning 21 tracks, this career retrospective pulls together the best of the Northern California band’s catalog, alongside two new songs and an early demo dating back to 2004.
Frontman Stephen Smith’s distinctive voice and thoughtful lyricism give the music plenty of character. The band strikes a sweet spot between ’80s college-rock jangle and rootsy Americana. Standout tracks include “Spellbound,” “Stars To Me,” and “90s Pickup.” These songs are rich in detail and will leave you eager to dive even deeper into the rest of the album. And while several tracks didn’t quite leave a lasting impression, none of them felt like filler—every song genuinely deserves a listen.
