New album roundup: Inland Empire-related indie artists (Southern California)

Independent acts can find it difficult to garner widespread attention, so we’re shining a spotlight on recent standout album releases revolving around those with Riverside, Calif.  connections.

Brainstory

Buck

(Big Crown)

The Rialto psychedelic jazz/pop trio, including two members who studied jazz at Riverside City College, has toured with Chicano Batman and performed at the Riverside Art & Music Festival. Debut album Buck boasts a laid back 1970s vibe, grooves reminiscent of War and Santana and smooth Smokey Robinson-styled vocals. Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Purchase/listen via bandcamp.com, Amazon and major streaming platforms.

DAVIS

Alright

DAVIS grew up in Riverside, has had songs featured in video games and landed airplay on influential terrestrial SoCal FM radio stations like KROQ and KCRW. For his eclectic latest EP, the quirky alt-rock musician deftly traverses a variety of terrain, both modern (Queens of the Stone Age, the Strokes, Beck) and retro (Mott the Hoople, Velvet Underground).

Purchase/listen via Amazon, Apple Music and Spotify.

The James Hunter 6

Nick of Time

(Daptone)

Riverside native Bosco Mann (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) re-teamed with James Hunter to produce the British R&B/blues vet’s sumptuous Nick of Time. Recorded here in town at Penrose Studios, these engaging tunes contain spirited sax blasts, vintage street corner backing vocals and wicked harmonica work straight out of the Sixties. Hunter’s gritty, yet soulful singing evokes Sam Cooke and Ray Charles.

Purchase/listen via daptonerecords.com, Amazon and major streaming platforms.

The New Division

Hidden Memories

(Division 87)

Inspired by new wave, techno, trance and progressive house music, John Kunkel formed The New Division in 2006 while attending Riverside's California Baptist University. Since then, the popular electronic dance group has amassed nearly 8 million Spotify streams – an astounding feat for an Inland Empire musician. On the first full-length effort since 2015 (following several EPs), there are alluring sonic nods to M83, Underworld and New Order, while Kunkel’s stream of consciousness lyrics add to the overall mystique.

Purchase/listen via bandcamp.com, Amazon and major streaming platforms.

A version of my story also appeared in the spring 2020 issue of Riverside Magazine and the Riverside Press Enterprise online at www.pe.com