Minos the Saint
Awake and Dream, February
A regular of Baton Rouge’s more intimate venues, Minos the Saint finally brought its rambling live shows home to the recording studio this year for its debut album, which aims to capture the band’s improvisational, multi-instrumental style for posterity. The album presents Minos the Saint in a rare moment of self-containment—but their world folk sound is as big as ever.
Kenny Neal
Bloodline, June
Kenny Neal, a member of Baton Rouge’s iconic Neal blues family, dropped his 18th (yes, 18th) album over the summer. This album pulled fresh inspiration from somewhere new: Tennessee. With most of Bloodline recorded in Nashville, Neal’s tried-and-true blues takes a new spin on Southern grit.
Ship of Fools
Ship of Fools, June
Four-piece indie act Ship of Fools dropped its self-titled debut EP over the summer, with six tracks recorded at River City Studios. The release mixes chamber strings with stompy beats, sweet vocals and bluesy lilts for a rich sound that promises much in the future from this rising band.
Louisiana Riverfront Band
Roots Rockin’ Blues, July
One of Baton Rouge’s most storied local bands, ranging back to the ’90s, finally wrangled its long-awaited debut album into the light of day. Featuring legendary local musicians Luther Kent, Lynn Ourso and the late Harold Cowart, Louisiana Riverfront’s sound on this finally realized debut is as rich as the band’s history.
The Wilder Janes
Someday With Someone Else, August
Longtime ladies of the Baton Rouge music scene and chamber-folk trio The Wilder Janes packed as many instruments as possible into the band’s first album. The soulful record melds contemporary sounds with orchestral and choral backing and features everything from marimba and mandolin to harp and banjo.
Molly Taylor
Loud and Clear, October
Molly Taylor keeps it old school on her debut album with raspy, bluesy vocals and rootsy melodies that sound like they’d be at home in a smoky, small-town dive bar. Lead single “Muddy Water” pays a heart-wrenching and bittersweet tribute to those affected by this summer’s flooding.
Mr. Owl
Mr. Owl, November
Somewhere between synth pop and alternative is Mr. Owl and its first EP, which dropped last month. The four-piece band recorded the tracks at Baton Rouge Music Studios, with contemplative single “Fingers” leading a collection of dreamy soundscapes.
Chase Tyler Band
Tailgate Sunset, December
The Chase Tyler Band dropped its new album to meet your boot-stomping needs. Tyler and company bring pool-hall-and-pickup-truck stylings on their third full-length release, and they’re already hitting the airwaves on local country stations.
This article was originally published in the December 2016 issue of 225 Magazine.
