The McKrells – Still Choosing 2022
The legendary local folk-bluegrass band is back with their first album of material since 2018, and they sound louder than ever. The “Sunshine” album opener reuses the standard “You Are My Sunshine” into something both referential and fresh. “On that Northbound Train” is highlighted by some nifty banjo and fiddle solos from Scott Hopkins and Frank Orsini, respectively, and the track’s blistering pace pairs well with Kevin McKrell’s lyrical content. Of the 10 tracks on the LP, this reviewer is sensitive to the beautiful fantasy of “A Boat Named Love and Happiness”. If you’ve seen the McKrells at one of the band’s many gigs this year, chances are you’ve heard some of these tunes and enjoyed them. “Still Pickin’ 2022” lets you dig into their studio incarnations from the comfort of your favorite CD player or streaming app.
To experience “Still Pickin’ 2022”, check your favorite streaming platform or visit themckrells.com

Madeline Darby – Not This Universe: The Origins of Madeline Darby
Madeline Darby has gradually made a name for herself on the experimental music circuit. Last spring, she performed at the Temple of Sound at the Hudson Basilica. For the past year, Darby has hosted a monthly live experimental music series through Super Dark Collective and hosted his own music and motion painting gigs. “Not This Universe” has two purposes. This is part compilation of unreleased material from 2018-2021 and part collaboration with other local talent. Darby and Nxnes team up for the haunting darkwave track “Nxmad”. “Winter Feels Robotic,” a team with Zero Lee and 100 Psychic Dreams” is a hypnotic noise collage. The key track on this one is Darby’s solo project, “The Joyous Sounds of America.” It provides a beautiful snapshot of his unique blend of darkwave and experimental electronic music.
To listen to “Not this Universe: The Origins of Madeline Darby”, go to madelinedarby.bandcamp.com/

Male Patterns and Under Attack – Split EP
Albany punk rockers Male Patterns have followed up their shared 2020 EP with the New Jersey Executors with a new EP in collaboration with Under Attack from Richmond, Va. Both bands hit hard, fast and hard in this eight-minute, six-song effort. Male Patterns’ “Out of the Box” is a stark rejection of societal expectations and is locked into the status quo, while “Greek Life” is a scathing rebuke of privileged, fraternal youth culture. The contribution of Under Attack is no less implacable. Their “I Suffer” is reminiscent of early ’80s Black Flag in its blunt angst, and the band wraps up the EP on an appropriate note with the brutal aggression of “End It.” Musically and aesthetically, Male Patterns and Under Attack come together well, making this a great use of the split EP format and a project sure to please hardcore punk fans.
Stream the split EP or buy the 7″ vinyl at malepatterns.bandcamp.com

Top Beamin’ (the rapper formerly known as Velli Vell) – “Vol. 1…How to Covet” and “Pied A Terre (A Home Away From Home)”
Albany MC Velli Vell is now Top Beamin.’ To acquaint listeners with his new handle, he released a pair of EPs just two weeks apart. “Vol. 1…How to Lust” finds Beamin’ teaming up with a few different producers. The most successful collaborations on the project are with Deborah’s Son. to Find” are two of the prolific artist’s best songs to date. “Pied A Terre” is, save for a brief guest spot from Barry Marz, a Beamin’-only affair. It features grimy beats rapping and the results are solid. Rounding out the EP are his two best songs, “Super Venture” and “Dragon Meets Tiger”, the latter of which evokes feelings of the classic Wu Tang Clan. Whether it’s Velli Vel or Top Beamin, these projects present him as a talented rapper with an eclectic sound palette.
Stream or buy Top Beamin’s EPs at topbeamin.bandcamp.com

B. Chaps – Sweet, Precious, Short
Both drummer for hard rockers Bad Mothers and rapper/producer B. Chaps, Brian Chiappinelli could claim the status of the hardest working man in local music. “Sweet, Precious, Short” is his first feature film as B. Chaps in three years and he takes the opportunity to showcase his own skills and those of a host of local talent. Singer/rapper Freedom Stratton is featured prominently, appearing on over half of the album. The two have worked together for several years now and they share an easy creative chemistry and their tracks “We Outside” and “First Place” are fun summer jams. Elsewhere, BG the Boy Genius shines on “Shoot Your Shot” and Ohzhe cements his status as one of the capital region’s top MCs on “Up Now.” Track for track, if you’re looking for a solid hip-hop record to get through this heat wave, “Sweet, Precious, Short” will heal whatever ails you.
B. Chaps’ “Sweet, Precious, Short” is available on all major streaming platforms.