Kingdom of Mustang
Into Beautiful Blue
Kool Kat Musik
Kingdom of Mustang delivers its fourth album, Into Beautiful Blue, as a power pop slice of nostalgia. The band is a musical collaboration between members of the popular ’80’s-era UVA group The Deal—Mark Roebuck and Michael Clarke—along with Tim Ryan, and Rusty Speidel. Stacked with decades of experience (in the late ’80s, The Deal opened up for Dave Matthews Band), Kingdom of Mustang is prolific in its ability to craft catchy songs. The band was working on demos for this album while simultaneously releasing last year’s Tales From The Atomic Tambourine. Kingdom of Mustang’s harmonies—Beatles-esque with nods to REM—blend memorable guitar riffs and melodies into songs you’ll want to put on repeat. Don’t skip “One More Day,” full of unrequited love, and the most poignant track on the album, “Until We Know,” which posits that from the moment of birth until our last breath, we are all lost (released July 2022).
Rebekah Rafferty and The Wakes
Two of Swords
Self-released
Despite releasing music in small batches for years, Two of Swords is Richmond-based Rebekah Rafferty and The Wakes’ debut album. Filled with palpable love and attention, and completed in June 2021, the record’s 11 songs have a theatrical vibe, drenched in ’80s production style, with lyrics and harmonies that make Two of Swords soulful, sensual, and melancholy.
With its lonely poetry and picturesque storytelling, the album is a perfect listen for a fall drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Nothing More” stands out as a song about overcoming relationship fears, and “Witches” warns about learning from the mistakes made in bad relationships—don’t make the mistake of missing out on this album (released July 2022).
Animal Sun
Generation Waiting
Self-released
Los Angeles-based band Animal Sun is at the top of its game. Founded by Charlottesville natives Steven and Will Alton, the group was named after James Sun, a friend of the band who passed away in 2011. Soon after Steven and Will moved to L.A. they met keyboardist Tyler DeCastro, and bass player Adam Gardner. The band’s sophomore album, Generation Waiting, is filled with get-in-your-head hooks and cyber-sonic tunes that make you feel alive. Frontman Steven feels that no one is living in the now, and his message is to live life before it’s gone. Generation Waiting is a comment on those motivations, as well as the idea of waiting for the next big thing, whether it’s a vacation or a relationship. Mental health is the topic on “Chasing Shadows,” and suicide prevention and awareness themes can be heard in the closing track “On and On.” It’s an album full of entertaining surprises and fiery personality (released July 2022).—Samantha Federico
