Hundred-word Reviews, September 2026 #2

As I’ve written many times before, there’s simply so much good music being made that it’s impossible to cover it all, much less give the coverage the music deserves. But in a modest gesture toward that goal, I present my irregular series of Hundred-word Reviews. Today and tomorrow I’ll share quick capsule takes on some recent (or recent-ish) titles worth knowing about, hearing and purchasing.

Luke Winslow-King – Coast of Light
Winslow-King’s brand of blues is reminiscent of ‘70s blues-rock; shade of Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton at his more energetic and soulful, and so on. The Michigan native has a gravelly voice that’s just right for his simmering, shuffling tunes. Subtle riffage and hypnotic arrangements give a vaguely suinsiter edge to the music. But Winslow-King isn’t limited by the blues form: “Teacher’s Desk” features an alluring vibe that is based on the blues but moves well beyond it. And when he does go trad – see “Don’t Worry Your Mind” – it feels authentic. Coast of Light is splendily varied and consistently engaging.

The Loft – Badges
The Loft were one of those “what-if?” bands; they broke up right after their Big Moment on a Radio One broadcast in 1984. That cold have been the end of the story, and fort a very long time, it looked like it would be. But now The Loft have returned, and Badges is a reminder (or first notice for those who blinked and missed ‘em four decades ago) of how fine a band they are. Shades of Robyn Hitchcock, hints of the Monochrome Set, bits of jangle, and some finely-wrought lyrics paired with delightfully durable melody. Best of 2026? Maybe.

Wormstew – Last Days of Loma
Wormstew don’t quite win the Worst Band Name sweepstakes; that dishonor goes to both Fudge Tunnel and The Band Geeks). Get past the name and discover ear candy pop melodies, understated arrangements and the guy-next-door vocal character of Mike Schnee (sibling of acclaimed music journalist Steve Schnee). The eclectic Last Days of Loma serves up countrypolitan textures on “Sherrif Brody” and “Movin’ Along,” twangy Duane Eddy meets Los Lobos on (the very non-bluesy) “Bucket of Blues,” early Eagles-flavored ‘70s AOR on “Letters on the Wall” and so on. Surprisingly, there’s nothing Wings-y about “J.P. McCartney.” Nice, unassuming tunes abound here.

George Trouble & the Zealots – Entanglement
In general, singer-songwriters are stronger on the latter – the composing – than the former (vocals). And they understandably write to their limitations. But George Terry (aka George Trouble) is a troubadour of the first order. And just as importantly, his vocal range means that he writes melodies that go places, as it were. Intelligent, heartfelt lyrics and a strong emphasis on melody are the defining characteristics of Entanglement. Dulci Ellenberger’s sublime harmony vocals shine. Fave track: “Everybody is Crazy But Me.” And even though “Hidin’ from the Hippies” is a nick of Dave Edmunds’ “Crawling from the Wreckage,” it’s still great.