The gripping crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Crime thrillers captivate audiences with their intense narratives, suspenseful twists, and morally complex characters. These films often explore the darker sides of human nature, weaving intricate plots filled with deception, mystery, and high-stakes action. Viewers are drawn to the adrenaline rush of solving crimes alongside detectives or navigating the minds of criminals. The unpredictability and psychological depth keep audiences on edge, making each moment gripping. From classic noir to modern psychological thrillers, crime films provide an escape into a world of danger and intrigue, where justice is uncertain and the line between good and evil is often blurred.
The new crime thriller The Interrogation of Anna Goode is coming to digital and on demand on April 8, 2025.(One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
The Interrogation of Anna Goode – While questioning a murder suspect, FBI Agent John Savage inexplicably finds himself on the opposite side of the table. Now framed for the crime, he must go to extreme lengths to reveal the shocking truth.
Written & directed by DC Hamilton Starring Max Adler, Neil Hopkins, Brinna Kelly
The Interrogation of Anna Goode movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Isabel Pless makes the mundane feel massive on debut album Workhorse. Photo: Patrick McCormack, used with permission.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Isabel Pless is a self-proclaimed “word girl.” Born and raised in Vermont, Isabel began writing songs at age 12 following in the footsteps of musical inspirations such as Joni Mitchell, The Chicks, and Alanis Morissette. Her songs are personal, playful and smart — she often calls into question the contradictions and challenges of what it means to be a young woman. (Big Hassle, 2025)
In 2020, she started posting clips of her original songs on TikTok and has since amassed an audience of 117k followers. Isabel’s 2023 EP Bad Luck Letting You Go has accumulated over 1.4 million streams across streaming platforms and featured on Spotify playlists such as New Music Friday and All New Indie, and Apple playlists like Acoustic Chill and New in Singer-Songwriter.
Over the past year, she’s recorded an Audiotree session, toured with Donovan Woods and Henry Jamison, and played headline shows across the US and in London. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and an ability to write relatable yet hyper-specific songs, Isabel is redefining what it means to be a singer-songwriter in the age of social media.
Isabel Pless makes everyday life feel monumental with the release of her debut album Workhorse. The ten-song project spans mellow folk to headbanging pop, but her writing consistently honors each tone and notion. Isabel is your older sister reminding you of your self-worth, she is your best friend crying in your passenger seat about a breakup, and she is you wondering when things will finally start going your way.
Produced and co-written by Ariza, each song offers a new sound and a different perspective from the last: Workhorse’s charm stems from its range. There are no right or wrong emotions, and Isabel feels them all with humor to spare. And she invites you to feel them all alongside her.
“‘Workhorse’ is the debut album I’ve been dreaming about since I started writing songs in middle school and that makes me feel incredibly fulfilled,” shares Pless. “Creating these songs helped give me perspective on my life. I feel simultaneously nervous and hopeful that now this album will make its way into other people’s lives.”
Opening with the self-titled track “Isabel,” this song arose out of a moment of need. Pless’ lyrics dictate an inner monologue that rails at people-pleasing and gives grace to imperfection. Winding our way to another standout track like “The Bite,” there’s more of a dark, spell-like energy. This essence mirrors a shift in lyrical and compositional tone from Pless’s previous works, making the song a sonic tug of war between anger and anxiety.
By the time the listener reaches “Blonde,” Pless is her most witty and candid self. A raging, headbanging, pop-romp, Pless is backed by an entourage of electric guitars and a hefty choir of vocals, that allows the track to maintain its drama right up until the final acoustic down-chorus. Reaching the capstone of the album’s honesty with its closing, title track, she is in a self-inflicted battle with complacency. Leaving the body of work open ended, the final line “I’m worried this is the best version of me” feels hollow but not defeated.
The official video for ‘I Joined a Cult’ examines the pattern of falling into toxic friendships and relationships, a balance of confusion and remorse. In the video Pless has a sense of childlike wonder as she tries to recruit more people into her circle, constantly seeking out connection.
Workhorse tracklist “Isabel” “Nobody’s Funeral” “The Bite” “I Don’t Feel Pretty” “I’ll See Him in Hell” “Shirley Temples” “Blonde” “(Transition) Company” “I Joined a Cult” “Workhorse”
Arm’s Length announces the release of their sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There. Photo: Pure Noise Records
March 12, 2025 – Arm’s Length’s highly anticipated sophomore album There’s A Whole World Out There will be released on May 16 via Pure Noise Records and is available for pre-order here. The first single and music video for “Funny Face” is out now. (Big Picture Media, 2025)
The band has announced a special headline run of album release shows taking place in major cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, Philadelphia, and New York City. Tickets are available online. Shows will kick off on June 8 and support comes from Charmer and Wakelee.
The album release shows will follow the band’s spring headline tour taking place in May which feature support from Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes.
Arm’s Length Live Dates
Spring headliner with Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Riley! and Bike Routes
May 2 – Columbus, OH – King of Clubs May 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Deluxe at Old National Centre May 4 – Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium May 6 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater May 7 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s May 8 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room May 10 – Austin, TX – Mohawk May 11 – San Antonio, TX – Stable Hall May 12 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall May 14 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn May 15 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm May 16 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle May 17 – Richmond, VA – The Broadberry May 18 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club May 21 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium May 22 – Asbury Park, NJ – The Stone Pony May 23 – Amityville, NY – Amityville Music Hall May 24 – Albany, NY – Empire Live May 25 – Buffalo, NY – Electric City
Album Release Show Dates w/Charmer and Wakelee
June 9 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge June 10 – Cleveland, OH – The Roxy June 11 – Toronto, ON – AXIS June 13 – Philadelphia, PA – Ukie Club June 14 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
Building on the emotional rawness and introspection of their debut, Never Before Seen, Never AgainFound, There’s A Whole World Out There finds the band pushing their boundaries, offering a deeper exploration of personal trauma, love, loss, and the resilience that emerges from navigating life’s darkest moments. Their debut album marked them as an indie band to watch, conjuring praise from writers at SPIN, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, Exclaim!, and Loudwire, among others.
Produced once again by Anton DeLost, who worked with the band on their previous releases, There’s A Whole World Out There marks a significant evolution for Arm’s Length. While Steinberg wrote the bulk of the material solo, the full band—guitarist Jeremy White, bassist Ben Greenblatt, and drummer Jeff White—helped bring these songs to life in the studio, with additional contributions from Bonnie Brooksbank (strings) and Alex Scalzo-Brown (piano).
Steinberg’s personal struggles, which he openly addressed in his songwriting, are central to the album’s creation. He confesses that during the period leading up to the writing of this record, he was “the most mentally ill” he had ever been. Yet, it was precisely through confronting these intense experiences that the album came to life with such urgency and honesty. “The songs aren’t written for anyone else at all,” he says, emphasizing the raw, unfiltered emotion that drives the record’s sound and lyrics.
There’s A Whole World Out There tracklist:
The World
Fatal Flaw
Funny Face
The Weight
Palinopsia
The Wound
You Ominously End
Early Onset
Genetic Lottery
Attic
Halley
Morning Person
Arm’s Length pull no punches on There’s A Whole World Out There. From the moment “The World” starts proceedings, the album unfolds with the dual torment and exhilaration of what it means to be alive—but with the knowledge and understanding that everything is also always lost.
To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms on March 25. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Survivalist thrillers create high-stakes scenarios where characters must overcome extreme challenges to stay alive. These films often explore themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and human instinct, making them both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether set in the wilderness, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or disaster-stricken environments, these movies keep viewers on edge with intense action, suspenseful storytelling, and psychological depth. The appeal lies in the raw tension and the characters’ fight against overwhelming odds, allowing audiences to experience danger vicariously while contemplating their own survival instincts in similar situations. These films offer both adrenaline and emotional depth.
If you like these types of movies, there’s a new one coming out next week: To Die Alone.
Following its world premiere at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and its Audience Award win for Best Narrative Feature, the survival thriller To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms starting March 25.
Directed by Austin Smagalski Produced by Connie Jo Sechrist, Austin Smagalski Starring James Tang and Lisa Jacqueline Starrett
In this gripping survival thriller, after suffering a devastating injury while hiking the remote Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must navigate the treacherous wilderness alone, battling not only physical pain but her own inner demons. With only a stranger named Ford to help her, she faces her deepest fears to survive.
To Die Alone movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
311 announces new tour and the 30th anniversary re-issue of their iconic self titled Blue Album. Photo: Brian Bowen Smith, used with permission.
311 is an alternative rock band known for their signature blend of rock, reggae, and funk influences. With a devoted fan following and a legacy spanning three decades, the band continues to innovate and bring fresh energy to the music scene. Formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska, 311 features Nick Hexum (vocals/guitar), Chad Sexton (drums), Tim Mahoney (guitar), SA Martinez (vocals/dj), and P-Nut (bass). 33 years later, the band is still regarded as one of the most entertaining and dynamic live bands in the U.S. 311’s celebrated live shows and touring schedule have earned them a vast and dedicated following nationwide. (Big Picture Media, 2025)
Following the release of their long awaited 14th studio album Full Bloom, the Grammy nominated, platinum certified rock band is gearing up for an exciting 2025. This year marks their fifth appearance at the revival of Van’s Warped Tour, set for July 26–27. Additionally, the band will headline major festivals, including Pointfest in St. Louis, Point Break Festival in Virginia, and the recently announced Minnesota Yacht Club Festival.
Upcoming 311 Dates March 21 – The Fillmore – New Orleans, LA March 22 – The Moon – Tallahassee, FL March 24 – House of Blues Orlando – Orlando, FL March 26-31 – 311 Caribbean Cruise – Miami, FL May 17 – Pointfest – St. Louis, MO June 22 – Point Break Festival – Virginia Beach, VA July 20 – Minnesota Yacht Club Festival – St. Paul, MN July 26-27 – Van’s Warped Tour – Long Beach, CA
On the heels of the release of Full Bloom, the group was recently crowned one of NPR Tiny Desk’s Best Performances of 2024 and continues to thrive after more than three decades on the road. From performing at halftime during the Las Vegas Raiders’ final home game to a run of recently announced US dates, 311 continues to redefine what it means to be one of the longest-running touring bands.
311 commemorated their legacy with the announcement of a 30th anniversary reissue of their iconic self titled Blue Album out July 11. The Blue Album reissue will feature a 2-LP set with seven bonus tracks and will be available in two color variants – a direct to fan exclusive citrine shade and retail release blue smoke color via Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment. The strictly limited package is the latest in the band’s series of 30th Anniversary “Pearlized” special editions, and also includes an embossed gatefold sleeve with exclusive art. The reissue is 21 tracks on 2 LPs and brings together every song that was recorded by the band during the Blue Album sessions, and marks the first time the bonus songs have ever been released on LP.
Blue Smoke + Citrine Vinyl Variant. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Kadavar releases ‘Hysteria’ single and music video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Berlin, Germany – Berlin based rock bandKadavar has shared the second single from their forthcoming new album I Just Want To Be A Sound out May 16 via Clouds Hill. (Big Picture Media, 2025)
“Hysteria” – with its pulsing, dark rhythm brings the listener into a hypnotic state of mind. Its lyrics explore themes of mental and physical disarray, portraying a sense of confusion, overstimulation, and self-destruction. The repeated refrain of “Hysteria” adds to the overwhelming, frantic atmosphere, spiraling under pressure.
Listen to “Hysteria” here. Pre-order the album at this link.
“We wrote this song down from the feeling of words losing their meaning, when even a stream of consciousness can’t keep up to make sense of the inner chaos,” says the band. “As a state mixed with constant overstimulation and terrifying news, it might just fit this time we’re living in.”
“Hysteria” follows the single “I Just Want To Be A Sound” – the title track of Kadavar’s new album – released last month upon the album’s announcement. The song was added to top playlists with Spotify, Apple, Deezer and TIDAL, gaining traction on lists like Metal Injection’s Top Tracks of the Week, Fresh Noise, New In Rock, Hot New Rock, and more.
‘I Just Want To Be A Sound’ is a manifesto for freedom, transformation and radical presence. An album that repeatedly abandons itself in order to reincarnate in new forms. Rock anthem, ballad, pop song, epic and earthly alternate seamlessly and virtuously. Free and full of momentum.
Now a four-piece led by founders Lupus Lindemann and Tiger Bartelt, and rounded out by guitarist Jascha Kreft and bassist Simon ‘Dragon’ Bouteloup, the declaration “I Just Want To Be A Sound” came from Bouteloup. When Lindemann Bartelt asked him in 2013, shortly after Lindemann and Barlet joined the band, why he didn’t have any social media accounts, he replied: “I just want to be a sound.” A sentence that stuck – and that sums up the band’s self-image.
What was casually formulated at the time has developed into a leitmotif over the band’s 15-year history: an uncompromising claim that demands nothing less than to be completely absorbed in the sound without being distracted by outward appearances. A principle to which Kadavar has remained true since their formation in 2010 and which finds its strongest development to date with this album.
“I Just Want To Be A Sound” is more than a song to us – it’s the essence of Kadavar: A relentless yearning for freedom and the unshakable urge to live through music. We poured everything into it – our lives, our spirit, our truth,” says the band in a joint statement.
Kadavar also announces a string of special album release shows that will take place in London, France and Berlin. Dates and ticket links below:
May 13 – London, UK – Rough Trade East // TICKETS May 14 – Paris, France – Supersonic // TICKETS May 15 – Berlin, Germany – Urban Spree, presented by Rough Trade Europe // TICKETS
The band is confirmed for this year’s Austin Psych Fest along with artists like Dinosaur Jr, Explosions In The Sky, Kim Gordon, Yo La Tengo and more. The festival will take place April 25-27 in Austin, TX. Tickets are available online.
Change has always been a constant for Kadavar. What remains unchanged is their raw power. Wherever they go, you can feel the intensity – in their songwriting, their dedication, their performances. In the sound! This is the transfer that makes Kadavar incomparable. They explore the potential of music, even in quiet nuances, while always retaining the power of their rock roots. Having grown as a band, they have fulfilled their mission of being completely immersed in their sound.
Texas country artist Garrett Bradford releases Honkiest of Tonkers Part 1 – out now. Photo: WT Fletcher, used with permission.
Nashville, Tennessee – Texas country artist Garrett Bradford has officially released Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 1, the highly anticipated first installment of his two-part album. Out now via H.O.T. Records and available on all streaming platforms (Amazon Music,Apple Music, Spotify, and more), the album delivers a collection of boot-stomping honky-tonk anthems and dynamic tracks showcasing Bradford’s signature grit and deep Texas roots. The second installment, Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 2, is set to arrive on April 11, 2025. (Aristo PR, 2025)
Fans got an early taste of the album with lead singles “Watching You Burn,”“Do You (I Do),” and “Bad Girl Good.” Part 2 will follow a similar rollout, featuring “She Loves Horses” (March 21) and “Firefly” (April 4) ahead of its full release.
This is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Bradford, with his music gaining traction across major platforms. His single “Watching You Burn” landed on playlists, including Spotify’s All New Country, CMT’s Roundup, and ACM’s Fresh New Finds. Meanwhile, “Do You (I Do)” was featured on Apple Music’s New in Country playlist. Additionally, Country Evolution named Bradford to their Artists to Watch in 2025 list, further cementing his status as one of country music’s most exciting rising stars.
Bradford’s music has also caught the attention of critics, earning high praise for its traditional honky-tonk grit: “Pure, classically old-fashioned, 100% hardcore Texas honky tonk. Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of this type of music and trust me; this is stellar honky tonk country where the singer/songwriter has lived every word and note … Bradford is the real deal.” – The Rocking Magpie
Raised on a ranch in Weatherford, Texas, and deeply connected to the Western and rodeo lifestyle, Garrett’s music is infused with authenticity and a genuine understanding of the cowboy way of life. His background in ranching, rodeo, and bucking stock, combined with his natural talent as a songwriter and performer, makes him a true storyteller who captures the heart and soul of the West in every song.
Bradford burst onto the Texas music scene in 2020 with his debut EP. His breakout single, This Way of Life, was featured on the hit TV series Yellowstone(Season 3, Episode 9), catapulting him into the spotlight. The track became the most Shazammed country song in the U.S. the day after its airing, climbing to #32 on the iTunes Country Top 40 Chart.
Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed writer, producer, and director behind Yellowstone and its prequels (1883, 1923), as well as Landman and Lioness, played a pivotal role in inspiring Garrett’s music career. Sheridan’s mentorship and belief in Bradford’s authentic storytelling helped reignite his passion and opened doors for his music to reach a wider audience.
In 2023, Bradford was recognized as the songwriting winner of Texas Songwriter U, a prestigious program hosted by Jack Ingram, Liz Rose, and BMI. With over 60,000 monthly streams and a loyal fanbase, Bradford has solidified his place in the world of Texas country music, performing more than 600 shows and keeping dance floors packed across the state.
His ability to blend authentic Texas grit with compelling lyrics and dynamic performances positions Honkiest of Tonkers as a standout project that true country fans can appreciate.
Honkiest of Tonkers – Part 1
Honkiest of Tonkers (Garrett Bradford)
Bad Girl Good (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
Keep On Drivin’ (Garrett Bradford, Jami Grooms)
Do You (I Do) (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
Watching You Burn (Garrett Bradford, Logan Jarvis, Greg Manuel Sr., Greg Manuel Jr.)
50 In The Fast Lane (Garrett Bradford)
Peterbilt Pipe Dream (Garrett Bradford)
Bulletproof (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr., Greg Manuel Jr., Kristina Van Dyne, Yale Van Dyne)
Honky Tonk Devil (Garrett Bradford, Greg Manuel Sr.)
Die Alone will be released in the UK on March 10. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Zombie movies have captivated audiences for decades, blending horror, action, and social commentary. Their appeal lies in the thrilling survival scenarios, intense suspense, and gruesome effects that keep viewers on edge. These films often reflect societal fears, from pandemics to societal collapse, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. Classics like Night of the Living Dead and modern hits like Train to Busan showcase human resilience and moral dilemmas in apocalyptic settings. Fans enjoy the adrenaline rush, the eerie atmosphere, and the chance to imagine how they would survive a zombie outbreak, making the genre a lasting favorite in horror cinema.
For zombie movie lovers, there’s the recent new movie Die Alone. It’s a Canadian horror thriller that was released in September of last year. It focuses more on the protagonist’s emotional journey and mystery than the usual zombie gore and violence. The film had its European premiere at Sitges last year. Die Alone will be released in the UK & Ireland on Digital Download, DVD and Blu-ray from March 10.
In the US, it’s available on Tubi,Amazon Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
London UK: Lightbulb Film Distribution is pleased to share the poster and trailer for new post-apocalyptic thriller, Die Alone. (Strike Media, 2025)
Die Alone – In a post-apocalyptic world, a young man with amnesia joins forces with a hardened survivalist during a zombie outbreak, as they set out to find his missing girlfriend. It stars Carrie-Anne Moss, Douglas Smith, and Frank Grillo.
“We are delighted to be bringing Die Alone to audiences in the UK & Ireland. Inspired by films like 28 Days Later, it’s a thrill-ride from start to finish.” – Commercial Director, Matthew Kreuzer
Release date: March 10 Directed by: Lowell Dean Formats: Digital, DVD, & Blu-Ray Run Time: 90 mins.
Die Alone production still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Arkansas’s country-rock troubadour JD Clayton announces anticipated sophomore LP, Blue Sky Sundays. Photo: David McClister, used with permission.
Fort Smith, AR – In addition to the release of his new single “Dirt Roads of Red,” JD Clayton has announced his highly anticipated sophomore album, Blue Sky Sundays. Due out on February 28 on Rounder Records, Blue Sky Sundays finds Clayton taking the helm as producer in the studio with his touring band to capture the vitality and grit of his crowd-thrilling live show. (IV PR, 2025)
“One morning I was playing golf with a buddy from Georgia down at McCabe Golf Course in Nashville when he turned to me and said that there should be a song about wishing that the streets of gold in Heaven could be streets of Red, referring to the red clay down in Georgia,” remembers Arkansan singer-songwriter JD Clayton.
Wheels turning, Clayton went home, picked up his guitar, and finished writing “Dirt Roads of Red” in under an hour. “Now, being an Arkansas kid, I could never bring myself to write a song about Georgia. Thankfully, my favorite state, Colorado, also has a high concentration of iron deposits in its soil.”
With a halftime drum beat and a striding, bluesy piano, “Dirt Roads of Red” has an appropriately slinky vibe. “It feels inherently southern to me and has a super cool groove,” says Clayton. That feeling gets amplified with a slide guitar solo before the song’s final chorus: “Good God almighty I beg you please / Just before I’m dead / Turn them streets of gold to dirt roads of red.”
Clayton’s first few lines set up the whole song and come from some personal experience. “It turned out to be a really special track to me because my dad is a pastor and I love the interaction the boy has with his pastor in the first verse of the song,” he says. Typical with the music Clayton has released throughout his budding career, his soulful delivery and funky-leaning instrumentation help frame the story he’s telling in a way all his own.
Fans can stream or purchase “Dirt Roads of Red,” and pre-order or pre-saveBlue Sky Sundays ahead of its February 28 release. For tour dates and ticket information, please visit JD Clayton online.
Blue Sky Sundays tracklist: Let You Down – (JD Clayton) Dirt Roads of Red – (JD Clayton) Madelene – (JD Clayton) Slow & Steady – (JD Clayton) Arkansas Kid – (Al Kooper, Ronnie Van Zant, Robert Burns) Give Me One Reason – (Tracy Chapman) High Hopes & Low Expectations- (JD Clayton, Kendell Marvel) Dance Another Dance- (JD Clayton) Goodnight- (JD Clayton)
A native son of Arkansas, JD Clayton delivers a timeless form of country rock that’s wholly the product of his environment: down-to-earth, deliberately unhurried, touched with a carefree ease that’s undeniably infectious. Over the past few years alone, he’s brought his crowd-thrilling show to tours with the likes of Dwight Yoakam, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Parker McCollum, in addition to performing at major festivals such as Bonnaroo and Dreamy Draw and opening for artists like Hank Williams Jr., Brent Cobb, and Ashley McBryde.
As a kid growing up in Fort Smith, Clayton got his start playing guitar and later took up piano, drums, banjo, harmonica, and ukulele. He released the debut EP Smoke Out the Fire while still in college. After grinding it out in Nashville for several years, he returned to his hometown and immersed himself in creating an adventurous new album that soon led to his signing with Rounder Records. With equal parts soulful self-reflection and wildly colorful storytelling, Blue Sky Sundays immediately transports the audience into a world that moves at its own exhilarating rhythm—and ultimately reveals an artist of hard-won character and singular authenticity.
The Seldom Scene gives fans a new take on a long-beloved Bob Dylan Song. Photo: Jeromie Stephens, used with permission.
Bethesda, MD -This month, The Seldom Scene released their delicate and masterful version of the timeless classic “Farewell, Angelina.” Written by Bob Dylan for his widely-lauded album Bringing It All Back Home (1965) and famously recorded by Joan Baez, the haunting waltz is still being resurrected six decades later. And not just by US-based songwriters like Jeff Buckley and John Mellencamp—the song has been carried through France and Italy (“Adieu, Angelina,” “Addio Angelina”), India, Sweden, and beyond. The Seldom Scene’s elegiac interpretation glides through intimate conversation between words and strings. (IV PR, 2025)
“This song, written in 1964, is another gem by Bob Dylan,” says Seldom Scene bassist Ronnie Simpkins, whose daughter insisted the band give the song their own treatment. “I’m glad we listened!” he laughs. Basing their arrangement more on Mellencamp’s 1997 Rough Harvest version than the original, the 53-year-running quartet originally from Bethesda, Maryland, gives “Farewell, Angelina” space to breathe and blossom. The track opens with Ron Stewart deftly picking the guitar in duet with Bluegrass Hall of Famer Dudley Connell’s rich, soft voice. One by one, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, and acoustic bass add subtle new layers to the story without overtly announcing themselves. The Seldom Scene’s poignant arrangement gives depth and texture to the song’s surreal poetry.
“Farewell, Angelina” is the latest single from the Seldom Scene’s forthcoming album, Remains to Be Scene—out March 14 on Smithsonian Folkways. Continuing their long-running legacy of pulling gems from outside of and within the bluegrass canon and reimagining them in what is now the Seldom Scene’s signature style, Remains to Be Scene features an interpretation of Jim Croce’s “A Good Time Man Like Me Ain’t Got No Business (Singin’ the Blues),” a pair of songs by Bob Dylan: “Walking Down the Line” and, of course, “Farewell Angelina,” while also revisiting a fan-favorite, “White Line,” from the iconic Live at the Cellar Door album and paying tribute to their inspirations, Flatt & Scruggs, with “Hard Travelin’.”
Americana UK shared an early listen. Today, fans can stream or purchase “Farewell, Angelina” and pre-order or pre-save Remains to Be Scene ahead of its March release here.
Remains to Be Scene tracklist: Last of the Steam-Powered Trains Crossroads A Good Time Man Like Me Ain’t Got No Business (Singin’ the Blues) Hard Travelin’ Farewell Angelina Walking Down the Line Lonesome Day I Could Cry White Line Show Me the Way to Go Home The Story of My Life
Self-produced with engineering and mixing by Jim Robeson at his studio The Bar in Rockville, Maryland, Remains to Be Scene caps the end of an era for the group in many ways. The album is dedicated to the memory of Bluegrass Hall of Famer and Seldom Scene cofounder Ben Eldridge, who retired from the group in 2014. But Eldridge remained a major presence and friend to the band, penning heartfelt liner notes for this album before his passing in April 2024.
Also notable is that Remains to Be Scene marks the final album for Dudley Connell, another Bluegrass Hall of Famer as a member of the Johnson Mountain Boys. Connell wrapped up a Seldom Scene tenure of nearly three decades on guitar and vocals with his retirement at the end of 2024. “Twenty-nine years, dude, that’s a long, long time,” Connell says with a laugh. “No regrets, I’ve loved every minute of it, and it’s been a real joy working with these guys for so long. But I want to get out while I still have my mobility and can travel, walk my dog, things like that.”
The Seldom Scene has mostly stayed close to home in the greater Washington, D.C. vicinity for most of its 53 years of existence. Even as the progressive bluegrass quintet’s lineup has turned over multiple times from those early days, The Scene has maintained an admirably high standard of musicality and artistry, on record as well as onstage at live-residency venues like The Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia.
The band makes old songs sound brand new while putting a bluegrass spin on some of the least-likely cover songs in the genre. Those virtues are all in place on Remains to Be Scene, their 24th album, released on Smithsonian Folkways, on which they cover everybody from Bob Dylan to The Kinks with customary flair. The album is also another milestone effort for the Scene — the first since the passing of co-founder Ben Eldridge (who penned liner notes before his death in April 2024) as well as the last for longtime Scene member Dudley Connell, who is retiring after 29 years in the band. As usual, the rest of the Scene is taking those departures in stride. One way or another, The Seldom Scene will go on.
SA Examiner 