Timesbold, project around singer-songwriter Jason Merritt (Whip), is back with new music! Known and loved for its fine en elegant Americana, the band has been releasing music with his various bands and projects for over 20 years, most recently as Whip or with the Miracle Whips. For the first time since 2008, there’s a new Timesbold album, whose folk and Americana has gone through at least as many iterations as the lineup. Nothing has changed in the protagonist’s great songwriting qualities, as “Not Still Here” impressively demonstrates.

Jason Merrit remains a strong storyteller and that can’t be said often enough. When he shows up, he shows up with style and emphasis. His words on “Not Still Here” carry weight and don’t just manage the Timesbold legacy, they evolve it. The opener may lead you down the wrong track, but at the same time is one of the most interesting new tracks. Behind it awaits familiar, no less gripping fare between Americana, country, folk and singer/songrwiter, crowned by a fascinating voice and no less rousing lyrics.

The Christian club is an alternative band from Bruges. With only austerely plucked guitars drenched in reverb, backed by a double bass, The Christian Club creates soaring, dark music. They tell a compelling story while avoiding classical song structures. If you listen carefully, you will hear echoes of King Krule, The Handsome Family’s Brett, Sparks or Tindersticks.