CD Review: New Music From International Singer/Songwriters 8 Ball Aitken, Merival And Chen Firsel

From Australia comes the American self-titled debut release from singer/songwriter 8 Ball Aitken. 8 Ball Aiken has eight albums released in his home country and is ready to bring his new new album of Americana music for the U.S. to enjoy. The new twelve song release mixes the down and dirty, Billy Gibbons-type boogie of "Shut The Front Door" with the quiet, slow folk delivery of "Girl In A Million," which sounds like it came from the Ryan Adams songbook. The country pop/rock of "Sleepy" could be a breakthrough hit for 8 Ball Aitken, which should find its way to country radio. They add some country blues to the political opinion of "Monkey In A Suit And A Tie," then head out with the rockabilly swing of "Seven Bucks An Hour In A Chicken Suit." To find out more about 8 Ball Aitken and their new album, "The New Normal," please visit 8ballaitken.com.

Canadian singer/songwriter Merival will be releasing her debut album "Lovers" on January 29th. It features five magical acoustic folk songs that will warm your soul. Her voice is angelic on the opener "A Better Deal" and she works her way into your heart with the emotional delivery of "Kickin You Out." Merival has an innocence to her voice in "Dream Of Yourself," before closing with the gentle, quiet touch of "Calendar." To find out more about Merival and her latest release "Lovers," please visit her Facebook page at facebook.com/Merival.

From Israel comes the latest release from psychedelic singer/songwriter Chen Firsel titled "Sugarush." It is a short four-song EP that gives such depth to his songwriting. Beginning with the two-minute title-song, you feel as if you are entering a journey through sound with a progressive folk feel. An early Pink Floyd influence is heard in "Diamonds," while "Stellar" adds some elements of jazz and Middle-Eastern flair. The album closes with the acoustic, experimental piece "My Last Brain Cells" as Chen continues to push the boundaries of music. To find out more about Chen Firsel and his latest release "Sugarush," please visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/ChenFirsel.