CD Review: New Music From Indie-Artists Sue Menhart, Laura Benitez & Trevor Hall

From Stonington, CT comes the latest release titled "Love Ain't Hard" from the Sue Menhart Band. It is the band's second full-length release and feature 8-tracks filled with roots, rock & soul music, beginning with the up-tempo, southern rocker "All Of You." Sue's vocals are amazing and full of soul, along with the support of her band on the blues of "Here You Are" and the swinging rock of "Love Ain't Hard." The highlight of the album is the emotion-filled delivery of "Can't Feel The Rain." Sue Menhart and her band finish up their new release with a tribute to the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson with the nostalgic sounding "Party On The Beach" and the swift-moving, party rock of "Tell Me." For a complete list of live dates and to find out more about their new album "Love Ain't Hard," please visit suemenhart.com.

Arriving on January 26th is the latest release titled "With All Its Thorns" from Laura Benitez and the Heartache. The 11-songs that make up this new collection are based on Laura's experiences of love and heartbreak. The album begins with the up-tempo, country appeal of "Something Better Than A Broken Heart" and the emotional ballad "Easier Things To Do" as Laura's vocals will just melt your heart. The band's country western sound will have you swinging your partner during "Whiskey Makes Me Love You," and the honky-tonk rhythm of "The Foot I Am Right Now" is the perfect backdrop for Laura's voice. They wrap up their new release with the Cajun flair of "Secrets" and the country/bluegrass combo "Nora Went Down The Mountain." To find out more about Laura Benitez and the Heartache and their latest release "With All Its Thorns," please visit laurabenitezandtheheartache.com.

From South Carolina comes the latest release from singer/songwriter Trevor Hall. His latest album titled "The Fruitful Darkness" draws upon his reggae influences like Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley and combines them with the storytelling pop acoustics of Michael Franti and Jack Johnson. Hall divided his new release into two parts, part one begins with the steady drum beat and sweet island acoustics of "What I Know" as you will easily get drawn into his relaxed, laid-back sound. He incorporates a pop beat into the uplifting chorus of "My Heart, Your Heart" in order to give his music a more modern feel. Part two continues with the pop tones of "Moon/Sun" as the tempo begins to pick up, before Trevor Hall finishes up his new 6-song EP with the addictive reggae beats of "Wander." To find out more about Trevor Hall and his latest release "The Fruitful Darkness," please visit trevorhallmusic.com