Providence continues to foster a thriving music scene, with many bands building national reputations and earning well-deserved critical recognition. This month, we introduce a new column, “Sound Check RI,” a series of capsule reviews highlighting recent and upcoming releases from Providence-area musicians. To be considered for future issues, e-mail Ken Abrams at ken@heyrhody.com
Christian Calderone’s solo release Intramission is a finely crafted, emotionally resonant collection rooted in brooding Americana. Fans of Alejandro Escovedo and Old 97’s will feel right at home in its gritty warmth and lyrical depth. Recorded at Big Nice Studios in Lincoln with producer Bradford Krieger, the album explores self-reflection, isolation, and the fragile terrain of intimate relationships. At its heart, Intramission is deeply personal, “a love letter to my wife written during a difficult period,” says Calderone. Songs like “Love Letters Left Unwritten” – thoughtful, honest, and unguarded – invite listeners to stare down their own demons. ChristianCaldarone.Bandcamp.com
Singer-songwriter Avi Jacob, AKA Hawk in the Nest, expands well beyond his folk roots, pairing intimate lyrics with a richer, more soulful sound on his new release Hawk in the Nest. Exploring themes of love, loss, faith, and resilience, “Don’t Leave Me This Way” is a radio-ready breakup song, elevated by gentle horn arrangements and an unexpected feel-good groove. While the material can be emotionally heavy, the album leans into a mellow pop sensibility, blending elements of folk, pop, and R&B. HawkInTheNest.com
Kara McKee’s debut album Love and Guts, a folk-influenced indie-pop release, centers on themes of grief, memory, and quiet resilience. “The record opens with ‘Goodbye,’ a song I wrote for my grandmother after she passed,” says McKee, “and closes with a lo-fi iPhone recording from her porch in Cumberland, where she reflects on how the sun has shifted, reminding us ‘It’s a beautiful day.’” McKee’s strength lies in her lyrical sincerity and expressive vocals. Nowhere is this more evident than on stripped-down tracks “Guts,” and “Maria,” where her vulnerability becomes a source of strength. KaraMcKeeMusic.com
Nova One’s new release, How to Kiss, is a warm, intimate alt-pop album gem. Led by songwriter Roz Raskin, the band builds on momentum from their appearance at last summer’s Newport Folk Festival and their acclaimed 2023 record Create Myself. This new release revisits their bedroom-pop roots, blending soft synths, acoustic guitar, and layered harmonies into a warm, balanced sound. Both tender and tense, songs like “Basketball Court” capture the feeling of falling in love at the end of the world – achingly sincere, quietly urgent, and deeply human. ILoveNovaOne.com
Fresh off their 2026 Motif Music Award win, Sourpunch are on a mission. “The world needs more rock and roll you can dance to and feel good to,” says Jenn Lombari, pointing to their new EP Shake Them Bones. Rooted in classic influences – Joan Jett, The Sonics, Chuck Berry – the record delivers a hard-hitting, upbeat sound with a dose of punk-rock energy. Tracks like “Rebound n’ Down” channel that spirit into something both nostalgic and immediate. Catch the band at gigs across Rhode Island all summer long.
Instagram: @sourpunch_isrocknroll
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