After three decades on the Cincinnati scene (most notably in Pike 27), singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Dave Purcell moved to Albuquerque, where he founded Radio Free ABQ a few years ago. They’ve just released their first full-length album Destination, which they say “lands in the space between Wilco and Calexico” (I would add Cracker and Chuck Prophet as references), “drawing on Americana, indie rock and desert noir.” We get twelve well-produced songs—partly instrumental—about searching for meaning, connection and a place to call home. The lyrics are memorable (“Singing Hallelujah at 3am // Fueled by the third wind of the night // We’ll burn you down like Warren Zevon // We’ll burn ‘til everything’s all right”—from Playing For Keeps), the vocals road-worn but magnetic, and the instrumentation and samples rich and warm—there’s a lot to enjoy and discover here.

Destination, co-produced, recorded and mixed by Matthew Tobias, is out now digitally and on CD trough Hamlet Street Records. Featuring Dave Purcell (vocals, drums, percussion, mandolin, rhythm guitar, synth, samples), Scott Brewer (bass, backing vocals), Ryan Goodhue (keyboards, accordion, piano, backing vocals), Travis Rourk (trombone, rhythm guitar, synth, backing vocals) and Tom Andes (lead guitar), with Mike Fair (guitars), Brian Lovely (guitars), Amy Purcell (spoken word) and Tom Andes (backing vocals) guesting on select tracks.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp