With 2017’s Skin Deep EP, Shotgun Waltz has crafted a release that has earthy, quirky, gritty takes on love, disappointment and renewal wrapped in melodic guitar-oriented texture. The group was formed in 2012 by Jim DeTore, singer songwriter and longtime supporting musician to many Boston bands teams with Bob Metzger, who for years was the touring guitarist with Leonard Cohen, as well as talented scene veteran Jose Downes from Low Sparks, on bass, and former Lines drummer, Rick Weden. The record was produced by Ed Valauskas, engineered by Pat DiCenso, and mastered by Mike Quinn.
pat dicenso
Juliana Hatfield – Pussycat
Playing all instruments but drums, Hatfield completed Pussycat in under two weeks recording at Q with Pat “Denzel” DiCenso. Written in response to the election cycle of President Trump, there is an immediacy to its melodies—simpler and scrappier than she’s written in years—paired with the snarl of the arrangements, Pussycat is a rumbling, cathartic honesty ideal for the anger of our times. Released via American Laundromat Records on April 28th and its first single “Short-Fingered Man” through Stereogum, the record can be streamed in its entirety below.
Tanya Donelly – Swan Song Series
New England native Tanya Donelly’s most recent release, Swan Song Series, contains more than five volumes of new music recorded and mixed at Q Division in addition to other locations. Tooraloo (Bonus Tracks), tracked and mixed by Rafi Sofer (additional tracking by Scott Janovitz at Moontower) captures Tanya’s sentimental lyrics in an intimate, exposed setting. Snow Goose and Me (Swan Song Series 5), recorded by Pat ‘Denzel’ DiCenso and mixed by Matt Beaudoin at Q include rich strings and churning guitar, played by former Throwing Muses & Belly member, Fred Abong, which lay a foundation for layers of Tanya’s voice to portray her blissful story. ABC News recently included Swan Song Series on its 50 Best Albums of 2016 list, citing the above songs as ‘Favorite Tracks’ from the collection. You can listen to Swan Song Series on Bandcamp.
Airport – Everything Old Is New
Released on December 13th, Airport’s latest release continues their exploration of 70’s inspired rock n roll. Tinged with Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker inspired instrumentals underneath an ethereal stack of vocals, these tunes would feel right at home alongside early 2000s alt rock ala Fountains of Wayne and the Old 97s. Recorded and mixed at Q Division Studios by Rafi Sofer, Pat DiCenso, and Matt Tahaney. Listen below.
Nate Leavitt & The Elevation – Someone Send A Signal
Nate Leavitt & The Elevation’s April release, Someone Send A Signal captures intimate songwriting matched with tasteful playing from his seasoned band. Nate’s storytelling delivery evokes stylings heard from Neil Young and Ryan Adams, but with his own personal spin added, creating a blend of familiar and fresh sounds. This album was produced by ‘Old Jack’, Dan Nicklin, who is also featured as a part of the band.
Q Division’s Studio A adorns the album artwork of Someone Send A Signal, which should send a signal that it was tracked and mixed here by Pat ‘Denzel’ DiCenso. You can listen to Nate Leavitt & The Elevations newest release on Bandcamp.