It can be easy for artists who wield nostalgia and evoke their favorite records to get lost in the source material. Reminiscing with sounds that aren’t as widely popular as they used to be can hide flaws in their songwriting. Fortunately for Max Clarke, the driving force behind Cut Worms, he never finds himself mired in his influences. With his latest album Hollow Ground via Jagjaguwar, his songwriting feels refreshing, yet comfortable. The woozy guitars never become a hazy memory. The melodies never feel stolen. Modern production flourishes bring out the best of these songs as they glow with soft harmonies and ear-worm hooks. Despite sounding like songs heard millions of times, Hollow Ground still finds time to surprise. Songs like “Hanging Your Picture Up to Dry” offer a jangly take on Midwestern folk while “Cowards Confidence” is tinted with psychedelia. Clarke’s finely tuned songs can be heard at Industry City Courtyard 1/2 on Thursday, June 14. You can listen to the single “Don’t Want To Say Good-Bye” below. – Tucker Pennington
