One of the great things about writing for The Deli is being made aware of bands that would otherwise have flown under my personal radar (and they are legion.) So consider me thrilled to have been introduced to The Cordovas via our music submissions. Their second full length album, "Love Bravely" was released this May, and damn, it is magic. The Cordovas hit upon a very fluid form of alt-rock (as they bill themselves), channeling the bare bones grit of the Black Keys as well as the reverent soul of Matisyahu. There are also elements of R&B and funk, with a few instances that could have been at home on a Modest Mouse album, all potential to make for a band trying to do too much at once if it weren’t for the capable direction of creator Joe Firstman. In additon to being a bottomless well of natural songwriting talent with years of touring experience with A-list acts, Firstman can claim four years acting as bandleader for The Carson Daily show. The role required a high level of day-to-day adaptability, which plays strongly into the polish and cohesion of "Love Bravely." There’s something magnetic here; watch this video for "Do No Wrong," which is nothing but Firstman walking down the street looking like sh*t, and see if it doesn’t suck you in. -Terra James-Jura
The Cordovas upcoming Nashville shows are August 21st at South Paw Supper Club, and August 28th at Soulsine Pizza.