Few bands show the combination of skill and passion that Connecticut's Streetlight Shakers do. The trio uses a simple set-up of drums, keys, and bass to produce full-blown Americana gems. The elegant vocals of Jeff Boratko lead the way past intricate basslines and finely-crafted drum patterns, telling a story easy to relate to, easy to imagine. The band's debut record A Light in the Dark is jam-packed with tunes tailored-made to capture consciousness profoundly: some songs inspiring like "Pull Yourself Together" some cautionary like "Down With the Devil" all demand careful attention. The group's stories seep into the mind and remain there, fermenting till the next listen. The band has a busy month ahead with the next New England show at First Church in West Hartford on August 13th. We are streaming "Brooklyn Bound" to keep your weekend going in style. - Rene Cobar