Rock/Pop - For anyone who might wonder if there are artists who can somehow follow in the footsteps of names such as Dylan, Springsteen and Waits -- and not sound like a pathetic imitative retread or hyped up "marketing campaign" in the process -- we've got some good news. Cory Chisel is the real deal, an Appleton, Wisconsin original, son of a Baptist minister, nephew of a blues-playing music buff who seems to have soaked in the right influences like inspired osmosis. You know it when you hear it -- and you'll know it when you hear Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons. We'll go out on a limb and predict that Chisel's jaw-droppingly accomplished debut album Death Won't Send A Letter just might be the finest album by a newcomer this year -- and we may drop "by a newcomer" at some point, too.

From a family raised on the open prairies and plains of the midwest, Chisel brings a windswept epic feel to his music, a raw yet finely polished sound to songs such as the willowy anthem "Born Again" or dark ballad "Calm Down." (Both available digitally now) Nothing is forced, the innate power of lyric and melody tempered by the knowledge that the most compelling music simply, gracefully consumes its own space without prodding. Phrases that bristle with depth and authoritative smarts, songs that reveal themselves slowly and with genuine purpose, music that touches the soul and raised a few hairs on the back of the neck at the same time. Recorded initially in Nashville with singer/instrumentalist Adriel Harris, who adds a lovely feminine touch to the stark visions on display, "Little Jack" Lawrence (The Raconteurs) and producer Joe Chiccarelli (The Shins, White Stripes), Death is as alive as any album in recent memory. Highly recommended. Watch the in-the-studio teaser video for "Born Again" after the jump...

Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons - "Born Again" (from Death Won't Send A Letter)

Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons - "Calm Down" (from Death Won't Send A Letter)