PREMIERE: American Trappist evokes sunny so-Cal, collabs with Hemming on new retro ballad “Soot”

American Trappist | photo by Brian L. Tice, Jr. | courtesy of artist

After River City Extension disbanded a couple years back, Joe Michelini started creating tunes under the name of American Trappist. With his self-titled debut last year, Michelini took listeners on a bluesy, folky, gritty sonic journey trekking from suburbia to crossing dusty Western plains and atmospheric desert landscapes.

Now, with a new track in hand, American Trappist seems to be continuing his westward U.S. excursion with a stop in sunny so-Cal. Although the song is titled “Soot,” its sound differs drastically from the smudgy darkness that the name suggests — instead, it jams along to a beat of retro garage rock goodness.

In addition to breezy guitar riffs, this shift in sound is aided by the grandiose, earnest vocals of the 60’s-esque duet between Michelini and Hemming’s Candice Martell.

“Soot (feat. Hemming)” is included on American Trappist’s upcoming EP, Amuse-Oreille, Vol. 1, via Smartt Records. The whole lot will be available for your ears on October 6th, with preorder for the EP available here.

https://soundcloud.com/american-trappist/soot-feat-hemming-single/s-1JtmJ?in=american-trappist/sets/amuse-oreille-vol-1/s-PodlQ