2012 and 2013 Showcasing Band Alpine (from Melbourne, Australia)

The debut album of Australian sextet Alpine, entitled A Is For Alpine, was finally released in the United States today, May 21st. A review published on Out Impact praises the album while saying “the harmonious play of voices and instruments catches the ear like nothing else.” Alpine made their SXSW debut in 2012, but came back this year “with a larger audience, a tighter stage show, and a debut album,” according to Billboard’s review of A Is For Alpine.

2013 Showcasing Artist Iron & Wine from Dripping Springs, TX (Photo courtesy of Iron & Wine)

It’s been a long musical journey for Sam Beam a.k.a. Iron & Wine. Between five solo albums, a collaboration with Calexico, and many other releases, Beam has kept himself busy since his first solo album, The Creek Drank The Cradle, was released in 2002. His newest album, Ghost on Ghost, came out this past April 16th to much critical acclaim. According to a review by Paste, “Sam Beam is singing and playing guitar better than ever” on this new record. You can listen to songs from Iron & Wine’s Ghost on Ghost right here on SXSWfm!