If you’re on the lookout for some lush Americana, it doesn’t get much better than James Apollo. The Arkansas native’s desolate lyrics and gnarled vocals have invited comparisons to William Faulkner and Tom Waits, and that ain’t bad company to keep. His songwriting chops have earned him recognition in England, but US stardom has so far eluded him. That might change on October 12th, when Apollo drops his latest album, the quietly evocative ‘Til Your Feet Bleed, on The Orchard.

To celebrate the release, he’s embarking on a cross-country tour that kicks off at San Diego’s own Soda Bar on Thursday, October 7th. Local country artist Bill Cardinal and Carlsbad honky-tonk band Trouble in the Wind will open. The show is only five dollars, and is sure to be worth your while and the whiles of all your friends.

For a taste of Apollo’s new material, check out the somber ballad “How Hard” and the slithering shuffle “Happiness” on his Myspace page. Non-San Diegans can peruse the rest of his tour dates below. Continue reading…