Three Folk EPs To Brighten Up Your Weekend

Three Folk EPs To Brighten Up Your Weekend

Folk music can be quite a catchall term these days, including everything from full band jangly gang-vocal and hand-clap-filled sing alongs all the way to sad, introspective singer songwriters who like to channel their inner Woody Guthrie. If you’re looking for some singers who can be introspective and still shine a bit more brightly than Woody’s (rightfully) melancholy anthems, here are some tracks that will put the smile back on your face.

Blackbird Peregrine – Youth EP
-The vocals of Blackbird Peregrine are absolutely stunning. The opening track of the EP will floor you, so get ready. The album uses minor chords in the most strangely uplifting way. There’s something about the songs that reminds me of the way Leonard Cohen wrote “Hallelujah.” If you like that kind of classic, timeless, true folk music, you will love this album. The sense of youthfulness and adventure is absolutely intoxicating. It’s almost an anthem to live by for folks in college or embarking on early independence.

Two Ways Home – Wood for Trees EP
-Two Ways Home describe themselves as a folk duo with a country “twist.” I can get on board with that. But really, the key to getting at this band is to know that they are a male-female duo with a comfortable blending that makes every song feel just right. If you enjoy Jenny & Tyler or other male-female duos we’ve featured on the site, definitely add this album to your playlist. “Two Short Years” is definitely my favorite on the album. It might be a bit twangy for most folk fans, but to me it highlights the best of the vocal blending that defines Two Ways Home. It also morphs nicely from a harmony-laden gospel feel to a straight up toe tapper. The album is short at four songs, but they are all satisfying.

Jason Tyler Burton – The Ballad of Sally Moore EP
-We’ve covered Jason Tyler Burton before and he just keeps making incredible music. If you’re looking for a concept album that really tells an engaging story, this is a good one. It might not be uplifting in the sense that it has a bunch of sunshine and rainbows, but it is exactly the kind of thoughtful and engaging music that sets Burton apart from the commercial radio machine. Each of these three tracks is artful and shows off Burton’s impeccable guitar skills. His vocals are just gravelly and serious enough to feel like he’s telling a story you just need to hear. He’s the kind of songwriter that makes you feel glad to be a folk music fan – and the scary thing is he seems to be getting better and better. This is a delightful little contribution to a growing discography.