Eden Iris – “Dark Sunday Dream”
-Eden Iris has a fascinating style. It’s not typical or traditional folk music, but the elements of the “new world” she describes in her lyrics. It’s a thoughtful and engaging track, even if it evokes some dark imagery too. Let’s not shy away from the dark thoughts, too, sometimes.
Chloe Foy – “Asylum”
-I really love the structure of this song. The orchestral folk style is beautiful. I love how the strings give depth to the song overall, allowing Foy’s delightful vocal to rise on its own above the rest. I even adore the phrasing and eventual hymn-like harmonies of the song. I could (and will) listen to this one over and over.
Danny Golden – “Old Love”
-This here Austin fella can sing let me tell you. No, but seriously, Danny Golden is the genuine article. These lyrics are superb and they are delivered with a perfect sense of authenticity. He reminds me of fellow Austin musician David Ramirez a bit. There’s definitely a characteristic Americana/folk thing happening down there and we’re glad they’re sharing it with the rest of us.
Jack Tinner – “Teenage Revelry”
-This one might make you cry and that’s okay. The nostalgia of this song is transcendent. I feel like it was perfect for someone of about my age, with enough time to look back at that teenage revelry. There are memories made in that time of our lives that just never go away. It’s such an intense emotion captured with a subtlely beautiful guitar and vocal balance. This one is a treat.
A Different Thread – “Potter’s Field”
-Fans of duo folk music like Mandolin Orange will enjoy A Different Thread. It’s a quaint, well-balanced song with provocative lyrics and some exceptional picking. I love the old time texture that the big bass gives it. I love when I hear music like this that appeals to me, yet I can imagine my grandfathers and I enjoying on the porch as well. Maybe on that next shore we can try it out…
Perlo – “Front Lights”
-This track really connects with me existentially. I can’t think of a different way to put it than that. I am drawn to the chord structure, the intricate soft vocals, and the overall mood of the piece. It feels like moving orchestral folk music. Some of the imagery is cinematic. I’m looking forward to hearing more of Perlo in the near future.
Charlene Soraia – “Where’s My Tribe”
-Soraia sings with a lightness that is sure to pull in any listener. When the angelic backing vocals enter the track, you will find yourself being lulled to sleep. THEN all of the sudden you’re chasing a dragon or is it a rabbit? Maybe both? I’m not sure. But I’ll tell you the hypnotic acoustic and fantastic vocals are enough to keep me around.
Kalandra – “Brave New World”
-Since we’re living in a Huxleyan existance anyways, why not embrace a song called “Brave New World.” The fact that this dystopian dark anthem comes from Norway with some really fascinating work on instrumentation and vocal makes it all the better. It’s the kind of thing that makes being an international blogger totally worthwhile. This is captivating, engaging, and shifts from acoustic folk to powerful alt rock in many moments.
John Butler Trio – “Wade in the Water”
-Wait you mean THAT John Butler Trio? Yep, we do. This massively successful alt everything act is putting out this brand new gospel rock track “Wade in the Water” that has our souls singing for joy. The guitar has a hypnotic repetition, but the vocals absolutely kill it on this one. When you bring these two elements together, it’s like a fresh take on a bygone American gospel tradition. This is a fascinating composition.
William Fitzsimmons – “Angela”
-I love William Fitzsimmons for three reasons, but I have to whisper them. So shhhh. Number one, I love him because he has such a unique vocal style. Number two, because he did some duo work with Kiersten Holine who is one of my favorite artists. Third, and finally, because he’s from Pittsburgh and has one of those “forged in the steel” stories that is incredibly inspiring for all of us Rust Belt kids. This song is beautifully romantic and dug-into-the-dirt in a way that only Fitzsimmons can do. He somehow has all these fancy filters on the guitars making them soar and reach, yet feels as grounded as the hardest blues track out there. It’s a great song.
