Big Little Lions – “Didn’t I”
-If you’ve been reading my writeups on folk for the past few months, Big Little Lions are not a new name to you. That said, this track has a different sort of energy to it. More Beach Boys than what we might consider traditional folk (and I’m totally okay with that). The meandering melody and heartfelt harmonies set the track apart instantly. The mood is captured really well. If you’ve ever had a deep reflective conversation with a partner, this piece of music will resonate. The harmonies are, of course, my favorite part.
Umbrellabirds – “The book of the dead”
-If you’re looking for an acoustic singer songwriter vibe, check out Umbrellabirds. The composition style is quintessential classic folk music. The lyrical style is intriguing as well. The combination of the guitar work with the lyrics definitely set this track aside. I don’t like to throw around Dylan-esque very often, but this track has that Greenwich Village rootedness to it. It’s far more cerebral than a lot of the folk music that often gets pushed as pop crossover; this is folk for folk lovers. It’s worth spending some time to marinate in this beautiful sound.
The Small Breed – “Wanda your angel”
-The mood of this track immediately struck me as unique; it feels like older classic folk music from the UK. There’s a haunting, unapologetic sense to the track that feels like walking into a room that’s dimly lit and only welcome to people who are known there. I’m not sure if that metaphor works, but it’s how I feel listening to this remarkable piece of art. Some of the unconventional string instruments and rhythms are easy to compare with later-career Beatles stuff, but truly The Small Breed are making something remarkable here. The evocative, literary lyrics will require analysis from someone more qualified than me, but I will say that I find the whole allegorical style to be captivating. This is artful folk.
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