Cole Swenson – “Maybe you never knew”
-There’s something about Cole Swenson’s style that makes me always approve his music. The way the vocal is subtle yet still cuts through makes for a special sound. The artful, sincere acoustic work provides the core of the track. The heartfelt lyrical style speaks the truth in the main idea while including small bits of texture and detail along the way. Even if you’ve never been in the “falling out of love” scenario in the song, the listener can still connect with the emotional center of the song. It’s a captivating, atmospheric folk track that stands out from the crowd.
Braden Lam – “Linen sheets”
-The romantic vibe of this song is evident from the very opening. The expressive acoustic guitar work lulls the listener into the sweet melody of the vocal. The subtle vocal harmonies are wonderful, creating a traditional folk sound that I enjoy a lot. Even the singalong “la-di-dah” on the chorus is a perfect fit for longstanding folk traditions. Whether you call this folk rock or indie folk, it’s a sound that we’re happy to support. If you’re putting together an acoustic romance playlist, add this one right at the top.
OkayAlright – “Something better”
-The layers and context of this song certainly feel like it’s a deep cut from the 1960s. The folk revival style here is evident. The repeated refrain “yesterday is gone” has a hopeful sentimentality to it. Let’s keep our eyes forward toward something better that might come along. The optimism is endearing. The harmonies are the highlight of the song. Even with the connections with folk revival, I can’t help but hear the parallel with a more recent band in Good Old War. Either way, this is a wonderful track by a talented rising folk band.
Image courtesy: Braden Lam IG
