Three indie folk tunes to bring some thoughtful reflection to your week

Maggie Pope – “The Wandering”
-There’s a thoughtful, atmospheric quality to this song that made it resonate with me right away. The overall style doesn’t fit with all the tired tropes of folk music. The vocal sits right in the middle of the production, allowing some of the string work to absolutely soar above it. The sense of longing and wandering comes through in the melodic decisions as much as the lyrics. The sense of synthesis between sonic concept and lyrical execution makes for some brilliant songwriting. If you’re looking for a modern style of folk music, give Maggie Pope your undivided attention. This is beautiful.

Good Morning Bedlam – “Elemental”
-I adore the harmonies on this track. Full stop. Can I just end the review there? … Ok, I won’t, but seriously the harmonies are glorious and are well worth listening. But the song is so much more than just the harmonies. I don’t think it’s too much to call this cinematic folk, really. There’s a stylistic break after the harmony opening that uses piano, percussion, and atmospheric strings to take the song in a direction that can only be described as experimental folk. This song takes captivating twists and turns, encouraging the listener to reflecting on nature, humanity, and some of the complexity of interpersonal relationships. Fans of naturism in lyrics will find a lot to like in this one.

Hildur Hoglind and Johan Finnerman – “Young and restless”
-This song doesn’t have, need, or care about genre conventions. It blends elements of folk, pop, epic cinematic, downtempo, chill, and avant garde. There’s a steady vibrancy to the lead vocal, allowing it to permeate the sound without crowding out the other stylistic choices. The lyrical sensibility is about love and longing to be with someone specific. Honestly, my favorite part of the whole track might be the trumpet solo. Let me just say if you’re clicking play on this one — you’ll want to wait and hear out the trumpet solo. It’s just such a musical adventure to hear the twists and turns on this one. The genre blend is excellent and well worth your consideration.