Augusta – “No coward (demo)”
-This is a magical piece of acoustic songwriting. I find it surprising that this song is a demo as it is so delightfully well done. I wouldn’t change a thing, personally. I’ve covered Augusta many times in the past year or so and her voice is beautiful as always here. Additionally, the songwriting has an emotional verve to it that we rarely find in good folk music these days. The lullaby quality of the guitar playing allows the listener to really fall into the sweetness and sincerity of the vocal. This one is an absolute treat.
Bryse Taylor – “Hibiscus Steam”
-I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song that found a way to discuss hibiscus steam, but here we are. The lyrics are contemplative, literate, and incredibly complex. Taylor writes with a complexity that we rarely hear in folk music today. In fact, I would venture to guess that most people can listen to this song a half dozen times and still find more to like in the lyrical layers (me, I’m “most people.”) The traditional quality of the acoustic fingerpicking sets the stage for a thoughtful, narrative style much in the vein of Woody Guthrie and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. In fact, the latter would probably really love this song. This is just superb songwriting, with a charming glint and plenty of satisfying layers for true folk fans to enjoy.
Matt Palmer – “Brothers”
-There’s a contemplative style to the acoustic delivery that I find quite interesting. Palmer’s phrasing really captures the attention of the listener. By the time the second stanza unfolds, the cathartic piano in the background really makes the song feel comfortable. Shortly thereafter, a gentle harmony vocal enters the track and it goes from good to great. This is a atmospheric style of folk that we’ve liked since the inception of this site. Fans of complex (yet satisfying) folk in the vein of Fleet Foxes and St Paul de Vence will really enjoy this exceptional track from Matt Palmer.
Image courtesy: Augusta IG
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