Three outstanding indie folk songs that will have you reminiscing the past and hoping for the future

Hello Darling – “Holy Water”
-If you’ve been around my music coverage for any length of time, you know I’m a sucker for good harmonies. The gospel-like harmonies on the chorus of this track certainly allow it to take off. The clarity of the vocalists on this recording is absolutely outstanding. These are world class performers making some incredible music. I love the delicate blending of genres for something that meshes so many of our interests here – folk, Americana, and roots – into something that feels itself rather timeless. The lyrical message is that of your soul thirsting for holy water. For folks who believe, this is a relatable sentiment. There’s such joy this expression and we’re happy to support it here.

Gabby and the Gondolas – “Chasing Gold”
-There’s a bluesy energy to this song that stands out right from the start. It’s almost understated in the beginning, but if you lean into the lyrics you’ll feel the way the song grows into something really satisfying. I love the harmonies on this one. The integrity in the mix is fantastic, allowing the guitars, rhythm, and vocals to blend in a delicate pocket in the middle of the sound. This is insanely challenging from a music production standpoint, but it’s done quite well here. Then… there’s this wild chord change after the beautiful opening chorus, that modulates the entire sound. This is the kind of music I imagine Chicago would have made if they were more into folk than rock. The twists and turns on this track are positively indulgent for audiophiles.

Mackenzie Leighton – “The Other American Girl in the Office”
-I can’t quite put into words what I thought the first time I heard this song, but it was something like surprise and… enchantment. The vocal is simply beautiful. The plaintive guitar work pulls the listener in with a certain kind of charm that balances well with the softness in the vocal. The lyrics are complex and conversational, with an intriguing mix of jazzy lounge singer and an outright spoken word discussion. I love how the song blurs genre lines and doesn’t seem to care too much about convention… while also fulfilling some of the great foundations of a jazz standard. This one is a hidden gem; I hope you’ll take it seriously and share it with your musically inclined friends.

Image courtesy: Hello Darling IG