Nathan Evans Fox – “Some Lights”
-There’s a lot to be said for good phrasing in a classic acoustic singer songwriter tune. Fox has that part figured out with this song. It just feels like you should believe every word he says. The guitar does a nice job of setting the stage, but the vocal and lyrics are the stars here. The harmonies on that “hope you feel the same” line really stand out on this one. This is a phenomenal example of how a song can be “moody” or understated while still holding an inspiring, hopeful message. There’s a timelessness to the lyrics here that make it feel heavy in a good way.
Katelyn Ingardia – “Silence”
-“I wake up every morning before my alarm goes off wondering if you’re thinking about me.” I mean, we could talk about the amazing mandolin work and great lead vocal, but with songwriting like that first line… it’s just ALL good. Fans of contemporary bluegrass elements in the vein of Ricky Skaggs and more recently Nickel Creek will find a lot to like about this sound. Ingardia’s vocal reminds me a bit of Sara Watkins from Nickel Creek. There’s a softness in the newgrass sound that allows the listener to connect with the emotions of the song while also enjoying the action of the string work. The combination makes for a delightful sound. Ingardia fits in nicely with up and coming artists like The Arcadian Wild with this innovative newgrass sound with sound, classic fundamentals in the genre.
Adam Kirkup – “Land of the Living”
-“The span of my days is always numbered anyway, I’ll trade one in for some living tonight.” Wow. Talk about something I can personally relate to. “It’s time we taste some goodness in the land of the living.” The song is about putting aside arguments to enjoy life together. The clever lyrics here are absolutely delightful. The amount of charm in this song is absolutely immeasurable. I feel like I could quote every last lyric! The vocal is endearing, too. This is the kind of song that could and should become a massive country music hit if it was given an opportunity. Sure it’s more classically Americana in construction, but it captures the charm or gritty reality (arguing with family), escapism (opening a bottle), and gratitude (land of the living) that are all timeless country music tropes. This is a great track!
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