Tailgator – “Cold Sunshine”
-The fingerpicking on this song caught my attention right away. Once the vocal entered the track, I was definitely hooked. The lyrics are beautifully contradictory in the way that good country music can do. The genre blend of bluegrass and folk really works well on this one. The tone of the guitar absolutely stands out. Once the rhythm section joins, the sound fills in even more. It’s a satisfying sound that feels like it could have been released back in the 60s and it still works today. This is is what Americana, alt country, and roots country music are all about. It feels like a John Hartford deep cut.
HaydenGoSeek – “No Place Like Home”
-The rhythm of this song is magical and the instrumentation stands out from the crowd in alt country. But what really makes this song special is the quality of the lead vocal. It’s a song that shows the intimate relationship between soul and country music. There’s a lot to like about the style of the song and the relatability of the lyrics. If you’ve ever endured hardship and just wanted to be home, this song captures that feeling well. The easy going sway combined with the bright instrumentation make it a must listen alt country tune.
Shannon Smith – “Every Single Day”
-I’m not sure the fancy word for the chromatic chord changes on this song, but I love it. Add in some exceptional vocals and a throwback energy, the combination makes for an outstanding new tune that sounds like an amalgamation of the past. Heck, even the horns work on this track. I’m not always a fan of horns in country style music, but this works. It’s a love song with a joyful spirit that carries over from the instrumentation to the lyricism. It’s a great tune.
Image courtesy: Tailgator IG
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