Three great new tracks at the intersection of folk and indie pop

J.B. Boone – “Tularosa”
-Okay, so this song has one of those first lines that makes you put down whatever you’re doing and pay attention. Just… listen. Stylistically this song has elements of both folk and indie pop, two of the most prominent genres on our site. The layered vocal harmonies on the chorus in particular are excellent. It’s just such a fascinating piece of songwriting with elements of both folk and pop that I really appreciate. “I promise you that when the world calls your bluff, you’re gonna think of home.” For anyone who moved away from home and grew up a little, this sentiment will resonate deeply. They say you can never go back home, but you find (over time) that you actually take home with you. This one is an unexpected blessing and worth every gosh darn minute.

Rosie H. Sullivan – “Lazy River”
-For my fellow Lizzy McAlpine enthusiasts, let me just say buckle up and get ready for this song. Sullivan is definitely cut from a similar cloth as McAlpine; there’s a sincerity in the vocal that makes you believe her right from the start. As you lean in and listen closer, it feels like a beautiful lullaby. I like the solo vocal aspect, but once the layered vocals come in on the chorus it gets absolutely fantastic. I’m happy to say that this is the first entry in my 2025 song of the year candidates list and I plan to listen to this one many, many more times through this year. It’s breathtakingly good.

Alex Crossland – “niceguy”
-The cool acoustic style of this track stood out for me on first listen, but the more times I’ve listened the more nuanced the sound really is. I appreciate the way the banjo provides a bit of depth and texture here. It’s a wonderful genre-bending style with a message that is both a love song and a breakup song. It’s a style that feels like it could have emerged in the early 90s, yet strangely like it’s only possible with the production technology we have now. It’s a beautiful, almost experimental blend of moods. I think fans of Adam Melchor (who I’ve covered here several times) will really like this one.

Image courtesy: Rosie H Sullivan IG