Four new tracks in the folk scene that we found on the submission platform Groover

The Pairs – “Good Bad Day”
-If you’re a fan of acoustic folk music and incredible harmonies, you’ve definitely come to the right place. I’m a big fan of this style of music and found myself immediately connecting with the lyrical style here. The soft acoustic guitar work dances delicately with the vocal harmonies. The poetic lyrical style feels relatable and engaging. It makes me think of a friend who enjoys gardening, literature, and good music. I’m not sure that’s the best musicological analysis, but… it just feels right. The Pairs are music for people who enjoy gardening, literature, and good music. These harmonies… my heart.

Ryan Calkins – “Haven (Live in Studio)”
-Usually when I run across “live” performance it’s full of hoots and hollers that upset me and distract from the sound. This is a live studio version, though, and it is wonderful. The first time I clicked play on it I was stopped in my tracks and just listened… like a little mesmerized hobbit who didn’t know what to say or do. The thoughtful lyrical concept is about desiring for someone to be a haven – a safe resting place – and it feels like it could be for a love or, even, a spiritual entity. The soft spoken vocal style is almost prayerful as well, so maybe that’s why I feel the spiritual connotation. In any event, this is such a heartfelt “all in” performance, I feel blessed to be able to share it here.

Noelle Francis – “Just Cry”
-If you’re a fan of a good old fashioned guitar and harmonica start to a song, click play on this one. But once the vocal enters this song really takes off. I dig the vocal phrasing quite a bit. I think the best comparison I have here is maybe Brandi Carlile – if you’ll allow a mention of Anna Tivel as well – for a wonderful folksy, Americana blend. Francis has a genuinely charming sound that bounces neatly along with the pocket created by the rhythm section. The vocals in the background create a nice comfortable nest for the sound. I know I’m mixing metaphors a bit here, but it’s just such a wonderfully cathartic sound I know I’ll be spinning this one in my own collection for a while. I hope you will, too.

The Pairs – “Rain is coming soon”
-If this band name sounds familiar, it’s because I just told you about them at the top of the article. Yes, the Pairs deserve coverage for both of these songs. The “take” on the track is pretty similar. The delicate vocal harmonies are for fans of bands like The Staves and the Harmaleighs. It’s a beautiful sound that always make me take pause and listen carefully. Somewhat coincidentally, I’m sitting here looking out the window at some darkening clouds with the promise that “more rain is coming soon” as well. That said, part of the joy of this song is that “I got you now” and the “you” in the story here is going to make those storms much more bearable. I love the image, the melodic structure, and especially the harmonies on this lovely new folk tune.