Three wonderful new folk songs that bring a balanced and calm energy

SYML – “Heavy Hearts”
-I’ve been writing about SYML for a few years now and it’s easy to hear why I keep saying yes. They are really talented. Everything from composition to execution has this wonderful energy to it. The power in the vocal is sustained from the falsetto into the full throated sound. What’s interesting to me is how a bold vocal can still carry such a calming energy to it. Something about this sound reminds me of the talented folk group Ivan and Alyosha. I think there’s a similar energy to this track. The lyrics are about a breakup and watching the person move on. It’s an accessible, relatable situation that is full of passion and momentum. It’s captured really well here. This is a great song and I hope our folk followers will share it widely.

Nantua – “Sing”
-From the first time I clicked play on this song, I felt a sense of lightness in the energy of it. The vocal blending is really satisfying, but there’s something more than just the vocal beauty happening here. It’s about the art of joining together in song, wanting to make that connection to produce something greater than the sum of its parts. As someone who grew up singing in groups for most of my life, I felt a deep sense of connection with this concept. The melodic structure has elements of pop mixed with an accessible, common people’s style that’s most easily described as folk… but I’m not sure what musicologists would call the sound. I like it and hope you all will share it with you favorite singing partners.

Alison Martino – “Back Here”
-The calm acoustic work in the opening of this track sets the mood. It’s a soft, gentle sense that really connects with the listener. The vocal feels inviting and satisfying. To be honest, one of my favorite parts is the clarinet, which adds a delightful layer of character in the middle of the composition. I’m not sure where “back here” is, but I’m struck by how this feels like a response to all of the songs about “home.” This is like someone who is back home calling out for someone to return “back here.” Maybe I missed the mark on that, but it definitely has a warmth and invitation to it. Maybe – given the September detail – this is a response to someone coming home for “stick season.” Lean in and listen close… how do you connect with this lovely piece?

Image courtesy: SYML IG