Three tracks at the intersection of folk and rock (that have us swooning)

Jon Rowe – “All That You Are”
-When you’ve been a folk and indie rock blogger for over a decade, it might seem like you’ll never hear anything new again. But behold, there’s something cathartic and moving about the acoustic guitar and vocal blending on Jon Rowe’s “All That You Are” that feels gentle, engaging, and real. In a world where we are inundated with the fake, the “artificial,” the real thing resonates all the more clearly. The lyrics are an expression of similar sincerity, “I know that nobody’s perfect, so you don’t have to pretend.” Amen to that. The whole composition and style feels like it is a part of the earth, as pure as the driven snow.

Jake Thistle – “Sleep On Me”
-At first play, you might not think of this as a rock song. But trust me. Thistle’s sound reminds me of how I felt when I first found Matthew Mayfield, David Ramirez, and Noah Gundersen (these guys are ETTG royalty). There’s the folkster’s storytelling heart and the rocker’s driving sincerity behind this track. Some of the phrasing reminds me a bit of Jason Isbell (another big shout). The overall vibe of the track is comfortable, a great way to convey the sincerity of the lyrics. I appreciate the double meaning of the lyrics when it comes to “sleep on me” literally as well as “sleep on me” with a connotation of “wait and see what I become.” It connects, especially if you’ve ever been underestimated and felt the need to prove yourself. I just adore the composition style, the depth of the lyrics, and the brilliant execution from start to finish. This is what I mean when I tell people I like folk rock.

Jillian Lake – “Cold Where You Are”
-The color balance between the vocal and the instrumentation on this track is really something special. It’s rhythmic without being percussive; it’s atmospheric without soaring out of the room; it’s intimate without being overly emotional. I don’t know if there’s an easy way to describe the depth of this song, but it’s definitely worth easing into. It feels like a sonic invitation, with guitars that remind me of a Phoebe Bridgers track, creating this almost grunge-like base in some places with the delicate (yet still strong and supported) vocal over the top. I would say if you’re a fan of Phoebe Bridgers and that sort of raw, emotional, alt-pop informed sound, definitely give Jillian Lake a chance.