Elizabeth and the Catapult – “Responsible Friend”
-The sound here is very intentionally vintage, which is evident right from the start. I’m not sure how they were able to get both the guitar and drum tones so locked into 60s style rock, but they absolutely did. The vocal harmonies are also out of this world good. The overall vibe feels like you’re listening to music from another era, yet it has a fresh energy to it that feels vibrant. Honestly, I think this track moves Elizabeth and the Catapult up a notch; I’d love to see them performing alongside other folk-informed pop artists like Lakestreet Dive and Lawrence. I said what I said.
Sunshio – “Fear and Blossoms”
-Sometimes when I click on a song, I think I know where it’s going to go right from the start. But with this song, I was pulled in for the adventure. Let me just say that the guitars and vocal in the opening were enough to keep me interested, but the sparing (yet gorgeous) piano work really moved this one from good to great for me. There are some gorgeous layers and textures in this track that belie genre conventions in the best way possible; this feels more like something along the contemporary classical meets folk style of Abby Gundersen… and I’m absolutely here for it. Honestly, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear if Sunshio is a Gundersen fan. This sound has that eclectic, layered, and satisfyingly emotional texture that makes it worth a deep, sincere listen.
HERA – “Levi’s”
-This isn’t my first time saying “yes” to a HERA track and it will take you about ten seconds to hear why I keep saying yes. The sound is really beautiful, crispy in its production, cutting through with a precision and texture that hits just right. The vocal has some jazzy pop tones, but it’s really the full composition feel like a familiar song that you’ll want in your rotation. The lyrical theme is about figuring out a relationship disagreement… the old fashioned way, so to speak. I appreciate how the song conveys the emotions of the moment with an almost tongue-in-cheek sincerity. This is what pop folk is all about.
Image courtesy: Elizabeth and the Catapult Website
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