Three new indie folk tunes that will remind you why you fell in love with the genre

If Diamonds Rust – “Ghost”
-I’ve been a sucker for a good folk duo for about as long as I can remember. This track has all of those good butterfly feelings you hope to feel with a folk tune. The lead vocalists are both quality and their blending is really wonderful. The lyrical message is about noticing that things aren’t working quite right, but that you both want to make it work. If you’re in midlife in a longtime relationship, this song is probably going to conjure a lot of feelings. The orchestral elements make the song grow from “simple” folk song into something that feels positively cinematic; but, to carry the metaphor, this is what a relationship can be like, too, right? Sometimes it’s quaint and sweet, but other times you have these big earth-shattering cinematic moments. I appreciate deeply and sincerely the work that went into composing and performing this piece.

Admiral Radio – “Kind to Myself”
-This is a song about mental health. It’s not a song that we sing about much, but we’re living in a generation that pays attention to this more than any other. It’s great to hear a song that engages with such a major theme in life. I have been featuring a few songs from Admiral Radio recently and it’s easy to hear why I keep saying yes. These folks are exceptionally talented in every element from the composition itself to the production and of course the vocal performance. These harmonies are “hair standing on the back of your neck” good… to put it musicologically. 🙂 No, but seriously, this is an outstanding performance. Also, for what it’s worth, if these lyrics resonate with you and you know that you need to ask for help… please, right now, in whatever you are feeling, text someone about what you’re going through. The world is better with you in it and we all want to see you prosper. Take this track to heart, please.

Allie Dever – “Dog”
-“I don’t know why I bite, but I do know I’m sorry.” Wow, what a way to start a song! This is not “just” a song… it’s poetry with acoustic accompaniment. It’s… artful and moving. This is a really special performance from an artist who just seems to be emerging right in front of our eyes and ears. The full bodied sound of the acoustic guitar takes a central place in the middle of the production, but crucially it doesn’t overshadow the quality of the lead vocal. There’s a prayerful lament to the lyrical message about apologizing for lashing out at people who are threatening or unsafe. There’s a lot of heart and confessional spirit to this song. I think the strongest comparison here is probably some of Dodie Clark’s more melancholic songwriting; and, to be clear, I love Dodie’s work. This is a real gem of a tune and I hope that many readers will give it a chance.