Three excellent new indie folk tracks that will be permanent fixtures of your 2026 playlist

Our Atlantic Roots – “Fly Mr Owl”
-There’s a cinematic depth to this track that captured my attention right away. Typically we curate more of a stripped down folk sound, but this one works well. The layers are deeply satisfying. Of course the vocal harmonies are at the heart of the piece, but something about the broader production work here gives the song extra character. The sense of adventure in both the lyrics and the pacing of the percussion makes the whole track feel like going on a journey. I could totally imagine this song being on a soundtrack for a film or show. There’s a real sense of movement here that’s perfect for this time of year, too.

Big Little Lions – “Until We Touch Down”
-If you’re a fan of delicate folk vocal harmonies, definitely check out this track from Big Little Lions. We’ve been writing about their music for a while now; it’s easy to hear why we like it so much. Something about the sparing production with the piano and guitars allows the listener to feel like you’re “in the room” with the artists. The delicate pacing and clear vocal style allows the listener to fully connect with the message. It’s a sound that makes it easy to “sway along,” at least until we touch down. If you’ve ever had music give you a feeling of taking flight, then this song will certainly resonate.

Audio Club – “Turn my world”
-If you’ve been around my music coverage much over the past decade and a half, you’ll know this sound is absolutely in my wheelhouse. The harmonies are delicious and the overall energy of the track is propelling along nicely. I don’t throw this comparison around often, but I’m getting some Good Old War vibes here. I appreciate the mix of contemporary production with a sound that feels like it could have been recorded to tape in the late 1960s. That timeless energy gives it a transcendent energy. I’ll throw out one more comp for you all; this also reminds me of everything I loved about Sherwood and later Pacific Gold; it’s a sound that captures the best of those west coast Brian Wilson-inspired harmonies. I’m definitely adding this one to my personal playlists.