Daniel Del Russo – “Grow”
-I’ve covered Del Russo several times in the past few years and it’s easy to hear why I keep saying “yes.” The production is clear and the guitar is charming. The vocal does a nice job of conveying lines that feel relatable. There’s something about the percussive energy of this track that makes it feel like a perfect example of folk pop music. The lyrical core about needing “time to grow” feels like a time machine to me, warping me back to my early 20s when I needed to get out and spread my own wings. Now that I’m older I’m looking at the next generation and my stomach drops thinking about letting them out to “grow” in their own way. This song feels timeless in the best way possible.
Mariecke Borger – “The Shore”
-I appreciate the expressive string work on this track a great deal. Something about it feels like a timeless Americana song (probably the instrumentation). The stand up bass feels like it carries its own share of weight in this composition. The vocal harmonies are lovely as well. This is almost like a light bluegrass tune. There are delicate touches of gospel hymnody in the style as well. It all comes together with a sound that is comfortable and interesting. If you’re a fan of early Nickel Creek stuff (their earlier, more melodic and less experimental writing), then this song will definitely resonate. I hear mandolin, banjo, and fiddle, all alongside the guitars of course. The sound is full but not too busy, conveying a timeless energy that I appreciate a great deal.
Buckbee – “Lilacs”
-There’s a delicate quality of the guitar here that stands out right away. The vocal feels sincere, pulling the listener in to the lyrics right from the start. While I think the guitar work is the star of the show, there’s a sincerity in the “sound of your voice brings me gladness” lyrical character that I really appreciate. Some years ago I found a version of John Hartford’s “In Tall Buildings” by David Mayfield that really tickled me; this song occupies that same style of authenticity and imperfection. In a world with so many autotune and AI-polished sounds, it’s nice to hear real instruments and real vocal chords making a sound that feels distinctly human. It’s a love song… and it’s about what it feels to be so consumed with another person that you write a song like this.
Image courtesy: Buckbee IG
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