Matt Wolf – “Living’s a Loan”-If you’re a fan of folk storytelling songwriting, the first thing I can say is that you’re in the right place. This song has a dreary almost Johnny Cash style of sincerity to it. Wolf’s writing is a …
Category: Americana
Three new tracks at the intersection of folk and Americana
Lillian Leadbetter – “Move the Moon”-I’m not sure how they recorded this track, but it captures an intimacy that you’ll rarely hear. It’s almost like the lead vocal is whispered into the microphone, yet it’s somehow perfectly in tune also. This is delicate …
Three remarkable story-telling Americana tunes that will leave an impression on you
Noah Derksen and Lori McKenna – “Mercy on the Skyline”-I don’t remember exactly what I said the last time I reviewed Noah Derksen’s music, but I know I’ve liked everything he’s sent me. It’s easy to hear why in the opening of this …
Three genre-bending new tracks that command your attention with excellent production and performance
Iona Luke – “Existential”-The lyrical core of this song is about only ever getting to be one person. What a thought!? In a world with so many being self obsessed, this track laments the reality of not getting to be someone else. The …
Three brand new tunes that sound like they capture the past (in the most delightful way)
John Wheeler – “Home Again”-John Wheeler is a talented songwriter and a great guitarist. This track captures a remarkable acoustic guitar sound and storytelling folk that feels like it could have been written a hundred years ago. There’s an energy to the recording …
Three outstanding songwriters in the folk scene that will remind you why storytelling songs are so important
Wendlo – “Spenard”-When I listen to this song, I find there’s such a unique element to it. I don’t know where the street called Spenard is, and I don’t know any of the people in the narrative. But yet, as I listen, I …
Three new tracks in the Americana and bluegrass scene that’ll you’ll want to hear
Mira Lazuli – “Good News”-I don’t always feature songs with a prominent accordion, but this new track, “Good News,” is one that begs for approval simply because of how spirited the track is. The artist creates an energy that is equal parts Americana …
Artist Spotlight: Folk’s new hero, Jesse Welles
From the first time I heard Jesse Welles, I knew he was special. It’s his affect, his phrasing, his easy way with the guitar or the harmonica, and most certainly his generational lyricism… it all rolls together into something spectacular. He’s been everywhere …
Three mellow rock tracks to bring some perspective in these troubling times
Dunsun – “When the Devil Gets his Way”-There’s something deeply mysterious and heavy, beyond bluesy, at the heart of this track. I appreciate the depth and sincerity in the composition here. The lyrics are almost scripture in terms of knowing better, yet we …
Four tracks we found on the submission platform Groover that we’d like to share
Tiny Cities – “Body Cast”-There’s a chill folk energy to this track that made it jump off the page right away. The easy going sway pulls the listener in for a relaxing style. Once the layered vocal enters the track, it feels accessible …
