Self-defined as the musical reclamation of Peter Bradley, a renowned Labour MP, Brandes leads with a softly rhythmic acoustic folk aura, these ideas and metaphors emerging as both personal and mysterious, while Peter’s voice effectively blurs the line between softly spoken and traditionally melodic.
Acoustic
Softly finger-picked folk-pop, a light layer of reverb, warm and distinct vocals – Bryan Copeland follows short lines of intimate poetry, for his soothing to brilliantly uplifting original single Hello.
Despite the personal subject matter, Montecruz is, as ever, rather masterful in writing his songs in a way that feels accessible to all. These emotions could be yours as much so as our protagonist’s, and that universal realness and welcome is key to building a song that naturally connects and stands the test of time.
Beautifully captured acoustic guitar and harmonica, an organic set-up with a bluesy undertone – Ben Gage masters the songwriting and production space for real-time folk music, with the wonderful single Corner.
From the 2024 album Who We Are, US folk duo Dan & Faith tell the story of a transgender boy taking on the modern world, through the acoustic warmth and lyrical longing of My Name Is George.
Upbeat and colourful country-pop vibes blend acoustic guitar rhythms and a summertime clap of a groove. Litt Bueno intertwines catchy short lines with distinct and expressive vocals, for the naturally uplifting earworm that is Deep Lg.
Softly picked acoustic guitar, intimate and distinct vocals, a song of poetry and vulnerability warmly intertwined – the unmistakable Lisa E. Williams returns, with the beautifully uplifting but piercingly honest folk-pop single Me and This House.
From the album Be Ok, Good Night marks the perfect introduction – highlighting the beautifully raspy yet smooth timbre of Brendan’s voice under a divinely recorded acoustic setting, and showcasing his melodic and storytelling prowess in folk-pop in a catchy way.
Comical creative and Mandarin tutor Kevin McGeary – known to the open mic scene as The Kev – returns this year with a full-length album of original songs. The quirky and alternative set-up and stories of You Can’t Say Anything These Days meander from topic to topic, offering catchy hooks and acoustic backdrops, whilst promising humorous to … Continued
Uruguayan-British songwriter, drummer and singer Naty Giachino has contributed her talents to a multitude of projects in her years on the scene. The experienced performer and global collaborator began releasing her own solo works just last year, and the result is the uniquely eclectic yet vocally grounded and distinct album Just A Drummer.
The song evolves from intimate and warming, to near-euphoric and quite stunning at its peak. The final moments just briefly introduce a whole choir of vocals and instrumental fullness – the band set-up and backing voices all reinforcing that unrelenting dedication to a significant other.
Initially reflecting on the stark contrast between adverts – one for luxury living followed by one requesting charitable support for those in poverty – The Borderline takes a universal look at the striking separation and still connection between all of us as we go about our lives.