What begins as a mellow acoustic number, soon evolves through moments of near heavy metal, progressive rock, and even electronic hard-rock. 3mind Blight is the genre, essentially, and these thoughts and creative outbursts form a melodic and enchanting tapestry of fearless revelation and vulnerability.
Acoustic
Poetic contemplations, seamlessly intertwining modern production tools and traditional acoustic folk music – KAI delivers an intimate reflection on romantic longing and desire, with Another Life.
UK songwriter and artist DiElle captures the essence of introspective songwriting, uniting thoughts of adventure, travel and storytelling, throughout the reflective and uplifting folk-pop collection that is Atlas.
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.
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