Midwest Americana icon Eric Hagan is renowned for his gospel-like depth of sound and story. His recent EP of originals, the five-track collection Americana Lonesome, is a fine example of the prowess, talent, focus and heartfelt escapism of his approach. And from that project, the mighty Accuse Me is a divinely soulful ode to both melancholic disconnection and self-reflective empowerment.
Americana
From their latest album What It Takes, a live capture and classic folk-country song and groove – The North Sound engage and entertain beautifully, with the rather faultless earworm Hard Way, Easy Livin’.
Lush new music from Blue Julius brings a dreamy guitar groove of both acoustic and electric tones. Collaborating once again with Dani Stacy, the band offer a soulful nostalgic performance and rising energy, for the intoxicating You Make Me Feel New.
Alternative rock with a twist of punk rebellion and pace – an indie project openly opposed to division and arising dictatorships. R.L. Wolf blends sarcasm, scorn and satisfying tuneful explosions, for the unapologetic God Bless The 1%.
Nobody tells a story and soothes the soul quite like John Jenkins. An artist and songwriter whose integrity and charm have let his organic music naturally build a lasting reputation across the independent scenes of the UK. And here, we get not just another stunning album of original songs, but perhaps his most impactful project yet.
Americana artist Tim Turophile blends the comfort of timeless musicianship with a twist of original songwriting and character. His new album One More Last Chance dives into a series of introspective and reflective stories, beginning with the upbeat anthem and deeply thoughtful scenes and escapism of Interstate.
Bringing together a smooth country songwriting style and a touch of Americana or bigger-band warmth in the set-up, Ron Hamrick’s latest single Whatcha Gonna Do On Saturday Night is a timeless and catchy indie hit, and an easy song to enjoy this summer season.
Introducing a chance encounter, a collaborative project between two new acquaintances – the singer-songwriter partner of a renowned doctor, and a cancer researcher she met as his plus-one at a medical conference. Mandy May Blest and Dr. Steven Rosen fuse divine vocals with heartfelt sentiments and classic pop melodies, for the evocative ballads and beauty of the album Lover.
I’ll Be Your Dog is a rather simple but stunning folk-country single, something like Micah P Hinson, but perhaps more joyful – a mellow groove, a colourful vibe, and a beautifully interesting voice. The single is self-defined as an ode to Bob Dylan’s Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid, and welcomes an Americana set-up that quickly transports you to the centre of the live performance.
Currently 75 years young and vocally distinct in an effortless and enchanting fashion, Cousti writes with a heartfelt and catchy approach, songs like Turn Around and Survive instantly appealing for both their sense of live-band warmth and the naturally inspiring sentiments and loving references of their lyrics. The melodies are simple but satisfying, and that voice carries things along in a way that feels genuinely fresh.
Ten original songs weave together this story of the Mystic Code, and while there’s plenty to unpack and explore conceptually, which rewards and provides insight and reflection, the music is also – and importantly – an impressive and enjoyable place to escape into for a while.
Classic southern rock with a bluesy twist of distortion and genuine vocal passion – Jeremiah Throwbridge combines performative grit, slick riffs, a strong groove and a catchy hook, for the anthemic new single Feel It Out.