Yorkshire’s Kier takes country pop to reflective new heights, with the uplifting groove, passionate vocals, catchy hook, and deeply poignant contemplations of 20 Something.
Country
With imagery based around memories of flying kites at night, Heartstrings reflects on finding the right balance in a relationship, noting how, like a kite on a string, it can only soar when given enough slack to climb.
An inspiring listen, a beautifully genuine promise to his son – Promise You Now talks of his family’s journey since welcoming their baby boy, who was diagnosed at birth with the rare condition Septo-Optic Dysplasia (SOD).
Categorically one of the best feel-good soul-rock songs of the year – Elizabeth P.W. captures an intoxicating groove and melody combination, amidst the inspired depth and passion of the mighty Head West.
Jeff Gallant is a UK artist raising the bar for modern country and folk music lately. He has toured the traditional and line-dancing hot spots of the country for many years, and his new album promises sixteen original songs, written across over thirty years of life experience.
Crisp country grooves and reverb-drenched vocals set an ambient, uplifting vibe, as catchy country melodies and lush harmonies lay down a unique fusion of Afrikaans and Western music, for Country in Afrikaans.
Beautifully uplifting, organic pop-rock and country-fusing songwriter and artist Paul James releases an earworm of optimistic energy this summer – a universally relevant dose of gratitude and grounding motivation, in the form of the timeless warmth and wonder of Shortcut To Nowhere.
Releasing in perfect harmony with the 4th of July, A LOVE LETTER TO AMERICA celebrates freedom, Faith, sacrifice, neighbours, forgiveness, family, and hope. The idea is to remind listeners that people need each other, that we always find our way back to one another, and that the values we share are what ultimately make for a unified and joyous community and life for us and our children, from now until forever.
Romantically minded as ever, Fly Me To The Moon suits the nuance and tone of Simon’s quietly expressive voice, the song a comforting whisper of confidence and fantasy united, with less of the big-band bravado that first made it recognisable – more of a heartfelt plea under Simon’s guidance.
If you’re new to the name, and if folk-rock or Gothic, folk-punk and bluegrass musicianship and all-together-now songs are your jam – this EP is an absolute must, and Cesare Verdacchi & The Duke’s Winers are undoubtedly a band worth seeking out this summer.
An indie corner of country music that rightfully brings a twist of personality, and a conceptual celebration of precisely that. Mitchell Broodley highlights the nuance and charm of individuality and connection, with the gorgeous indie warmth of Different’s Where I Wanna Be.
Returning to the raw essentials of heartfelt songwriting, Maypo Deluxe lets the nuance and realism of his voice and lyricism shine naturally, for the acoustic guitar-led fireside charm and radical acceptance of Living Out Loud.