Everything is subtle but effective – the production and vocal shifts, the central contrast from one section to the next. It’s modesty and artistry intertwined, and it speaks volumes on behalf of the intentions and values of Aaron Lerer and 1526 Records.
Folk Pop
UK acoustic vibes blending long riffs and summertime world-music rhythms with conceptual depth. Akiva Zneimer takes us back to the lightness of the warmer seasons, with a song fusing rap and melody to that alt-folk bounce of a style once made underground famous by the likes of Will and the People.
Inspired by his love for the children of his close friends, Follow You highlights the heartfelt nice-guy style of J.C. Maru as a songwriter and performer. The natural acoustic ambiance is inviting, softly paired vocals bringing a kind of warmth and depth that’s immersive, and the melodies and lyrics remind us of the beauty and wonder of connection and learning.
Multi-instrumentalist Olly Davidson leads us with evocative and unique, classically inspired piano, into an ambient, reverb-soaked realm of quiet contemplation, and contrastingly uplifting indie gems, for the beautiful new album Up and Awake.
An absolute jam, in my own reactive terms – Michael P O’S captures an instant earworm and groove, with the infectious energy and reggae vibes of Words.
Great songwriting, good vibes, a seamless voice that’s born to perform and connect in this way. Maria Monroy brings back the upbeat and colourful energy of indie pop’s past, with the catchy and live-band-backed Getaway.
Gentle lo-fi synth notes and the quiet strum of an acoustic guitar, an intimate vocal and writing style that feels diary-like in its tentative expression and longing. Chris Pannella delivers the closing song from his EP The Four Seasons of Her, and its a sleepy to euphoric and heartbroken story of love lost and fading passion.
French duo Riatto & The Dog captivate in seconds, with the breathy harmonies and lyrical poetry of this heartfelt and melancholic but hopeful indie folk stomp.
More great music from Germany this season, the softness of nineties indie pop, acoustic and comforting, with genuine sentimental value at its core. The Last Lupine offer an evocative sense of escapism and story, with the stunning simplicity and wonder of Stay, Return.
Ultimately feeling like a huge power-pop ballad at its peak, the essence of Selfish is again that twist of angst and unexpectedness that runs throughout Kyle Jaymes’ songwriting. The music is beautiful, but the sentiments are loaded with pain and self-preservation; an outcry against someone whose Selfish choices have been unignorably suffered for far too long.
Stripped-back realism that the music worlds needs to cherish right now. Tia Gostelow continues her Low Lights series, with the intimacy, gentle fingerpicking, and light and breathy vocals, of Always.
Organic loops of instrumentation and voice, poetic and personal ideas resounding and lingering – an ambient but largely acoustic presentation, of songs that feel both revealing and mysterious in their vague bursts of both joy and sadness. German songwriter and artist Rico Friebe releases a brand new double album, in the form of the mighty The Desire Path / The Open Glade.