Acoustic guitar and breathy vocals present a uniquely evocative sound, as UK indie folk artist Ian Bareham bravely explores the complex ache and weight of grief.
Folk Pop
Standing tall on the strength of its underlying solo acoustic guitar pattern and the sheer positivity and glow of the writing, RJ Dennis strips things back to the bare essentials, connecting with heart and some much-needed hopefulness, for After The Storm.
The writing feels genuine, the melody intoxicates, and the subject matter inspires. Mary Oz is carving out her own carefree lane in modern music, and the songs speak volumes on behalf of that.
Adrien’s voice maintains its authenticity – the performance feeling genuinely like a simple ode or letter to a significant other, never initially meant to be heard by strangers, but all the more intoxicating for that quality.
Perhaps his first masterpiece, Leaving feels like a structurally knowledgeable yet still intriguingly alternative indie treasure of a track. I’ve mentioned The Eels previously in terms of that vocal rasp and warmth, the joyful twinkle of the instrumentation, but from a songwriting perspective Marshall Gray falls somewhere between the likes of the nineties emo artists and the more edgy realism of bands like Radiohead and REM.
Recently made record of the week on FM-R Radio in the Netherlands, When We’re Home offers a timeless sense of musicality and appreciation for the little things in life – the calming sense of stillness and safety provided by coming home; wherever in the world that may be.
Contemporary storytelling complete with fearless vulnerability and vocal character combined – Sid Dorey masters the freedom of creative writing, with the deeply evocative and artistically unique EP Drama In Doses.
Inspired by the sentiments of Dostoevsky, the project drives with an organic passion for living in a wonderful world. Florence offers folk-pop melodies, distinct vocals that soothe and suggest, alongside simple keys and mellow rhythms.
The big-band sound of folk rock and pop shines brightly, alongside a welcomed touch of intimacy in the breathy vocal-lead and traditional acoustic folk verses. Swedish songwriter SATRE delivers an uplifting to euphoric anthem in poetic celebration of love, with homebound.
This is one of those songs that can’t be done any real justice in writing. Rich Strater creates a space within which listeners can reflect and ponder the world and the past in their own unique way.
Wildly uplifting and intimate in its realness and colour, Joshy Connor’s album Love unknown feels like a genuine expression of connection and joy. Not a project written out of the common search for fame, but one that simply could not remain unwritten.
Inspired by the style of Brian Fallon and Bob Dylan, the approach and set-up are timeless, while the songwriting feels fresh, honest, and showcases the unique nuances of Peter’s genuine voice in both lyric and tone.