Emerging complete with a set of visuals depicting both storytelling scenes and Rachel and her band lost in performance, Oil and Water is a classic take on the concept of romantic mis-matches, and presents the theme amidst an uplifting country groove and catchy hook refrain.
Folk Pop
Ukulele rock troubadour Winchester 7 softens the mood this season, blending the warmth of genuine vocals, with the organic set-up of live acoustic musicianship, and a storyline that unites vulnerability and hope in a captivating way.
New music from Allan Jamisen brings a song built from a selection of perfectly crafted moments – the kind of colourful bursts of melody and chorus that resound as those suitable for use in uplifting reels and media alike.
The song evolves from intimate and warming, to near-euphoric and quite stunning at its peak. The final moments just briefly introduce a whole choir of vocals and instrumental fullness – the band set-up and backing voices all reinforcing that unrelenting dedication to a significant other.
Initially reflecting on the stark contrast between adverts – one for luxury living followed by one requesting charitable support for those in poverty – The Borderline takes a universal look at the striking separation and still connection between all of us as we go about our lives.
Thoughtfully capturing the unique space between those connected in love, Kathy Muir’s return this season brings an impassioned acoustic ode to the power of that connection, when faced with the seemingly impossible circumstances of a long-distance relationship.
Noting over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Tessa Dalton has gone from strength to strength in the past twelve months, her honest writing and vocal fluidity promising a level of authenticity and heart that modern pop has perhaps not seen in quite a while.
Lush vocals, lyrical vulnerability and contemporary stylings, an acoustic backdrop raised up by a humble electro-pop production – 4Sev7en pours his heart and soul into the poetry, performance and melodic appeal of DISTANT.
Better Walk, Don’t Run is a dose of joyful gratitude in a divisive world, an ode to treasuring the moments that matter, taking things slow, and it celebrates and imparts this energy and optimism in both the musical and performative build up, and the inherent lyrical images and ideas.
The UK’s own Henry Charles masters the space with evocative, delicate yet purposeful vocals – a piano-led ballad with a twist of lyrical poetry to captivate. Plastic Stars is familiar but powerful, slowly extending its reach, evolving skilfully from intimate and honest, to impassioned and mighty at its peak.
Beautiful music, organic folk-pop with heartfelt songwriting and humble vocals at the forefront. Mackenzie Miller delivers a classic, timeless album, with the eleven original songs of Peninsula.
It’s always the songwriting that separates the lasting artists from the crowd. Great voices can entertain, but a great song can stand the test of time, and that seems to be what lets the single Burn rise above many folk-pop and indie releases.