Dreamy to upbeat, acoustic shoegaze that slowly evolves into something a little more rock and roll-inspired – a taste of the band’s full set-up potential, but a simultaneous focus on the softness and style of their vocals and songwriting.
Folk Rock
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.
An enchanting debut, a breath of fresh air from nostalgic origins – Swedish/Canadian duo FUSES bring a folk-rock charm and fluidity back to modern music, with songwriting and stylistics that appear to draw influences ranging from Larkin Poe to the mighty Fleetwood Mac.
Brilliant basslines, soulful vocals, quirky but satisfying melodies and a fiercely human sense of passion and live-music vibrancy. Scottish artist and producer Novaborn captures a moment of pure addictive escapism, with the soaring stomp and seduction of Gone.
From bedroom pop to programmed vocals and an anthemic Celtic celebration of football and the old school World Cup Campaigns – Rodeo Terrorists brings a fully loaded soundscape of folk-rock knees-up intentions, with the heavy production and catchy Celtic riffs of Saltire (Tartan Army).
Real human connection in musical form – an intimate capture, acoustic and thoughtful, honest and unedited. Gibishki introduces a sublime and interesting new album, with the rising passion and distinct identity of 7 Wonders.
Introducing a creative duo whose songs are the sort to make long-time music writers instantly excited about their work again. Wisconsin alt-folk artists Leiting & Van Kammen blend organic, acoustic folk musicianship, with honest, alluring vocal charm, rising intensity, and haunting, reflective stories.
Building from a purely acoustic and nearly whispered introduction, Monsters employs Frida Mann’s unmistakable vocals, and slowly but surely evolves through a story of anger, resentment, confinement. The voice is captivating, and later near-euphoric in its outcry, and as such, this conceptual journey is incredibly passionate, in both vocal and instrumental delivery.
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.
Lush riffs and dreamy good vibes meet with a kind of energising folk-rock energy and brightness that’s instantly infectious. Belgian creative Hidden Shores blends indie pop, shoegaze and anthemic passion, with the limitless creative tools of AI, for the intoxicating album Mighty Oak.
Parallel Acceptance is a tearjerker of a listen, the perfect soundtrack to lose yourself within, to shake out those aches of uncertainty, lostness, regret, and to feel understood and strangely comforted, by the universal weight of disconnection.