McKay are an act upholding the realness and talent of organic, man-made bands and songwriting, at a time when we need that more than ever. They write youthfully fearless, thoughtful and intelligent lyrics, with fresh melodies and blissfully harmonised performances, and for all of these reasons, they’re a personal favourite act from the past couple of years, and Casino is incredibly special as an original project.
Folk Rock
Alternative rock with a twist of punk rebellion and pace – an indie project openly opposed to division and arising dictatorships. R.L. Wolf blends sarcasm, scorn and satisfying tuneful explosions, for the unapologetic God Bless The 1%.
Nobody tells a story and soothes the soul quite like John Jenkins. An artist and songwriter whose integrity and charm have let his organic music naturally build a lasting reputation across the independent scenes of the UK. And here, we get not just another stunning album of original songs, but perhaps his most impactful project yet.
Following the colourful creative storytelling of his band’s 2024 album The Waking Giant, Georgia’s Ukulele-rock pioneer Winchester 7 returns with a five-track EP that’s distinctly more grounded, and devoted to the memories and nostalgia of snapshots or Postcards from a life.
UK band The Hanging Bandits – a great name and a worthy level of intrigue for the inventive music that follows. Their single, Shipwrecks & Forgetful Skies, is a sensational lyrical and melodic outpouring.
Norwegian artist and songwriter dePresno impresses again, capturing a new moment in time, with lush vocals and an organic instrumental build-up united, to ultimately present a powerful set of lyrics that are piercingly original and loaded with soulful realism.
Currently 75 years young and vocally distinct in an effortless and enchanting fashion, Cousti writes with a heartfelt and catchy approach, songs like Turn Around and Survive instantly appealing for both their sense of live-band warmth and the naturally inspiring sentiments and loving references of their lyrics. The melodies are simple but satisfying, and that voice carries things along in a way that feels genuinely fresh.
New music from indie’s iconic environmentalists The Lurxx storms through in the form of a boldly theatrical, explosive and captivating glam-rock EP.
Introducing a timeless traditional set-up and a brilliantly original song – Brendan McKinney & the 99 Brown Dogs made a hearty first impression, with the unbelievably catchy folk-rock anthem James Dunn’s Daughter.
Instantly unique music, a songwriter with a vocal that stands out by a mile, and a poetic lyrical thread that feels refreshingly human and honest and reflective. Sten Veiths blends alt-folk contemplation and calm with bolder folk-rock to cinematic stylistics, and showcases a superb strength of songwriting, with the mighty Where The Hell I Belong.
Great riff-work, a strong groove and a clear organic recording that really takes you to the centre of the live performance. Canadian band Low Winter Sun deliver a smooth-sailing blues-rock hit that’s infectious and thoughtful, with Perpetual Motion.
Big vibes and unplugged, honest songwriting – a strong groove and an uplifting sense of ambition and romance that lingers in the air. From the EP Roth Schmoth, St Louis songwriter and musician Dan C. Roth delivers a brilliantly catchy performance and song, with the organic Americana tones and story of Let’s Jump Out of an Airplane.