You need to see this through to its finish, which doesn’t take long, and which satisfies intensely, as it sweeps you off on its energy and its raw, poignant emotion. The story and the sentiments, the delivery, the rising passion, the contrast of musical brightness and vocal sadness, all delivers a kind of modern emo folk tale and burst of realism that’s euphoric to listen through, from start to finish.
Folk
Having released one of this summer’s most engaging, memorable and popular folk pop singles, we were blessed with the chance to interview the songwriter and artist Al Sam, to find out more about his collaborative song Together, with Natasha Liard. We talk about the making of the song, the pros and cons of collaboration, live … Continued
You have to hear it to know, but that opening banjo riff should get you instantly hooked. Turn this one up loud.
UK songwriter and artist Thomas Carter delivers a fearlessly unique alt-folk sound and song, with the fragility and passion of Sympathy.
Settle into this one for the evening – lightly reverb-kissed electric guitar, inviting and warm, akin to the kind of playing delivered by Jeff Buckley or James Bay, but a voice and songwriting style that’s a little more distinctly indie-band-like and engaging for its originality.
Brilliant writing that intrigues and follows its own expressive, long-form melodic pathways – Amy Blanding pairs a jazz-folk arrangement with enchanting storytelling and performative nuance, for the gentle, graceful, and impactful Flooding and the Foam.
Beautiful songwriting, humble musicianship – piano and a clapped rhythm, raspy vocals and short lines reflecting on war and the painful repeats of history. Patrick McMenamin leads with a voice and writing style that feel evocative, honest, and powerful, for the timeless and passionate folk single The More Things Change.
There’s something about this group of lifelong musicians untied in their passion for evocative songwriting, their humility and heart, their timeless harmonies, melodies, and the sheer passion and modesty combined that intoxicates in a soft, subtle but striking way.
With melody, concept and voice all working in unison as something unique and unexpected, Maini Sorri has crafted something truly special and impactful once again, for Belief.
Something boldly different, by design, intention, timeframe and temperament alike – an avant-garde album noting over 200 original works, and an artistic style grounded by creativity, but otherwise bravely elevated by a fearless sense of eclecticism and refusal to adhere to expectations.
Back to basics, when the programmed devices continue to take over – an essential underground movement that’s thriving, impassioned and impressive. Amos Zimmerman delivers one of the most clever and enjoyable human folk songs of the season, with the brilliant lyrical intrigue and fingerpicked warmth of Lost My Groove.
The slow-burning realism of an acoustic and live performance, a man and his guitar, quietly setting that fireside vibe. Firecamino presents an enjoyable listen to begin with, inoffensive and honest, unfiltered and real. However, the true power of Jerusalem emerges during the song’s immense and mighty second half.