The organic and raw capture of a live performance, joyful intimacy resounding by way of keys and acoustic guitar, leads us into the imagery and appreciation of Byron Times.
Folk
Established songwriter and distinct artist John Consalvo has written one of the most original and compelling Christmas songs of our time.
We move on towards an extended crescendo, within which multiple layers of keys, bass, synths and guitars collaborate to reinforce this looping sentiment and hook, which perfectly bridges the gap between the vagueness of a stranger’s tale and the mightier sense of humanity that is the shared sentiment of still believing and maintaining a hopeful stance in a chaotic world. It also resounds with the shared nostalgia of longing for the simplicity of childhood to return.
Simply impressive guitar playing lights up the romantic and colourful musicality of Alfredo Robles music.
Composer and artist Adnan Joubran delivers a completely absorbing composition, for this visual and musical ode to longing for an end to the nightmare in Gaza.
Turn the volume up, not simply for the boldness of production, but for the purity of a voice and song connecting for their soulful depth and rising sense of drama and personality.
LORD & LAND meander through the space between genres, for the beautifully intoxicating, boldly original single Games in the Garden.
The perfect unity of guitar and voice, a blues-kissed poetic arrangement with a two-voice dynamic and changing rhythms – Casey Frazier masters the creative performance space, with the wonderfully captivating single Cradle to the Grave.
The intricate balancing of sonic warmth and acoustic intimacy – an expression of longing and contemplation that rises with honesty and esteem, throughout a softly expanding, organic but impassioned audio arrangement…
There’s a refreshingly raw authenticity to the recording of these songs. Amidst the overwhelming and often disappointing rise of AI production and writing, there’s something all the more piercingly genuine about a simple, unedited recording of a human – their natural voice, and their solo instrument – telling stories, being real, connecting for the timeless and universal appeal of song.
Acoustic warmth and the live crackle of authentic, unplugged musicianship is always refreshing amidst the modern rise of AI and electronic overproduction. Enter Taji Morod, with the vintage wonder of an acoustically rising and falling folk sound.
Folk singer and songwriter Ralph Louie lightens the mood musically, but conceptually takes on the issue of betrayal and misplaced trust, with the honest, strangely warming yet scornful Out in the Cold.
This is a fine example of vocal and songwriting depth that effortlessly captivates, creating a fresh space for contemplation and wonder, and utilising just a few humble traits from the likes of folk and gospel music to really light up that approach.