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.
Songwriter
That quality is essential to the music that moves us, that stands the test of time – not a flashy outpouring of confidence or attention-grabbing performative flair, just a natural emotional charm and purpose to both the arrangement and delivery, and Full Circle has all bases covered on that front.
S.E.N is the global collaborative musical project founded by Slovakian artist and songwriter Branislav Pitoňák, and All-Encompassing is a debut album blending passion and playfulness across 10 original works.
Jason Chaffee crafts uniquely evocative post-rock anthems with passion and precision, the kind of songs that are fit to embrace the deep-thinkers and nostalgic rock fans alike, and the latest single It’s Down provides a bold and beautifully introspective example.
Soul-rock guitar-play and country-folk songwriting brings a reverb-kissed arena of escapism, as Australian artist James Keith builds on the momentum from his chart-topping 2024 debut, with the evocative and vulnerable, catchy and distinct Cruel Game.
Surf rock and sixties sentiments and melodies light up the catchy grooves of this uplifting new live-style EP from indie’s one and only ukulele rock troubadours.
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.
An eclectic and high-quality repertoire with tens of thousands of monthly listeners already speaks volumes, but this year New Jersey songwriter and artist Dave Vargo takes things to greater heights still, with the release of his beautifully crafted and performed album of heartfelt nostalgia Ghost Towns.
There’s a healing quality to an arrangement like this, and Peter DiMaggio’s politely expressive voice suits that type of ambiance rather beautifully, furthering the satisfaction and appeal that is the light and rather lovely Chasing a Trace.
Maypo Deluxe is one of indie’s most consistent artists, a songwriter with an authentic sense of heart and storytelling, holding closely to the organic rock sounds of a simpler era, and meandering from the soulful rock ballad set-up to the upbeat and addictive grooves accordingly, as we roll through more and more fantastic songs.