Browsing Tag

folk

Lara Eidi crafted a jazz-folk remedy for modern malady in her latest single, Breathe Love

Posted on 10 August 2023

Semblances of hope, empowerment, and freedom may be scant in our malady-rich modern era, but the jazz-folk soulstress Lara Eidi more than made up for the shortfall in her latest single, Breathe Love.

By complementing her profoundly powerful with ethereal soul vocals, which become a guiding light towards self-actualisation and acceptance, with orchestrally-layered vibrant jazz-folk motifs, the record comes to life under the duress of her accessibly inviting stylings. At the centre of this sonic universe lies the message that when you embrace your entire being, idiosyncrasies and all, you can freely breathe love into the universe and receive it back tenfold.

Breathe Love is the first single to be released from Lara Eidi’s debut LP, Sun, which will be released via Pastiche Records on the 4th of September. If you found yourself emboldened by the artfully sun-bleached gravitas in Breathe Love, stay tuned for it.

Stream the official music video for Breathe Love by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Folk-Punk Renegades Gaslighters.Anonymous Gave A&R Factory An Exclusive Preview of Their Classified LP

Posted on 30 July 2023
Gaslighters.Anonymous

The anti-establishment, for all intents and purposes non-existent and anonymous organisation Gaslighters.Anonymous have A&R Factory an exclusive preview of their highly classified 10-track LP, which features the rugged indie folk seminal single Hail to the Chief.

Just as traditional folk artists spoke for the oppressed and working class, Gaslighters.Anonymous carried on the conversation in their acoustic folk-punk portrayal of our atrocity of an era that is perpetually being underpinned by fascism and the threat of climate change. The riotously rancorous lo-fi single may traverse some uncomfortable existential themes, but as far as the listening experience goes, the rallying cry for awareness and action is emboldeningly sweet.

Hail to the Chief is currently protected from public ears; all will be revealed in due course. Keep your ear to the ground for updates and your eyes in the sky as Gaslighters.Anonymous light the smoke signals that will pave the way towards progress.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kevin Capehart drops debut solo single to reinvigorate his soul, Among the Trees

Posted on 25 July 2023

Realising that she’s the one that he needs, Kevin Capehart sings with so much love and conviction via the superb song to feel inspired about in nature, Among the Trees.

Kevin Capehart is a Richmond, Virginia-based indie folk multi-instrumentalist who was previously in various local bands and has found his voice after taking a break from the music world.

“Music has always been an important part of my life, but in the past, I’ve let my insecurities get in the way. When my best friend died at 36 years old I realized how valuable life was and that nothing is guaranteed. I don’t want to waste my life doing what people expect me to do. I want to live every day doing what I love.” Kevin Capehart, reflecting on the inspiration behind his return

After starting a family and dealing with his own demons, Kevin Capehart shows us all that it is possible to reach your dreams no matter what. He does himself proud here and has made a proper song to love forever.

Among the Trees from Richmond, Virginia-based indie folk artist Kevin Capehart is one of the most honest singles released in any generation. This is simply awe-inspiring stuff and should shake many senseless hearts around, to bring us all a piece of truly caring music to turn up loud.

When the world is noisy, going back to your roots will surely stimulate the soul.

Turn this up on Spotify.

Listen up on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

On a Hill: Highline Trail pays the price on that warm summer evening on The Pressed Man

Posted on 24 July 2023

Known best for their award-nominated track from 2022 Emmie, Highline Trail hikes up the torturous mountain and shows us their impressive progression with the top new single to sing with on loud, The Pressed Man.

Highline Trail is a San Diego, California-based indie folk-rock band that fuses infectious soul and funky harmonies which might put all listeners into a trance-like state.

With a hugely extraordinary anthem to forge communities together, Highline Trail looks toward the top of the cliff and has a style that will shake the trees and bellow briskly a message to savour.

The Pressed Man from San Diego, California-based indie folk-rock act Highline Trail is a cinematic experience which takes us into a different world and embraces an old-school mentality. There are so many aspects to love about this fine release, which might put shivers down the spine of all eager listeners.

If you like music with a hauntingly exquisite aura, this is a song like no other.

Listen up on Spotify.

Find out more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Sekinue is Stabbing My Heart with Their “Knives”

Posted on 23 July 2023

Let me introduce you to “Knives,” the debut single from the talented harpist and singer, Sekinue. This otherworldly alternative folk song is a breath of fresh air, blending immersive harp dream-scapes with raw, dark lyricism. It’s a truly unique experience that draws you into its world from the very first note.

When you listen to “Knives,” you can’t help but notice a touch of Tori Amos, but with the ethereal addition of a harp. The song unfolds beautifully, and as you approach the end of the chorus, you’ll find yourself immersed in a mesmerizing sea of reverb. It’s a wonderful effect that adds depth and intrigue to the overall sound.

Sekinue, also known as Esme, shares some insightful details about the making of “Knives.” She teamed up with Nick (aka Night House) and Ellie Ford, and their collaboration was nothing short of magic. Ellie’s expert harp knowledge combined with Nick’s knack for arrangement breathed new life into Esme’s music. The studio version retains the rawness and honesty of the original recording, which was captured in one take in a bathroom by the aspiring producer Ehkoplex Sound. The decision to preserve that innate quality paid off brilliantly.

With a background as a harpist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter, Sekinue fearlessly explores the struggles of everyday existence through her music. The swirling harp and haunting lyricism create a bridge between poetry and ballad. When you witness Sekinue’s live performances, you’ll be enveloped in a rare sense of musical intimacy. The harp becomes an instrument of emotional transformation, turning even the simplest of sequences into a whirlwind of feelings. It’s a rare form of musical honesty that should not be missed.

“Knives” is just the beginning of Sekinue’s journey, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next. Dive into this enchanting song, and allow yourself to be captivated by the intricate world that Sekinue creates through their music.

Have We Lost Our Destiny: Tim Young sees us going round and round like a lost mouse on Divided We Cannot Stand

Posted on 19 July 2023

Wondering if we still care or if our sails are misplaced in the windy sees of life, Tim Young tells us an honest story about how fractured this planet is on the old-school feeling single to relate with, Divided We Cannot Stand.

Tim Young is an experienced 62-year-old Willimantic, Connecticut-based indie folk solo singer-songwriter and former DJ who has a traditional feel for all music creations.

Worrying about society as a whole, Tim Young is rather brilliant and honest to the bone on Divided We Cannot Stand. This is memorable. It’s made with patient quality. Each lyric has been forged with knowledge and wisdom to learn from. Please put this on maximum volume and close your eyes. It will be worth it.

Divided We Cannot Stand from Willimantic, Connecticut-based indie folk artist Tim Young wonders if we shall ever learn. He sings with wisdom and care, showing us a beacon of hope like a lighthouse to bring the ships in during those dark and moody nights.

A leader is here for us to learn from. It would be foolish to ignore him.

Listen up on Spotify.

Follow his next moves on Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Ervin Munir left us on the hook with his lo-fi indie folk single, Pick up the Phone

Posted on 14 July 2023
Ervin Munir

Norfolk’s most affable folk raconteur, Ervin Munir, has left us on the hook with his latest lo-fi indie folk pop single, Pick up the Phone, featuring the honeyed vocal lines of Tina Blaber.

With plenty of songwriting and vocal reminiscences to Nicky Wire’s debut solo LP, it is impossible not to be endeared by the quintessentially folky sticky-sweet sentimentality of the release, which amplifies around the fiddle solos and the irresistibly enrapturing melodies that find the perfect places to blossom in the single.

The diehard romanticism of the lyricality, which shows you the beauty of taking a few non-reciprocal arrows and still not faltering on the optimism front, also plays its captivating part in making Pick up the Phone an unforgettably exhilarant release.

Pick up the Phone will officially release on July 14th. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ethereal Enigma: Worship Me or Die – Frances Cleave

Posted on 6 July 2023

“Worship Me or Die” by Frances Cleave is a captivating and provocative track that grabs your attention right from the start. The title alone sets the stage for something intriguing, and the song delivers on its promise. The soft bass sets a hypnotic foundation, initially low and alone, drawing you into the world that Frances Cleave creates.

Cleave’s ethereal and beautiful voice takes center stage, adding an enchanting quality to the song. There’s a touch of resemblance to the band “Love Life,” but with a focus on stunning vocals rather than screaming. The minimalist approach works in favor of the song, allowing it to gradually build and unfold, captivating the listener with each passing moment.

“Worship Me or Die” is a track that will find resonance among the goth kids and those with a penchant for dark and atmospheric music. It possesses a certain allure and a mystical quality that draws you into its realm. Frances Cleave has created a piece that balances the delicate and the powerful, crafting an experience that resonates with both introspection and intensity.

With its thought-provoking title and the ethereal beauty of Frances Cleave’s vocals, “Worship Me or Die” is a track that demands attention. It’s a journey through shadows and emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the listener. This is a song that will linger in your mind long after the last note fades away.

It is ‘All About You’ in Cristina Movileanu’s summer folk-pop serenade

Posted on 4 July 2023

If you noticed it got a little hotter on the 16th of June, that may have been due to the scorching hot summer folk-pop single, All About You, from the vibrantly vivacious singer-songwriter Cristina Movileanu.

Each year, artists compete against each other to orchestrate the hit that will become their audience’s upbeat soundtrack to the summer. Never one to make pedestrian or predictable moves, the Emerald Isle-haling originator created a gateway to a parallel world brimmed with positive energy and joyful moments.

The jangly upbeat indie folk guitar melodies will be your main mode of transport, while Movileanu’s soulful vocal timbre will take you the rest of the way. There really is no overstating how captivating All About You is. For your own sake, don’t hang around in delving into the carresive Elysian chemistry in All About You.

Check out the official music video for All About You on YouTube, or add the sun-bleached hit to your Spotify playlists.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Isiah & The New People started a Western Psych-Folk revolution with their live recording of Hold On

Posted on 3 July 2023

Joined by the conduits of rhythmic virtuosity that make up his live band, the prodigal son of western psych folk, Isiah Driessen, stepped into The Train Station to lay down the licks in his standout single, Hold On.

Hit play and be a fly on the wall to the mind-melting alchemy that spills from the live recording from Isiah & The New People. While the jazzy sax lines feed the seduction, the rhythm section ensures your pulses are tied to the progressions in the laidback but electric hit that kicks up plenty of Western country dirt.

Driessen’s impassionedly strident vocals are the cherry on the psych-folk sonic cake as they alternate between raucously bluesy lines to honeyed harmonies that reach the pinnacle of sweet. If you ever catch someone insinuating that contemporary artists suck because they don’t ‘make them like they used to’, rub this elevated with nuance single in their faces.

Stream the live jam recording of Hold On which premiered on June 9th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast