Cecilia Ebba is haunting on her new single Porcelain. The revolving guitar inverts, ascending the descending, creating a hypnotic harmonious atmosphere for the artists entrancing vocal to float over. She navigates her impressive range elegantly, carving dissonant melodies into the curious soundscape. Out of the verses she is transformed, utilizing long sweeps and building layers to present her voice as an instrument rather than a lyrical vehicle.
Her lyrical touches, however, are not to be dismissed. Equally brooding with dramatic theater, Cecilia presents as a sort of musical scepter. In the spirit of Bjork she embodies the persona of her song, conjuring every word with inspired affect. Like real Porcelain, it is brilliant and beautiful.
Hear Porcelain now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
We got lost in the dreamy exotic appeal of Blood Rush, Tempest Oceans. The new album from Homesickness is a rare cinematic journey. The rich instrumentation warps traditional instruments with illuminating modern appeal. The artist knows how to pull feelings from there textures, like a dark folk Miles Davis, or more specifically Nick Drake.
He also shares in Drake’s haunting soft brooding vocal, occasionally delving into his deepest range in the spirit of Nick Cave or Leonard Cohen. There are minimalist presentations of perilous poetry, like on the breakouts Breaking Eyes, Aching Smiles or Your Fire Must Dance Again.
Careful to embrace his most presentable formation, its the mid album intermission Ascension that really ignites the sonic starlight. The second half of the record is pure bliss. This sad indie folk paints dynamic pictures of the artists conceptual sonic worlds. Its a bit of folk, a hint of jazz, and the experimental ethos akin to trailblazers Radiohead.
The whole album is masterful, get a taste of In All My Senselessness now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Atomic Blonde caught our attention with their new single Kansas City Sunset. The dense lyrical poetry is full of vivid imagery. It suits the melodies melancholy drama. Unfolding with reflective vibes, it has soundtrack appeal. Kansas City Sunset is the ideal cut to roll the end credits after some epic mind altering twist. Inspired by a euphoric memory, its no surprise it brings commemorative nostalgia. The Lana Del Rey style modern ballad suits it.
Atomic Blonde has her own rugged raw delivery in contrast to Del Rey’s signature bass. That inherent musical beauty brings her lyrical pen into focus, as Atomic Blonde looks to music for healing. It hasn’t been easy, with several hospital stints since the age of 14 twisting her own atypical upbringing. Kansas City Sunset is just another example of how she’s claimed her narrative. It has mainstream appeal, with catchy cues throughout and an accessible construct, we hear breakout potential.
Dig into Kansas City Sunset now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Louis Cross wraps up 2022 with the release of his new EP A Page To Tell. The 6 song release, includes 3 previously released singles and 3 new songs. The 6 collective songs have a classic sensibility, redressed with a modern indie appeal. It’s heard in the 60’s style pep of I Don’t Know and the dreamy 70s appeal of Better Light. The compositions are lifted by his rare, exotic vocal delivery. His voice quivers with passionate vintage emotion. The legacy of Roy Orbison and the singers of that era, who flexed impressive control over their tempered vibrato.
The artist’s journey is also one of service. He aims to offer a voice for both the disabled and the LGBTQ+ community, offering a songbook to chronicle his own struggles. “Life Can Tear You Down so don’t ever quit” he sings. It recalls the legacy of Daniel Johnston but with more upbeat indie folk fervor. Inspired by pop writers like Sheeran and lyrical masters like Dylan, A Page To Tell is a revelation.
Hear the title track now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 