Cinematic, epic, and uplifting. There’s a lot of all of this in the work of eclectic indie pop trio Sylvan Weekends. Their works are consistently thoughtful, with complex arrangements and dense compositions. It offers a more imaginative listening experience, with visions cascading in abundance from the drama of these compositional moves. Their new EP Headlong Into The Unknown accelerates their standard, wading effectively between the realms of indie pop and indie folk.
It shines in moments like I think you know, with cinematic vibes that flow between the canons of Jose Gonzalez, Andrew Bird, and Of Monsters and Men. It’s a testament to Sylvan Weekends inspirational aura. I Think You Know unravels like a journey in song, with each section evolving like a new chapter in this life journey. Within the duet you can see parallel lives that intersect like soul mates, each with their own experience but infinitely tethered to the other. No matter how many times the time traveler tries to rewrite this experience, it always ends with you. I Think You Know what we mean.
Sylvan Weekends are featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Larysa Musick lands classic with her convincing Wishbone. Bringing an old imaginative folk essence into the new age, Larysa initially channels Joni Mitchell while adapting more modern with the intrusion of the full band. They give her some Big Thief style swagger to match her classic appeal. We also hear an influence of Nick Drake in the guitar work.
An intriguing composition at its core, it’s Larysa’s trembling vibrato that gives this folk an intoxicating exotic elegance. That kind of detail adds a seductive aura to her presence, one full of mystery and curious emotion. It lifts her talent beyond the realm of academia and into the realm of chosen. Singers like Larysa feel touched by a spiritual musical legacy.
Wishbone is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Pain and beauty collide on Curl, the new single from Hayfitz. This imaginative indie folk has an abstract essence, bridging the gap between Dirty Projectors and Sufjan Stevens. The arrangement is thoughtful with every contribution lending to the concept of the feeling. Like the revolving picking guitar pattern and how it emulates a backwards cycle; a cycle tied to the doom of this emotional peril.
Whereas there is sad folk Hayfitz might trends towards depressing folk and dare we say embrace the moniker whole heartedly. It’s not a slight, this kind of vulnerability and hurt helps us reconnect with whats real and honors difficult moments meant to be kept sacred. Like the death of a loved one, sometimes you need to be in that moment but you can’t let it define you either. Remembering is to honor the truth they showed you through their suffering. Feel for yourself.
Curl is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Wildwildsky plot a unique chart within a classic indie folk framework on their recent Sylvie Fern. This harmonious melodic oasis calls our spirt to its altar. Like a portal to the heavens Sylvie Fern sounds magical. It bears a semblance to works from Bon Iver or Darlingside but it’s not deriviratve.
Wildwildsky effectively finds their voice within this vibe and plots their stake within the canon of this style. The most prominent attribute arrives in the soulful tag out of the chorus, as if Hozier or Peter Gabriel were allowed to grace the arrangement for just a moment. And in true fashion they steal the show. Sylvie Fern sounds glorious.
Hear it now on our Emerging Folk Playlist
The Wild Is Calling 