Dylanesque poetry and folk punk converge convincingly on Live Free or Die. Dressed with an additional Irish folk fury, American truth seeker Bryan McPherson recalls freedoms first breath on this inspiring anthem. McPherson spares no one within this ruthless prose. It’s an all out tirade that concludes in a decisive declaration that “This is war.”
On what, you might ask? You have to hear it to believe it. Find out why Dropkick Murphy’s enlisted him to open for them on their tour, and why a producer who has worked with Flogging Molly and Old Crow produced his last record. May be your new folk hero.
Unexpectedly, there’s more than meets the eye. McPherson has a sensitive soft side too. It’s heard on songs like All Our Dark. With a tattered raw delivery it recalls the legacy of Justin Townes Earle. Like him, Bryan McPherson is a revelation.
Bryan McPherson is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
There’s a haunting familiarity to Silver Song, the new single from Cat Rose Smith. It’s heard in how it references an Americana vibe while adding new modes of influence graciously.
Gorgeously produced, an atmospheric lap steel cites a Western sunset as a poetic shuffle tugs between the realms of indie folk and vintage country. Rose Smith herself wades elegantly between those same two realms, at times channeling the aura of Brandie Carlile and then adapting into a Lumineers type sensibility. For us, it’s simply delightful.
Hear Silver Song now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Riley Pearce and Liang Lawrence thrive on their new single Indefinitely. The lyrics are charming and candidly poetic. Their performances, though, are most significant. Riley’s trembling vibrato is full of conjured emotion and believable conviction. Liang adds some elegant balance, blending seemlessly while enhancing the cinematic touch courtesy of her own verse.
The production is gorgeous too, like a living breathing organism full of texture and vibrant tone. It’s only folly, a late song fake out where the band erupts but only for a moment, before relinquishing to the silence of the outro. It’s so good, we actually would have preferred the long format version. The duo effectively subscribe to the aesthetic, “leave them wanting more.” We hope it comes true.
Hear Indefinitely now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Rose Brokenshire is comforting on her entrancing new single Habit to Help. Her soft smooth lullaby delivery has a calming affect. There’s a warmth to her aura, like a musical token you can return to in times of strife and struggle. Lush and lucid, her whispery delivery caresses like smooth silk upon a soft body.
It’s that collateral sensuality as we’re drawn to these kind of caring spirits in ways that aren’t exactly invited, but perhaps wanted. It’s what we hope. For in this moment we fall for that voice and the serenity it offers. Stylistically Brokenshire bridges the gap between classic laurel canyon style songwriters and softer indie folk artists like Jessica Pratt and Courtney Marie Andrews. Hear for yourself.
Habit to Help is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist
The Wild Is Calling 