For some of us, Violent Summer might be a fitting moniker for this years season. Jackson Wooten pens a tribute for the hungry dogs of August. Within this transition Wooten knows some relationships are lost while new connections offer opportunity to thrive in the coming fall. Summer brings people together and drives some people apart.
Everyones trying to get a piece and in that observation you sometimes don’t what some are willing to sacrifice. Wooten amplifies that sentiment in the violent textures that make up the beat. He revolves statements like mantras in a way that offers comfort and relatability. Most importantly, it offers a chance to exercise these feelings. Stylistically we hear evidence of Ben Howard and a refreshingly less derivative influence of Sufjan Stevens. We dig it.
Hear Violent Summer now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
We get lost in the intoxicating timbre known to Abby Webster. She weaves it hypnotically on her new single Swimming. An alt folk campfire style reflection, Swimming shimmers courtesy of its banjo bright arrangement. Other trademark testaments to folk and bluegrass nestle intriguing into the indie folk melodic sensibility known to Webster’s writing style.
Compared to some other recent releases in this style it finds some semblance to The Band in addition to indie influences like Big Thief. We love how Webster keeps the melody elusive, resisting cheap conventional catch for the faintly unfamiliar. It’s still a vibe, it’s just a little more expensive.
Hear Swimming now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Luke De-Sciscio bares his soul on his new single Spinning. The intro has a cinematic affect with an ethereal sound design that might pull in an unfamiliar listener on sonic merit alone. What takes you from admiration to adoration are the inspired lyrics. De-Sciscio channels a rock bottom experience beautifully.
Perhaps it’s a reflection, a memorial of a moment where they can say they persevered. Or maybe like Springsteen they’re conjuring another’s experience and finding the deepest sentiments lost on the casual rubbernecker. However you take it, you can’t deny its brilliance. Spinning left us in awe. Give yourself a moment to take this one in. That’s the only way to do him justice.
Hear Spinning now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
There’s something about the stomping snare on Grassfire that emulates the fury of its namesake. The new single from Mike McKenna Jr honors tradition and innovation equally. The groove cites an influence of Neil Young while the vocal style salutes the modern alt country revival.
The arrangement is equally honorable, citing the Nashville sound vibrantly. Altogether Grassfire is a brilliant piece of recording art. The collective contributions effectively transmit the energy of this performance, and McKenna Jr sings with meaning and candid truth. With a brand new album coming this fall, Grassfire should flame the buzz leading up to the drop.
Hear Grassfire now on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 