We got lost in the intoxicating dreamy lush vocal delivery heard on Cut It Out by Tough Luck! It’s seductive and enhanced by the singers suggestive sensuality. Its a complicated balance of romanticism and heartbreak, as a dose of hurt compromises cherished memories.
Amplified by the arrangements building drama and big climax, the artist manages to inject an affect of storytelling within a vibe familiar to Lizzie McAlpine. It’s an effective adaptation of that influence. We love it.
Cut it Out is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
We were drawn in by the expressive calculated picking at the opening of Wallflower, the new single from Seán Barna. An enticing bluegrass Americana bedrock is haunted by the vocal parts broken spirit. It brings truth to honor this musics storied folk legacy. The dialogue is inspired, finding the remarkable overlooked details of a life in brilliant observations. Like the title suggests, he who says the least sees the most. But a quiet storm brews and erupts in these lyrical revelations.
Stylistically we think Barna connects with recent folk troubadours like The Tallest Man On Earth. We’re into it.
Wallflower is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Ally Row tags a vintage Americana vibe at the onset of This Time. The duo pairs that influence with recent trends known to indie folk and pop. Their female singers sultry alteration in the chorus part reflects some R&B instincts, as the Australian native can’t mask her talent show worthy singing ability.
Paired with the raw backcountry delivery of her male counterpart, Ally Row embraces the contrast. Stylistically we hear a semblance or Ocie Elliot or Shovels and Rope, but as if they were fronted by Phoebe Bridgers and Bob Dylan. Hear for yourself.
Ally Row are featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Dillon Havins is entrancing on his recent Hollow Islands. Light doses of metaphorical poetry intertwined between verbal familiarities land relatable.
That approach works elegantly within this indie folk blend, an aura that finds the middle ground between early Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens. Paired with the wintery album cover, Hollow Islands feels warm and comforting. Hear for yourself.
Hollow Islands is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 