Willowspeak caught our attention with their new single Run Towards The Light. The refreshing candid interplay between the guitar and the vocal part is entrancing. It feel lucid and fluid as if its a natural burst of inspiration happening in real time. The guitar playing is really fantastic. An imaginative drum part compliments the collective creative nature. Run Towards The Light pushes indie folk into new complicated realms. It’s a testament to the collective musicianship and rhythmic ability. It connects with fans of Fleet Foxes or Bon Iver while retaining a more organic folk essence. We think its brilliance.
Wollowspeak is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist
Alison Martino feels wedged between the Laurel Canyon and modern indie folk influences on her new single Back Here. She finds the middle ground between Neil Young, Sufjan Stevens, and Kathleen Edwards. The song stands strong on its stripped down roots. Martino finds all the right ways to illuminate the work with elegant spurts of production and sonic color. It reflects the narratives nostalgic challenge. Martino has one foot in the past and another on the present, an affect most present in the Sufjan style orchestration. We’re super into it.
Back Here is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
Remy Smith got under our skin with her new single Short Ride Down. This common tale of chasing the sun hits scary relatable. Nothing is ever as it seems and the grass is never greener on the other side. Smith sees right through all of it on this convincing single. Her measured vocal delivery adds to the authenticity. She’s in control but she can’t deny the anger that seethes within. It sucks how they play to our vulnerabilities. We try to do something true, and all we get is lies. Stylistically Smith adds a female voice to a vibe familiar to Elliot Smith or Kurt Vile. We’re into it.
Short Ride Down is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
You probably can’t Heal In Hell but on the new single from Rowan Murphy the intoxicating songstress shows she’s going to give it her best shot. This dreamy Americana vibe finds dark contrast courtesy of the conflicting narrative. Ignorance is bliss with a country folk heart on this imaginative release. Stylistically we hear a dose of Brandi Carlile dipped deeper into an indie folk essence. Everything is in its right place on this impressive arrangement. From the soothing harmonies to the cascading guitars to the smooth sway of the drums, everything works to amplify Rowan’s aura. She’s a comforting blast of REAL. Your hate can’t touch her.
Heal In Hell is featured on our Emerging Folk Playlist.
The Wild Is Calling 