Acoustic Indie

I can’t pretend that listening to Calan Mai’s latest single “Friend of a Friend” was the first time I’ve shed a tear listening to striking piano melodies and poignantly narrative lyrics. Nick Cave, and Amanda Palmer, they’ve both managed it. But none hit quite in the same way as Friend of a Friend.

While the friendzone is most definitely not a thing, the track still depicts that bitter-sweet crushing feeling of caring for someone that’s being inadequately treated by someone else. It’s devastating for both parties involved, and somehow through the lyrics you get hit with the emotion from both perspectives from just one narrative.

Calan Mai’s distinctive vocal style paired with how honest and raw the vocals were and his deft ability on a set of keys were always going to create a potently evocative cocktail when infused.

You can prepare to fall apart to Calan Mai’s stunning single Friend of a Friend for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

If you think about it, it’s surprising that there aren’t that many aural odes to the legendary singer songwriter, artist and activist Patti Smith. But Barney Cortez stepped up to the plate with his standout single from his latest EP “Pretty Thin”. The melodic meanderings of the Indie Acoustic Folk track packs in plenty of poignant imagery around the upliftingly reflective lyrics. The style of Barney Cortez is one that any fans of the Coral need to check out for the playfully psychedelic layers which are weaved into the instrumental arrangements which are sporadically interrupted by the licks of the electric guitar. To describe the up and coming artist’s style as ethereal almost seems like an understatement considering that it unfolded with a chill-inducing capacity.

You can check out Barney Cortez’s latest single along with the rest of the stunningly dynamic release out for yourselves by heading over to Spotify

Review by Amelia Vandergast

If it’s been a while since a track gave you goose bumps, I strongly suggest turning your attention to Darragh Chaplin’s latest single ‘Don’t Worry’. The resonance that bleeds over the Acoustic Indie Folk track is overwhelmingly captivating, your mind doesn’t even get the chance to deconstruct the sound, instead the synergised melodic waves simply crash over you. The level of harmony in Don’t Worry is unparalleled by any track I’ve checked out this year by far.

After the track fades out, you’re left with so many questions, and an almost agonising desire to answer them by hitting repeat. All of the instrumental aural alchemy allows Darragh’s vocals and pensively penned lyrics to really speak to you whilst every throb and swell of the stringed instruments and piano draws you further into the soundscape.

Fans of Lewis Watson, Damien Rice and Lewis Capaldi you’re going to absolutely love the soundscapes on offer from the prodigally, yet timelessly talented singer songwriter and instrumentalist.

You can check out Darragh Chaplin’s latest single Don’t Worry for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast