COUNTRY-FOLK

While Izzie Derry’s style doesn’t offer the smoothest melodies and most polished soundscapes, what they do offer is unrestrained emotion, energy, and expression.

The up and coming artist’s latest EP “Lost at Sea” contains 5 unapologetically visceral singles which don’t skirt around issues of superficiality. Instead, the sentiment behind each track runs as strongly as the anthemics which feed through the anything but typical progressions which can only loosely be defined as Folk. There are also plenty of elements of Funk, Rock, Blues, and Country to allow audiophiles of all persuasions to find accessibility within the tracks.

I have a feeling that any fans of Julia Holter, Sharon Van Etten, and Courtney Barnett will find plenty of reasons to admire the Coventry, UK-based artists distinctive expression.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Oh Darlin’ is just one of the meanderingly melodic single’s from Desiree Cannon’s latest album “Beech Sleeper”. The first thing that hits you about the single is the timeless style of the orchestration of the Oakland, California-based artist. The second is her unflinchingly arresting vocal style in which she recreates the same alluring harmony we enjoyed from the pioneers of Americana and Country Folk. If you could imagine what Angel Olson would sound like with an organ thrown into the mix you’d get a good idea of Desiree Cannon’s folkishly cathartic style. Whilst lyrically, you’re in for a narrative treat which captivates you from the first verse.

You can check out Desiree Cannon’s single Oh Darlin’ which was released on October 16th by heading over to Bandcamp now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

If you’re struggling to find that timeless Country sound from a contemporary artist, well, look no further. Folk singer songwriter Kelly Rae has recently released the title track from her album ‘Searching for Home’. The emerging artist’s captivatingly soulful single didn’t fail to pique our attention and leave us insatiable for the rest of her aurally arresting stripped back arrangements

In Searching for Home, alongside her ethereally pitch-perfect vocals you’re treated to a bluesy rounded and instantly accessible rhythm which is all too easy to slip into you. Searching for Home may have been a beautifully and upliftingly composed track, yet, the subtle layers of melancholy still hit you like a tonne of bricks.

You can check out Kelly Rae’s latest single Searching for Home for yourself by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

You know a song is good when with the first few guitar strums you can instantly hear how heartfelt the performance is. Ted Hajnasiewicz’s “This Town Is Not For Me” perfectly exemplifies this, and when the vocal comes in, even though the lyrics are somewhat bittersweet, you can immediately feel a truly heartwarming sensation that lingers throughout the whole song. With such an emotional vocal and guitar performance it is hard not to see how dedicated Ted is towards his music and the messages he wants to convey.

With a perfect balance of Country music elements and Folk, this song is particularly image evoking, especially with the word choices in the lyrics. As the music carries you along you are left with a bittersweet sensation. Partly envisaging the relaxing fields and partly feeling the inner pain and struggle expressed so brilliantly through Ted’s well crafted lyrics.

If you are particularly into brilliant songwriting skills, a perfect balance between beautiful Country guitar sounds and a heartfelt Folk story telling performance, then this is the song for you. Do not miss the chance to support Ted and listen to it on Spotify today!

Sarah Marie Bugeja

Small Town Tuesday is the Great Magnet’s first debut single, yet their sound contains the synergy of a band decades older, their debut was released early February 2018, since then they haven’t hung around they’ve released another 3 sensational tracks. But there is something beguilingly fascinating about the bands first release. Perhaps it’s the perfectly angular jangle of the Alternative Rock Folk guitar, or maybe the contemporary Country Pop vocals which resonates so succinctly over the high vibe rhythmic instrumentals.

The lyrics to Small Town Tuesday is sure to resonate with anyone who has felt the bitter grips of mid-week monotony when you just can’t shake the anticipation for the weekend. After listening to the trio’s latest hit ‘Pine Box’ It’s clear that they’ve sticking by the sound that saw them into their inception. I can’t wait to hear a full album from this contemporarily spectacular Folk outfit.

Check out the Great Magnet’s debut hit on Soundcloud using the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/thegreatmagnetband/small-town-tuesday

Keep up to date with the band and give them a follow on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatMagnetBand/

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Folk Singer Songwriter Anthony Dante has just released his new single On The Line. If you’re a fan of Ray LaMontagne and Jack Johnson, you’re going to want to check it out.

On The Line is a tentatively paced, melancholy uplifting acoustic masterpiece. To create the track Dante dabbled within Folk, Alt Country, Americana and Blues to create an ethereally sensation melody. His acoustically angelic sound is one that demands nothing from you, but offers you everything, On The Line is the kind of track you can just slip into and appreciate the beautiful discord of his vocals against the jangling harmony of his guitar.

On The Line is just one of the tracks of Anthony Dante’s latest EP Mountain Songs which was released in February, 2018 which the Washington DC based singer songwriter will be taking on tour across America throughout 2018.

You can check out On The Line along with the rest of his stunning EP on SoundCloud using the link below:

https://soundcloud.com/anthonydante75/on-the-line

Head on over to Anthony Dante’s website for more ways to check out his music & keep up to date with his tour dates:

https://www.anthonydante.com/

Review by Amelia Vandergast.