Browsing Tag

London Folk

Mariele Jankowski sang ‘The Long Song of Mary Green’ in her folky feat of beguile

Posted on 3 March 2023
https://soundcloud.com/mariele-jankowski/sets/the-long-song-of-mary-green-radio-edit/s-OdOKTKKMffi?si=6275f7fbaf144e95a35971da75ba80b0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

The latest single, The Long Song of Mary Green, from the London-based singer-songwriter Mariele Jankowski keeps the true storytelling roots of folk blossoming in blissfully melodic beguile.

Around the vivid imagery that spills over the acoustic guitars, which rhythmically guide you through the release beneath Mariele Jankowski’s timelessly mesmeric vocal timbre that lends itself well to distinction, is a compelling tale that is worth heeding.

As we all embark on endless quests for eternal happiness, and we fail to account for the world’s tendency to throw us curveballs as it turns, upending the promise of eternal bliss. Mariele Jankowski delivers the soulfully resonant reminder that for any real shot of happiness, we need to master the art of letting go and enjoying the journey instead of fixating on the destination.

I can honestly say I haven’t been this taken with a folk artist since discovering Amigo the Devil, and that isn’t an accolade I part with easily. Yet, the euphorically euphonic outro is one that I will delve into this extended release time and time again for.

The Long Song of Mary Green will be available to stream from March 3rd on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Layman.TV sings a ‘Harmony Eternal’ in his ethereal indie folk pop single

Posted on 30 August 2022
https://soundcloud.com/user-534530743/harmony-eternal-1

Bridging the gaps between Glen Hansard, James Yorkston and Richard Hawley, The London-based singer-songwriter, Layman.TV released his latest ethereal indie folk single, Harmony Eternal.

The flourishing chamber strings against his harmonised spoken word reflections on nature and all the parallels they create within our lives pull together to create a poetically celestial sensory experience in Harmony Eternal. It is almost enough to guilt trip you for not sharing the same romantic lust for life. I say almost; the sublime appreciation for natural phenomena becomes infectious. Especially when the nuanced rock guitars start to bolster the passion in the otherwise graciously otherworldly soundscape.

Harmony Eternal is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

London folk hero, The Guv gave neo-folk an exotic twist in ‘December in Istanbul’

Posted on 5 April 2022

Istanbul-born, London-based folk singer & songwriter, The Guv hasn’t lost sight of the muse since making his debut in 2020 – especially on the basis of his most successful single to date, ‘December in Istanbul’. Today, he’s back with new release ‘Love and Joy’.

A decidedly loving and romantic ode to life, and the potential it gives all of us to truly be happy in our relationships with ourselves, ‘Love & Joy’ was mastered by Andy Baldwin / Metropolis Studios who also worked with The Who, UB40, Pet Shop Boys.

While the classical strings cause a drop in the temperature in December in Istanbul, the easy accordance from the acoustic folk guitar progressions will envelop you in the warmth of the timbre. With a chorus that could rival the euphonically anthemic feel of Mumford and Sons paired with the Eastern folk nuances and roots-deep western folk sensibilities, December in Istanbul is an instant timeless classic.

Fans of Queen, Tori Amos and Tim Buckley will want to pay attention to the modernist multinational spin on folk, as well as lovers of high caliber, Decemberists-leaning sensibilities.

As The Guv will be launching new music twice weekly, the Istanbul-born, London-based artist is well worth a spot on your radar. You can check out December in Istanbul without grabbing your passport by heading over to Spotify, where you will also find The Guv’s already-extensive collection of affable neo-folk.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nathaniel Graham takes us to ‘Sky Valley’ with his classically-inspired folk single

Posted on 28 September 2021

The breaking folk singer-songwriter, Nathaniel Graham, made light work of establishing himself as one to watch when he made his lockdown debut in May 2021. You only need to listen to his latest ambient work, Sky Valley, to see why so many found comfort and escapist refuge in his timeless, classically inspired composition style.

The simple yet masterful guitar-driven melodies canter along at a tranquil pace as the bright, sun-kissed tones epitomise the serenity of summer days away from the chaos of modernity. Around the classical Spanish guitar influences, you’ll find intermittently bluesy folk twangs that add an incredible dynamic to the Newcastle-born, London-based artist’s soundscape.

With a debut album in the pipeline, it is safe to assume that Nathaniel Graham’s career will be just as bright as his optimistically light singles.

Sky Valley is now available to stream on Spotify.