British Folk Duo Orpine Share Blissful New Song “Two Rivers” (premiere)
Orpine's "Two Rivers" is a gently undulating, understated folk song that provides a welcome reminder of the enduring majesty of nature.
Tracks
Protomartyr – “Processed by the Boys” (Singles Going Steady)
Protomartyr's "Processed By the Boys" is a gripping spin on reality as we know it, and here, the revolution is being televised.
Run the Jewels – “Ooh LA LA” (Singles Going Steady)
Run the Jewels' "Ooh LA LA" may hit with old-school hip-hop swagger, but it also frustratingly affirms misogynistic bro-culture.
Bibio Creates a Type of Dream Folk with “Curls” (track review)
Bibio broadens out his sound and blends acoustic instruments with electronics to create a gentle form of folktronica on "Curls".
Vampire Weekend – “Harmony Hall” (Singles Going Steady)
"Harmony Hall" is about as likable as Vampire Weekend has ever been, from the super-clean ascending guitar lick right on through the piano breakdown that could only have been more baroque if it had been played on a harpsichord.
Daniel Romano – “Empty Husk” (track review)
On "Empty Husk", Daniel Romano depicts the essential belief that any type of forward progression begins with a quiet revelation.
The Avett Brothers – “Roses and Sacrifice” (track review)
As fans expect from the Avett Brothers, "Roses and Sacrifice's" jaunty music masks the underlying emotional upheaval.
Kinnie Starr – “I’m Ready” (track review)
Kinnie Starr's "I'm Ready" is about closure, moving on, and the good times to come.
Punch Brothers – “Like It’s Going Out of Style” (track review)
Punch Brothers' "Like It's Going Out of Style" is the hushed final track on a relatively quiet but brilliantly composed collection of songs.
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – “Blueberry Jam” (track review)
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy's "Blueberry Jam" is a drug-induced, fruit-fueled criticism of the world we live in today.
Kaelan Mikla – “Litil Dyr” / “Manadans” / “Reykjavik til stader” (track review)
Kaelan Mikla have captured the musical essence of Iceland, and the resulting sound is unique and mesmerizing.
Gregory Alan Isakov – “Chemicals” (track review)
True to Isakov's style, "Chemicals" is a penetrating narrative that explores the complexity of the human condition.