Jesse Welles Sounds Assured on the Multidimensional ‘Middle’
Youthful Arkansas native Jesse Welles has been at it for years but moves beyond protest music to the sophisticated alternative country of Middle.
indie folk
Miya Folick Explores Desire on ‘Erotica Veronica’
Throughout Erotica Veronica, Miya Folick admirably balances her lyrical introspection with an engaging array of musical styles.
Thin Lear Creates Sumptuous, Low-Key Chamber Folk
Thin Lear is a complete artist in that his influences are impeccable and apparent in his songs, yet he still crafts his own unique, brilliant voice.
Will Stratton Creates Fascinating Characters in Song
Will Stratton is easily one of the finest songwriters working today, but he’s never flashy or over-the-top about it. Points of Origin is Stratton at his absolute best.
Flora Hibberd Casts a Mesmerizing Spell in Bristol
Flora Hibberd’s sonorous voice immediately grabs your attention, which imbues these tapestry-like songs with depth and an ineffable grandeur.
Clara Mann’s Glorious ‘Rift’ Lets the Light In
With its homespun folk tunes, Clara Mann’s Rift is like a tête-à-tête between close friends under a crepuscular sky that leaves you listening to every word with the utmost attention.
Katy Pinke Soars on Her Brilliant Sophomore Album
Katy Pinke’s Strange Behavior continues to showcase thrilling, inventive songwriting but sees her working with a broader musical palette.
Sunny War Creatively Challenges Conventional Musical Norms
Sunny War is a punk rocker who now lives in the country music capital and writes personal folk-based protest songs about our mutual situation.
Richard Dawson Discovers His Way Home on Captivating New LP
End of the Middle is a more streamlined Richard Dawson album that’s no less engaging and perhaps more accessible than his previous work.
Bonnie Prince Billy Finds a Comfortable Home
Bonnie Prince Billy’s The Purple Bird reaches its highest points when Will Oldham finds the joy in life, which feels like its own form of resistance.
Heather Maloney Channels Joni and Father’s Death Into Music
Heather Maloney’s latest release, Exploding Star, suggests the benefits of empathy and mourning when one is not bereaved. Sadness can bring us joy.
Bright Eyes’ 2005 Albums Speak to Our Individual and Collective Discontent
Bright Eyes brought their expansive and messy vision to life 20 years ago with two albums that captivated listeners then as they surely will now.