February was a massive month for music that included a lot of heavy hitters dropping full lengths as well as...
I began to play music at my new cafe, and I noticed that the local kids here were really interested. We spent weeks hunting around in junk shops and markets for traditional musical instruments. We called our band 'Kome Anak Pahang.' It means; the son’s of the forest. That is a significant name, because so much of what the traditional Malay people need comes from the jungle...
Historian is an LA-based psych-folk band which evokes the audio image of a tripping-on-acid Leonard Cohen. And just like a psychedelic journey can have almost diametrically opposite in nature stops, so does Historian’s Expanse LP.
In 1967, Arthur Lee and his then stable band, Love, came up with Forever Changes - widely considered to be their, and one of rock’s greatest masterpieces. While making some impact in Europe, in particular England, at the time, the album was practically ignored in the US. Now, 50 years later, the album is being recognized for what it is (even by Rolling Stone, who missed its greatness the first time around).
Wye Oak's latest feels decidedly more accessible than say "Civilian", but in reality their compositions are as dense and layered as ever, but the new synth and rhythm additions make their sound so much more expansive. And it's the interplay between the bright expansive backdrop and the highly introspective lyrics, sung through her still incredibly beautiful airy vocals, that make this such a fulfilling listen.
Many folk records can feel a bit too one note at times, but not this one, Ray LaMontagne gives you everything from slow, country ballads, to the raucous and almost psych and metal-like, and his incredible vocals have no trouble playing to everything.
"How To Win" is a charmingly quaint song by the brother and sister folk duo The Native Sibling that conjures up a bird in a cage that eventually breaks free.
Ashley Wilson’s "Paint The Sky" instantly conjures up Norah Jones’s best smooth jazz practices. A soothing backdrop that feels like a romantic starry night.
"San Jacinto" is about a vice-fueled 'dirty soul,' but such music could never come out of a dirty place. Excess and guilt give birth to beautiful music.
'Running in the Dark' lets you explore Paul Doffing's travel experiences and thoughts, or waft on his beautiful folk melodies and voice to your very own.
The Suitcase Junket may have welcomed more people into the studio, but live it’s still a solo affair—which isn’t to say he doesn’t get a little help. With a quick wit and wry smile, Lorenz pulls the crowd in and makes them as much a part of the performance as himself. Check out our full collection of shots from the show.
My first night at the Ryman was also my first time seeing Old Crow Medicine Show in several years, and while the lineup had inevitably changed, their rebel spirit was still there - from the opening breakneck pace of “Tear It Down” to the final ephemeral notes of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
Waiting Around, the sophomore album from John Stammers that took 6 years to make is finally here and it may just mark the resurrection of the sub-genre 'jazzy folk' that has roots all the way back to the 50's.
John Hufford's newest musical number sets the tone for his upcoming album release, Sleep. It's like a lullaby you can't stop listening to...
Lionlimb's "Tape Recorder" is a neat and extremely interesting, albeit challenging, album to experience. It's likely to be quite unlike anything you've ever listened to - shimmering with nuanced note choices and a delicate balance of melancholy.
Once in a while I’m pleasantly surprised by an evening that is so intimately tied together that you can’t divorce the performances from each other. Performances that demand to be addressed as a whole rather than cut into distinct pieces. Gordi and S. Carey put on one such performance to a sold-out crowd at DC9 Nightclub in Washington, D.C. Check out the full gallery of photos from their amazing sets here.
Lord Huron's latest is a beautiful nighttime blend that's at times cinematic in nature - with the best way of describing it is as psychedelic sci-fi folk western. They may not be as commercially or critically recognized as say a Bon Iver, but they're quietly putting together an impressive discography and Vide Noir is further evidence that they're one of the most interesting acts in folk.
The fact that Father John Misty can carry such a musically stripped down album with not much more than his vocals and some superb songwriting should say it all. It's a stand out.
Common Jack’s "Viñales" is a gentle travel song you can waft with along the open roads, skies, seas, or anywhere else your wanderlust takes you.
For the lovers of neo-classical acoustic guitar, "Prince William Sound" is like a mature wine, rich and balanced, harmonic, gentle, yet full-bodied.
William Russell Wallace’s LP may go by the name of 'Dirty Soul', but it’s a piece of unadulterated talent, pouring straight from the source.
Dawes' live show remains the group’s true apotheosis: a rowdy, rollicking good time that wanders at will through their 10-year, 6-album career while retooling old favorites, debuting unheard tracks, and pulling the crowd together in anthemic sing-alongs. Check out our full collection of shots from the show.
Pony Bradshaw were openers for a recent Jade Jackson show at the Mercy Lounge in Nashville, TN. Here's our collection of shots from a fantastic set from the group.
Molly Tuttle was the opener for the recent Old Crow Medicine Show concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. Here's our collection of shots from a fantastic set.