Immersing across both lush introspection and cathartic emotion in its charming folk sound, “Craving” is a newly released single from Ian Roland. The Brighton, England-based artist draws partly from nostalgia in the themes within, noting childhood memories of visiting Crystal Palace Park with his big sisters, to see big model dinosaurs on display. “It was a mix of trepidation and excitement to seek out the prehistoric animals amidst the Park’s trees and the grey, rainy skies of the Borough of Bromley,” Roland explains. He continues: “I knew the park as Crystal Park, a magical park, and it featu ..read more

A memorably lush folk success from Jessamyn Rains, “Love Again” yearns for rekindling a love that was once wonderful. Originally from Illinois and now based in Chattanooga, TN, Rains impresses with songwriting that’s relatable and serenely melodic. Comforting lyrical depictions and gently gliding acoustics move into a call-to-action, aspiring to “find love again,” with impactful immersion. Glistening acoustics craft a dream-like spell into the opening lyrical imagery, which depict insects and animals frolicking in various habitats. “Ladybug on my windowsill, spider climbing up the wall,” Rains ..read more

Oakland-based singer-songwriter Lizzy Dutton captivates on the new single “Coocoo,” serenely enchanting in its trickling acoustics and scenic orchestral additions. The dreamy guitars and caressing clarinet drives into the playful title-touting vocal segments, with the “I don’t mind at all,” line furthering the anesthetic qualities. “Coocoo” enthralls in its dreamy folk production and artful chamber-pop incorporations, set amidst seamless, gorgeous vocal accompaniments. — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlis ..read more

An exuberant folk success, “Front Door Blues” is a new single from California-based singer/songwriter and producer Sam Plecker. The track comes via his upcoming album So True, out on April 4th. “I’m walking out the front door, I’m walking down the street,” Plecker’s debonair vocals let out alongside steady acoustic pulses, prancing into a wordless vocal playfulness as the stream-of-conscious feeling verses re-appear. The vocal work is rousing in its dynamic pull, excelling across both spirited ascents and a brisk folk narration. “Front Door Blues” has us firmly anticipating Plecker’s upcoming ..read more

Described as “a song about doing whatever possible for the sake of love,” “All for a Little (Strings Version)” is a stirring success from Caleb J. Murphy. The release is an alternate version of the title track from Murphy’s 2024 album, infusing beautiful strings within the original more folk-forward directness. Lushly melodic vocals and heartrending strings complement a strong lyrical prowess, showing vulnerability and some doubt — “maybe I’m broken, maybe I’m not,” — amidst acknowledgements of a strong emotive power. “I never what was they would call smart,” Murphy’s vocals let out. “But I go ..read more

Two recent tracks from Luah showcase the project’s knack for suavely melodic captivation, immersing on both the warming soulful rock haze of “Small Time” and the gorgeous piano-set balladry within “Ocean O. (home 4 the holidays),” which reminds fondly of The National. The project is led by Florida-born musician Brendan Paul Sullivan, currently based in Kingston, New York. These songs precede an upcoming full-length album. “Small Time” enamors especially in its twanging guitar tones and haunting vocal layers, exuding a calming introspection that leads into a dreamy, concluding whistling. Meanwh ..read more

London-based artist Esbe crafts a gorgeous instrumental folk appeal on her new album Mountain Aires. Esbe’s tenth release enamors in its multiple layers of guitar and wonderful atmospherics, invoking nature and landscape-set reflections in its track titles and memorable compositions. “Away from the speed and noise of the human world, alone with the natural sounds, the birds, or just the breeze, I wanted to capture the essence of mountain views and the surroundings,” Esbe explains. “Mount Iwaki, Cherry Blossom at Hirosaki Castle” opens the album with an enchanting lushness. A sporadic, flowing ..read more

A meditative, gorgeous folk sound enamors on “Empty Yourself From Yourself,” a new track from Brooklyn-based guitarist, songwriter, and producer Roy Ben Bashat. “I spent a month practicing Buddhism, working on music and exploring how the two can intertwine,” Bashat explains. “My song reflects the five aggregates-the elements that make up a person’s mental and physical existence.” Those being: Form, Feeling, Perception, Mental Formations, and Consciousness. These self-empowering Buddhist concepts intertwine with a blissfully enveloping production, moving seamlessly as heartfelt strings, calming ..read more

A calming, reflective folk sound enamors throughout “Standstill-Sol Invictus,” a lovely new track from Dean Carter, an artist based in Glastonbury, England. The instrumental sound spans from quaint acoustics to multi-layered ardency, building enjoyably across 9+ minutes of blissful guitar work and ample melodic heart. “Standstill-Sol Invictus” comes via Carter’s fourth full-length, Wheel of the Year, which pays tribute to each festival or “station” of the pagan calendar. The ablum’s opening track, “Standstill-Sol Invictus” represents the rebirth of light and hope following a long night; it tra ..read more

An expanding folk success with a gorgeous wintertime contemplation, “Winter in Bristol” comes via Bristol, England-based trio Play Misty — comprising Ryan McMurtry, Sophie Jones and I-Sha-Vii. Warming flute and mandolin complement the solemn acoustic drive, aided by McMurtry’s vocal lead and the trio’s backing three-part harmonies. The vintage reel-to-reel tape recording bolsters the already-warm enchantment, feeling like a warm fireplace following a long journey out into a frozen tundra. Described as “about a stumble home through Castle Park in Bristol,” “Winter in Bristol” develops with hear ..read more