Made It Through by Amelie: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Amelie speaks out against bullying and comes out strong in her latest single, “Made It Through.” Through her dynamic and youthful vocals influenced by Florence & The Machine, Billie Eilish and Adele, she belts out heartfelt poetic lyrics and delivers a powerful message of resilience and strength. From the outset, the song captivates with its raw emotion and authenticity. With all real instruments and organic production, the track showcases Amelie’s raw talent and unfiltered voice, free from the constraints of autotune. Strumming guitars set the stage, providing a delicate backdrop for Ame ..read more
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Brushing off the Rust by Dotts O’Connor: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
“Brushing off the Rust” by Dotts O’Connor is a refreshing and uplifting anthem that tells the story of two individuals embarking on the road to self-discovery. With its upbeat melodies and soulful vocals, this single captures the essence of leaving behind hardship and embracing new beginnings. “Brushing off the Rust” kicks off with a punchy saxophone melody pumping the tone for the playful groove that follows. The jittery percussion brings a ruffling naturalism to the song as the soft guitars add layers of reflective texture to the music, creating a rich sonic landscape that draws us in from ..read more
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SAGE NEIN by JAGAS: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
JAGAS’s rendition of “SAGE NEIN” is a rallying cry for change and a revolt against injustice and war. Sung passionately in French by Thomas Humbert, this version of Konstantin Wecker’s timeless song takes on a new urgency in today’s tumultuous world. From the moment the catchy guitar riffs kick in, accompanied by a driving beat, you know you’re in for a powerful musical experience. Thomas’s high yet commanding vocals pierce through the instrumentation, getting his message of defiance and resistance across with a euphonious and relaxing conviction. The song’s anthemic chorus—”Dis non!”—resonat ..read more
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Here’s To Hoping by The Hollering Pines: Album Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Salt Lake City’s own The Hollering Pines promises the soul of Americana in their upcoming album Here’s To Hoping. Set to be released on May 3, 2024, this album showcases the band’s signature blend of roots, rock, and Americana, brought to life by the talents of Marie Bradshaw, Kiki Jane Sieger, M. Horton Smith, Dylan Schorer, Marcus Bently, and Jagoda. “Tender Heart” sets the tone for the album with its warm, inviting sound and heartfelt lyrics. Marie Bradshaw’s vocals shine with richness and vulnerability as she sings of protecting one’s tender heart from further pain. The gentle guitar stru ..read more
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To Follow This Year’s Fashion by 23 Fields: Album Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Alternative folk band 23 Fields is back with their sophomore album, To Follow This Year’s Fashion. With 13 organic and reflective tracks produced by James McMilan, they span genres and themes that make you feel within. Opening with “Summer Life,” the album engages with a tapping percussion and long-drawn violin melodies, rivetting with its bends and swells. Whereas Adams’ vocals transport you to idyllic and joyful summer days. The lead single, “Berlin,” packs a punch in its playful and cheeky instrumentals and raspy vocals, leading the way on a unique trip to Berlin. It’s all about the journe ..read more
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Under My Skin by Jeremy Aaron: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Jeremy Aaron gets blue in his latest single, “Under My Skin.” Released on March 22, the ballad introspects on the pandemic uncertainty and constant worry. The song opens with softly plucked guitars and shimmering synths, getting contemplative and slow straight out. Aaron’s vocals enter with a haunting beauty and a gentle lament, delicately singing, “I feel blue,” with a haunting ebb and flow. With resignation and acceptance burning at the same end, the instrumentation gradually builds, with Ethan Cohen’s drums beating through. The music groans with a suspenseful depth underneath the instrumen ..read more
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Fade by The Macarons Project: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
The Macarons Project, best known for their famous ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ cover, nominated last year at the 2023 BRIT Awards, released their latest single “Fade.” Released on March 14th, the mesmerizing single gets to the heart of a relationship that’s beginning to “fade.” Led by Ree’s soft and husky vocals and Dito’s soothing guitar-work, the Canadian, Indonesian-born brother-sister duo delivers a poignant indie pop/folk ballad that captivates from start to finish. The song opens with gentle guitar strumming, immediately drawing us in with its tune. Ree’s vocals enter delicately, singing intros ..read more
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Right Outside Your Door by Once Great Estate: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Hailing from Tallahassee, Once Great Estate releases their latest cinematic alternative country and dark Americana single, “Right Outside Your Door,” Led by the award-winning songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tracy Horenbein, the band delivers a spine-tingling mesmerizing experience with hypnotic melodies and haunting vocals. Released on March 15, “Right Outside Your Door” swirls with a deep, heady, atmospheric wailing sound floating over glinting acoustic guitar strumming against heavy-hitting, thumping drums. Recorded and produced by Chan Leonard at The Shire in Tallahassee, FL, the song ..read more
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Magical Times by Brian Berggoetz: EP Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Tucson, Arizona-based guitarist and songwriter Brian Berggoetz brings us touched and soothed with his latest EP, Magical Times, released on March 31. Berggoetz gives us a gist of the entire EP straightaway by opening it with the title track, “Magical Times.” This shimmering ode to the beauty of simpler days with guitar strumming away with uplifting warmth and optimism. One standout track is Berggoetz’s cover of Johnny Cash’s classic “Folsom Prison Blues.” Putting his own spin on the iconic song, Berggoetz delivers a more intriguing and soulful rendition. The choir brings vibrance and emotion ..read more
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Lady Ayahuasca by Carnival Mind: Review
Illustrate Magazine » Country & Folk
by Gabe Finch
2w ago
Carnival Mind finds new life in their latest single, ‘Lady Ayahuasca,’ released on March 19. As you embark on a musical journey with the five-piece project, feel free to question the world in your altered state of mind. From the outset, the song captivates with its steely silvery chords, shimmering with twangs of guitar layered over. The high, raspy vocals, delivered with a storytelling tone, immediately draw us into the narrative. The lyrics speak of a search for meaning and a desire for a fresh start, setting the stage for exploring alternative paths to enlightenment. One of the standout fe ..read more
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