The debut single from newly formed trio PsiloMine Sun, “Fall Back” consumes with a meditative electro-folk immersion. With roots in the Chicago music scene, the three (anonymous) members explore a heady atmospheric realm within, self-described as “music for psychedelic therapy and beyond.” Specifically, their music was created in response to personal loss, that of the artist’s late mother. They explain: “Through PsiloMine Sun, I hope to provide solace for those navigating the challenging terrains of grief, depression, and anxiety. Music has always been a refuge for me, and I aim to offer the ..read more

A cinematic, psychedelic folk spirit takes hold on “Outlaw in the Sky,” the new single from Daze of Laur, the project of Los Angeles-based artist Laura Esgro. Born and raised in Topanga Canyon, Esgro takes inspiration from mythology, folklore, and immersive atmospheres; they were initially first spurred into songwriting by family road trips through California and the Southwest, and also by influences ranging from Ennio Morricone to Hope Sandoval and Dr. John. A chiming gentleness quickly evolves into a steady acoustical intrigue, as Esgro’s vocal references to the night sky further a strongl ..read more

Los Angeles-based collective Desert Magic unveil a gorgeously hypnotic folk enamoring on new single “Can You Be Like a Bird?” — emitting a free-spirited glow aptly reflective of its nature-friendly soundscape. The hermit thrush bird makes a stirring appearance with its lovely chirping, set amidst a range of comforting upright bass and trickling guitar twangs. The “piercing right through the cosmos,” arrival proves especially impactful, concluding the track with gentle composure following an array of orchestral snippets and bird-chirping ambience; “Can You Be Like a Bird?” proves inviting and ..read more

A Tokyo-based project that revives traditional Japanese folk songs, Suzumeno Tears showcases their memorable sound with the track “Itokuri Bushi.” Trickling acoustics complement the sparkling vibraphone playing from Tomoko Kageyama, while Agatha and Miyuki Sato lend their enchanting vocal presences. The soaring vocal tones and meditative instrumentation builds to a dazzling one-minute turn, where the lush trickles assembles into a multi-vocal layering with spine-tingling results. The polyphonic vocals’ hypnotic impact melds with the acoustical folk allure throughout, with Kageyama’s vibraphon ..read more

“Seventeen” is a hypnotic success from Hugo Cottu, traversing from acoustic-set contemplation into a soaring rock dreaminess. The London-based French/English singer/songwriter first caught our ears with the debut single “For All I Know” back in 2019, and “Seventeen” furthers his sound with its meditative, escalating engrossment — centering around themes of “growing up and the fading carefree spirit of childhood.” Initial lyrics explore chasing memories and childhood dreams, set with a debonair vocal composure with shades of Jeff Buckley. “Let’s meet this ugly mess that awaits,” the vocals en ..read more

Hazy psych-folk and spacey synth sentiments overlap enjoyably on “Blue,” a recent single from the project Heart Struck Buffalo. “So blue without you,” melancholic vocals let out, resonating alongside a tonally escalating guitar and starry-eyed synths. Chirpy guitar prancing at the mid-point takes hold as well, with a hypnotic allure complementing the depictions of perpetual somberness. The lushly entrancing soundscape compels throughout, with a balanced assortment of exuberant guitar lines, serene acoustics, and spacey synths melding with cohesion. — This and other tracks featured this month ..read more

Open Up to Me by Jenny XII Denver-based trio Jenny XII craft a hypnotic folk and rock cohesion on new single “Open Up to Me,” releasing ahead of their self-titled debut album (set to release in February). Shades of Fleet Foxes are apparent in the introspective verses, which escalate into a series of catching twists and turns. “Open Up to Me” compels in its easy-flowing evolution, exuding both calming contemplation and rock-friendly vigor. A title-touting vocal refrain enamors caressingly amidst gentle guitars. This refrain builds into a vocal-less section where soaring guitar work takes hold ..read more

The lead single from Matt John Henderson‘s upcoming album Soul Season, “Lopsided Truth Sayer” hypnotizes with a meditative pull, infusing folk with eastern influence. Tabla plays a prominent role throughout, emitting a calming flickering amidst lush percussive additions, courtesy of the djembe. Henderson’s vocals maintain a consistent, serene quality throughout. The UK-based artist recalls the likes of George Harrison in the calming, psychedelic folk allure, aiming successfully to induce “the imagination in arresting ways.” — This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the up ..read more

“Took One Look” is a gorgeous folk success from Muunjuun (pronounced moon-june). The project features the work of Curtis James, a multi-instrumentalist based in western Sonoma County, California. James recorded everything by himself in his home studio, apart from drums, featuring the talents of Gabe Katz. Serene acoustics and spirited strings drive into introspective vocals, touting that they “took one look at the world, with the wild in my eyes.” The shimmering guitars, vibrant bass line, and sporadic string infusions assemble a beautiful production. Twangy guitar dexterity combines with the ..read more

When Horses Would Run by Being Dead When Horses Would Run is the riveting new album from Austin-based band Being Dead. A charismatic, psych-friendly sound spans from the heavy guitar distortion within “Come On” to the lushly soaring folk-pop of “Daydream.” Recorded at Radio Milk with producer/engineer Jim Vollentine, the album features gorgeous vocal harmonizing, varied guitar-led dynamics, and a knack for hook-revealing intrigue. Among its numerous highlights, “Holy Team” features striking tonal dynamics, from the peppy vibrancy of the initial title-touting fervency to the subdued, hypnotic ..read more