A timeless folk mystique glows on “Blue Reed,” an alluring new single from Lang Owen, whose debonair narrative-rich vocal presence meshes beautifully with the melodic vocal reflections of Kelly Porterfield. The lyrics compel in their search for spontaneity; a man wanders the woods for a woman who made up her own name, crafted her treehouse habitat, and lives life on her own terms. “Close my eyes, hear what she means,” the vocals admit, then reminding of a “coffee routine,” and the mundanity of day-to-day life — and the temptation that arises in shedding oneself of such. The lovely vocal perf ..read more

An affecting folk sound compels on “Fade,” a new single from The Macarons Project, a Canada-based Indonesian duo. Ree’s lush vocals and Dito’s gentle guitar tones enamor on “Fade,” which is preceding their upcoming debut album, reverie. The brother-sister duo have us anticipating that release with this memorable release, described as exploring “the complexities of relationships.” More specifically, the track encounters “the challenges faced by a couple drifting apart, while expressing a deep longing to revive their connection.” “It’s you, you’re my perfect one,” the vocals let out with heart ..read more

“The Ocean” is a captivating, dynamic folk stunner from Eli Waltz — immersing in both its understated ooh-ing and howling vocal passion. Impressing in the past with tracks like “Writer’s Block” and “Tibetan Bones,” “The Ocean” lends a dark mystique in similarly compelling form. “She dances on sand, trampling castles in her wake,” the vocals let out a sense of foreboding, lamenting “I’m a land-locked man,” and a victim to another one’s tides. A wordless vocal passion sends chills thereafter, venturing into a tale of heartrending beckoning that plays as “an ode to the woman who can steal and b ..read more

The new single from Dublin-based artist Alfie Hudson Taylor, “Being In Love” struts a gorgeous folk sound with expansive orchestral flourishes. A personal, reflective lyrical prowess compels — with stirrings of youth via specific moments, like mind-expanding consumption and getting a tattoo, meshing with larger statements on the pursuit for a fulfilling life. “There’s nothing as sweet as being in love with you,” the vocals decisively repeat to close out the track, full of endearment and melodic charms from Alfie Hudson Taylor. Also known as one-half of the popular duo Hudson Taylor, the arti ..read more

Deja Vu / Demise by Isaac Diskin A beautifully evolving folk track, “Demise” is the first new song in two years from Isaac Diskin, a singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. The introspective, melodic effort engages in its sense of vulnerability and second-guessing, artfully capturing the inner turmoil that arises from the challenges and uncertainties of life. “How did I end up here? A product of my own demise,” the vocals question to start, quickly accompanied by gentle guitar twangs alongside balmy acoustics. The soaring “drives me mad,” multi-layered vocal caressing commences a variety of r ..read more

A haunting folk track that marvels at nature’s beauty while bemoaning the despairing rapidity of environmental destruction, “A Time Like This” comes via Audrey Pearl, an artist based in Burlington, Vermont. Trickling guitar arpeggios accompany a forest-set soundscape, with references to “where the oil spilled,” and suggestions of acid rain coming alongside “it’s sinking in that you can’t be a kid at a time like this.” The melancholic envisioning of troubled times — and its evident impact on the forests the artist grew up in — make for a resonating success from Audrey Pearl. — This and other ..read more

Tongue-Tied by Oscilla A warming, summer-set glow complements the introspective folk appeal of “Tongue-Tied,” a new single from Oscilla, the duo of singer/songwriter Frances England and producer Omar Akrouche. Lush acoustics complement illuminated piano, recorded with a handheld cassette player and in turn furthering a sense of nostalgia. Lyrical visions of summer, cherry juice, and rolling the windows down enamor into the piano’s re-incorporation, as the acoustics maintain a consistently gliding quality throughout. “As the leaves reach for the sun,” the vocals continue, maintaining a nature ..read more

Victoria, BC-based singer/songwriter Christopher Atkins consumes on new single “Lonely Choir,” hypnotizing with a warm array of twinkling Rhodes, steady acoustic drives, and clarinet flourishes. Lyrical observations reflect a contemplative sense of solitude, arriving into the “I think I’m catching on,” realization into the multi-layered title-referencing chorus — punctuated beautifully by the calming clarinet swaying. The clarinet and Rhodes additions, courtesy of Alex Ward (Mother Sun), are cohesive accompaniments to Atkins’ steady vocal captivation; the track enamors in its range from subd ..read more

“Untitled #2” struts a gorgeous folk sound from Hafsol, a Philadelphia-based project that has grown from a solo project into a quintet. Serene guitar work mingles with tender piano touches and understated percussion, with a string-laden shimmer enamoring underneath at points. Past the first minute arrives into a particularly memorable segment, where the vocal layers converge and the percussion fades momentarily — guiding into a cathartic push of trickling acoustics, lush piano, and textural glistening. Subtle synth infusions flash as well, adding a spacey intrigue. The smoky vocal lead, lame ..read more

A new single from Nashville-based artist M. Dunton, “I Left My Heart Out West” showcases a heartfelt folk sound. Understated acoustics and sporadic guitar twangs complement a tender vocal presence, sending chills during rises like “eastbound through Missoula,” into the memorable chorus. “I left my heart out west,” the vocals pronounce at the chorus’ conclusion, as the vocals intensify in emotion as the sequence unfolds. As subsequent verses find a subtle synth-laden underlying, the gorgeous guitar twangs and “turning leaves and elegies,” artful lyrical prose continue the emotive folk embrace ..read more