Isaac Gracie – Isaac Gracie
Alternative Folk | Indie Rock
53%
music
Top Tracks: RIVVRS – Let It Die
Mark my words, listening to just this one track is all you need to be completely sold on RIVVRS. Pressing play on ‘Let It Die’, the latest single from forthcoming album Cosmic Dream, is like a tall dark stranger walking into town in the wild west, with an air of mystique and the road-hardened stare of a man who’s seen too much. A track about knowing when to cut loose those who are dragging you down, and not dwelling on those who messed you around whom you’d be better off without, ‘Let It Die’ shares its potent and relatable message with such superb charm and character. With its heavy stomp, understated bluesy riffs, and those suave gritty vocals, this new song from Californian native Brandon Zahursky is a timeless slice of Americana that is not to be missed.
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ISLAND – Feels Like AirAlbum Review: Aesthesys – Achromata
Aesthesys – AchromataSpotlight!: Andy Cook
“What’s a man, anyway?” The question posed, and in some ways answered, by the new release from Minneapolis-based artist Andy Cook. Steeped in all the heartwarming hallmarks of classic Americana, and adorned with hints of 60s psychedelica and 90s dream pop, the EP provides an attentive yet accessible look into the human condition. It’s easy to make music about the dark underbelly of our new digital world and how it divides us, it’s much harder to look past all those distractions and focus on the things that we have in common and make us who we are; here, Cook manages both. The wanderlust inducing ‘Swirl’ whirls by like a summer breeze, ‘Red Lights’ boasts bright riffs and expressive drums, while the melancholy verses of ‘Run’ remind me of Isaac Gracie. The lumbering, other-worldly bass tones of ‘Nothing Changes’ really stand out, while the soft beat and soothing steel guitar of ‘Places We’ll Go’ just makes you want to lie back and watch the world roll by. With this new release you can either delve into the meaning behind it all, or retreat into yourself, the choice is yours.
Fans of The War On Drugs, Angel Olsen and Kurt Vile should check out Andy Cook’s new EP Modern Man out 13th April.
Top Tracks: Augustus James – The Hardest Part
Some genres are perfectly suited to a certain mood, but personally I see Americana as an erstwhile companion that’s always welcome whatever the occasion. Certainly a track such as ‘The Hardest Part’, taken from Augustus James’ debut EP Nora, would be equally at home while cruising down an open road with the sun streaming down, or while watching the rain against the window while you ponder your place in the world. While carrying all the beloved Americana hallmarks we’ve come to expect, the warm understated brass and soothing harmonies make this new track stand out from the crowd. ‘The Hardest Part’ is the kind of track that you can make memories to and can consider to be more than just music, but a lifelong friend.
Album Review: The Family Crest – The War: Act I
The Family Crest – The War: Act ITop Tracks: Charlotte Enegren – Same Old Joe
Tracks like ‘Same Old Joe’ are among the most difficult to write about, as when all the instruments are working together in perfect harmony it is difficult to pick out your favourite moments. On this new single from Swedish singer/songwriter Charlotte Enegren, taken from her upcoming debut EP Mirror Lights, all the instruments are on a sure and equal footing; from the expressive rhythm section, to the warm ambience of the brass, to the jazzy piano interlude. But all of these elements quite clearly need to be working together to stand any chance of matching the most impressive instrument of all: Charlotte’s astounding voice. An assured blend of jazz, soul and pop stylings, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s one of the most impressive and memorable vocal performances to have ever graced the site. With a voice like that, Charlotte’s potential for greatness knows no bounds.
Top Tracks: Matthew Gordon Price – Vixen Queen
Songs like ‘Vixen Queen’ are special in many ways, but perhaps the most telling of all for me is the sense of wanderlust that they ignite. Listening to this new single from alt folk troubadour Matthew Gordon Price, taken from his new EP Rivalry, I can’t help but picture hiking with friends along some woodland trail, not a care in the world about the destination, just revelling in the journey as the sun streams through the canopy. It’s the kind of song that inspires adventure and leaves you longing to leave your old life behind in search of new frontiers. ‘Vixen Queen’ has a timeless feel that is sure to warm your heart. Bringing together the rustic charm of The Felice Brothers, the lush instrumentation of First Aid Kit, and the passionate vocals of Glen Hansard, Matthew’s sublime new single is one adventure that is not to be missed.
Belwood Music 