I was enthralled by the sound of this track from Englishman Henry Parker when I first heard it. It dials deep into the British folk tradition but manages to harness the poetry and drama of the traditional as well as setting flight into exploratory electric psychedelic folk, as it does to great effect towards the … Continue reading
The New York songwriter Mike Etten has released his new single ‘Saints’, taken from his forthcoming new LP Love Wash, October 1st. We’re really impressed with the sound on this, the way he blends a dreamy, rhythmic psych-folk sound with added synths etc. Earlier this month he also released the video clip for the song … Continue reading
Ripper of a track from Sydney, yet another top shelf release from the Evening Records crew. K. Walsh (Kevin to his mum) treads a finely balanced line between country and the interesting side of rock music. There are strummed electric guitars and walking bass lines mingling with handclaps, psych guitar sounds and most rewardingly, some … Continue reading
In our continued appreciation for the amazing ambient country that has been reaching our ears over the last couple of years, here’s a beautiful instrumental track from The Howard Hughes Suite. Like Suss, Daniel Lanois, Eli Winter, Chuck Johnson and William Tyler, The Howard Hughes Suite (a solo project for a guitarist from the South … Continue reading
Things are getting shadowy and noir with this dark and moody single from the LA-based artists CHILLEMI. There’s a very cool ghostly shimmer and a gothic twang to the song and given that stylised sound, it makes sense that there’s a Twin Peaks connection with the video clip starring Giselle DaMier, best known for her … Continue reading
‘I’m Made’ is a brand new track from Stone Jack Jones and featuring the vocals of Adia Victoria. Dense, desolate, driving psych country folk and blues sounds are the order of the day here. It reminds me a lot of New Zealand band The Renderers who trade in a similar form of gothic psych country. … Continue reading
I love the way this track lazily bounces along, draped in jangly cosmic twang and has this wonderfully swelling, spiralling feel, like it could spin on and out forever. It features the warmly melodic lead vocal of Netta Dor, who says of the song… “I love that final chorus. Where everyone becomes entangled with each … Continue reading
It’s hard to go past a name like Dash Hammerstein isn’t it?! Luckily his music is equally as compelling. ‘Sun Dancer’ lopes along like Harry Nilsson tripping on a sunny afternoon down a country lane. Pedal steel plays the coy and alluring sidekick to this Brooklyn songwriter’s heavy-lidded jaunty sound. ‘Sun Dancer’ comes from Hammerstein’s … Continue reading
Trees Trees (50th Anniversary Edition) Fire Records The name Trees might not inspire immediate recognition for music fans but the English group’s brief, but bright three year existence from 1969-1972 has played the long game as obsessive psychedelic and folk musicologists discovered them and quietly spread the word. Fifty years later we have this wonderful … Continue reading
Rose City Band, the project of Ripley Johnson when he’s not immersed in the world of Wooden Shjips or Moon Duo, has announced that album number three will be released on May 21st. Based on ‘Lonely Spaces’ (below) expect more of his amazing blend of dreamy, chooglin’, cosmic country. Press release spiel… Rose City Band … Continue reading
Like Tom Petty jamming with Cutting Crew circa 1985, Aaron Lee Tasjan has fully embraced synth sounds, alongside his power-pop guitar aesthetic on this slice of cosmic pop. It works in a playful way too, with hooks aplenty. Kaleidoscopic Americana? Discussing the song, Tasjan says, “‘Up All Night’ is half party anthem, half cautionary tale. … Continue reading
Lately I’ve been listening to and writing about the sound of ambient country music. I guess it’s the state of the world – but quieter, more ruminative and relaxing sounds have become even more important than ever of late. There are the traditional ambient go-to’s such as Eno, Harold Budd, Jon Hassall, Williams Basinski and … Continue reading
We love traditional folk and country music but when something comes along that puts a twist on the old and adds new textures, moods and flavours then we’re immediately drawn to their fire. Chris Portka does just that on this new single “A Candle Is A Raging Fire!” With the parched and emotive harmonica that … Continue reading
Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada songwriter David James Allen is a man for all seasons. He cites some of his skills as graphic artist, DIY record producer and poet and he clearly takes that polymorphic approach with his music; effortlessly blending country, folk, psych and pop sounds into a wonderful kaleidoscopic sound that could easily … Continue reading
I’m digging this reverbed, rollicking sound from R McClure & Tall Shadows. The British Columbian has a great take on country music, adding a really cool, dreamy psych sheen. Lovely stuff. ‘Big Night’ rides a great shuffling drumbeat like the rush of a successful night mission. ‘Me And My Hangover’ slows things down but finds … Continue reading
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