Category Archives: Folk

Folk, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Brian Corbett ‘Wonder’

Emerging from the west of Ireland, Brian Corbett has released his new single ‘Wonder’. After moving across the Atlantic five years ago to live in Toronto, Brian Corbett found himself in a music scene he had never experienced before. He rubbed shoulders with a variety of artists and writers who instantly broadened his music and writing palette. After five years away from home he grew tired of city life and moved home to the deep wilderness of Connemara. Having left as a wishful teenager he returned as a focused musician with a voice that can be delicate when necessary but can roar a chorus as good as any vocalist on the island. Since returning, the Galway artist has found his stride in writing and recording new songs that are now ready for the world to hear.

Within ‘Wonder’ Corbett blends warm folk tones and cinematic tendencies with earnest lyrics to create a compelling new tune. The song travels on twinkling guitar and a pulsing beat exuding suspense throughout while Corbett’s warm vocals and lush harmonies croon the gripping lyrics, “hope you spin my head around. Round and round until it falls. Pick it up and it’s all yours“. The track is a joy to listen to as the artist eloquently captures a sense of longing through ethereal soundscapes while the folk foot-tapping rhythm grounds the track. Laced in catchy melodies wholesome musicianship and heartfelt lyrics ‘Wonder’ is a stunning new single from Brian Corbett.

Speaking of the single Brian Corbett said: “My new song feels like the perfect way to kick start something I’ve been working on for the last few years. The track touches on my teenage years and lacking the bravery to tell a close friend that I wanted to be more. I look back at that situation with huge regret and often wonder what would have happened had I just let a few words fall from my mouth.”

Stream ‘Wonder’ below 


Author: Danu

Album Review, Folk, indie rock, New Music

The Star Prairie Project ‘Panacea’ Album

The Star Prairie Project has released a 10 song album titled ‘Panacea’. The album follows on from the success of their single ‘Sophia’ which has amassed more than 110,000 streams on Spotify and reached #48 on the DRT Top 50 Adult Contemporary chart. The Star Prairie Project gets its name from the village of Star Prairie outside of Minneapolis and the AlanParsons Project. The Star Prairie Project is made up of Nolen R. Chew Jr. and Rick J. Vogelpohl. Their upcoming album ‘Panacea’ sees them teaming up with more vocalists and musicians as they create a truly collaborative and highly polished album.

‘Panacea’ is a wholesome and accomplished album that ventures from alternative rock to country and folk with some Americana peppering throughout. The album steadily blends heartwarming musicianship with slick instrumentation with ease as The Star Prairie Project present their powerful and refined sound through the rock-filled and mighty opener ‘Do What You Do’. The sultry rock n’ roll of ‘Frantic Mind’ and witty twang of ‘My Dear Lady’ display the bands ability to rein the might of their wild alternative rock and embellish their deft sound with more emotive and cheeky elements. This is shown particularly well in soft romantic ballads such as ‘So Beautiful’.

However it is within the intricacies of the guitar and piano work that this band truly excel. The guitars inject majestic qualities, raw power and sharp vigor into the tracks while the piano provides more haunting tones in tracks such as ‘Nowhere Bound’ with its mysterious soundscape and jazz elements.

‘Panacea’ boasts a sound brimming with catchy melodies and clean production with a healthy dose of rock spread throughout. There are warm Americana elements fused throughout creating a smooth fluid album filled with emotive vocals and passionate musicianship. Each song is structured and well crafted with steady punchy drum progressions and refined guitar lines that add lamenting elements to nostalgic tracks like ‘Bygone Days’ with its sweet dreamy classic rock coating and shredding solo while ‘My Heart Strings’ takes the bands more piano pop persona and flourishes into a disco hued bop. 

‘Panacea’ is a satisfying album laced in folk/ country influences and sublime rock elements. The Star Prairie Project have built a strong repertoire of music filled with charisma, cheeky charm and refined intricate musicianship. It’s a solid new album.

Stream ‘Panacea’ below 


Author : Danu

Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, indie rock, New Music

Rowan ‘Big Wave’

Photo Credit: Zyanya Lorenzo 

Irish indie-folk band Rowan have released their new single ‘Big Wave’. Rowan is made up of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dylan Howe, with Fionn Hennessy-Hayes on drums and Kevin Herron on Guitar. The individual members of the band have worked with world renowned artists such as TOUCAN, Tiz McNamara, Ariel Posen, The Frank And Walters, Clare Sands, Stephanie Rainey and Little Hours, as session musicians performing to crowds of thousands in some instances. 

With melodies that hook you from the start ‘Big Wave’ delves deep into your skull and massages your brain with Rowan’s infectious luscious musicianship. The band carve a vibrant indie edge into the track as jaunty guitars slice through a buoyant backdrop and peppy rhythm. With a groove mangled bass, clap along feature and instant rush of vitality the track lays down an energetic foundation. This band swirls sweet glistening melodies into refined musicianship to create a heartfelt number that charms and warms the cockles of your heart while quick lyrics add both sweetness and a touch of humour. There is a folk element richly blended into the mixture of indie rock with a glorious sprinkling of pop on top.The band use wonderful percussive elements to flesh out the track and create a wholly invigorating sound with tropical undertones. With velvety vocals and lush harmonies ‘Big Wave’ is a tasty tune that I just can’t get enough of. 

Stream ‘Big Wave’ below 


Author : Danu

Album Release, Album Review, Folk, Indie Folk, New Music

Zebra Trees Self- Titled Album

Country Rock band Zebra Trees have released their self-titled debut album. This follows on from their first single ‘Happy Birthday’, released in February. Zebra Trees consists of songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jim McFarnell and vocalist Andrea French.

Zebra Trees present their wholesome country rock with sweet pop elements and warm instrumental lilts through their self titled album. From the cosy bright jingle of ‘Wild In The Country’, the balmy ‘Wanted Poster’ and uplifting ‘ Just To Let You Know’  through to the more ballad- eque tracks like ‘Nightmare’ and ‘The Busker’ we see the vibrant and well crafted musicianship of Zebra Trees. The band flesh out their sublime storytelling through lush catchy melodies and rich instrumentation. French’s vocals exude emotion and passion throughout with lush harmonies creating a beautiful texture within the album. There are wonderful guitar moments throughout from sweet jingles to infectious slinky guitar licks and sweltering western twangs. The band use the guitars to add rich and vibrant embellishments in the songs. The buoyant and infectious foot-tapping beat in tracks like The Corrs – esque ‘Summer Angel’ create a pure and radiant atmosphere and gives something to bounce and dance along to while the beautiful vocals melt upon the delightful melody. Warm, cosy and heartfelt tones are abundant as Zebra Trees blend folk and country with a peppering of rock to add an edge. ‘Broken’ and ‘Good Times Past And Gone’ bring the album to an end with the latter fully embracing the country elements of the bands style with strong guitar twangs and powerful vocals. 

If country folk rock is your thing then Zebra Trees have everything you would want with peppy catchy melodies, loving, yearning tones and a strong southern edge, it’s a humdinger sure to have your feet tapping. 

Stream Zebra Trees album below 


Author : Danu

Album Review, Folk, Indie, Indie Folk, New Music

Mark Braham ‘After A While’ Album

Australian singer-songwriter Mark Braham has recently released his debut album ‘After A While’.Currently residing in Canberra, Mark Braham also serves as a producer and mixing engineer, regularly working on projects for local and national artists as well as the development of work in the film and TV industry.

‘After A While’ is an acoustically driven album as Mark Braham provides emotive foot tapping tunes of indie folk. With sweet melodies and easy on the ears acoustic backing each track on the album flows beautifully into the next. From the twanging guitar and warm melody in ‘After A While’, the cheery vibrant ‘Space Between the Sound’ and  ‘Don’t Save Me Yet’ to the soft twinkling piano in ‘We Were Young’ and ethereal ‘Always Son’ Braham creates each track meticulously building tender emotion and passion into each component part. ‘Any Real Reason’ fleshes out the country twang element of the album while ‘Million Dollar Star’ introduces elegant string arrangements to flutter between the piano. The entire album is an emotional and personal collection of acoustic music presented by Mark Braham with final track ‘This Is Our Lives’ ending with uplifting tones and exuding snug comfort as nostalgic tones stream throughout. 

‘After A While’ is a wonderful warm collection of tracks, perfect for those who love chilling and listening to acoustic music.

Stream ‘After A While’ below 


EP Review, Folk, Indie, Indie Pop, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Bland Orlando ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ EP

Cork Indie Pop/Folk artist Bland Orlando has released his new EP ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’. This three track collection floats and swoons in Bland Orlando’s delicate and emotive musicianship. From the brooding fluid groove of opening track ‘Blue’ the EP sets up a tranquil scene with relaxing vibes and sweet lush melodies. With soft warm guitar accompaniment and a steady beat slap this track allows  Bland Orlando’s vocals to become the main focus point as he coos with raspy tones over the delicate tender melody. ’Hold’ has a lighter more buoyant quality as the twinkling soundscapes flutter about the rich rhythm and infectious melody. It’s charming and a joy to listen to. There are intricate subtle melodies through out that create a mesmerising and peaceful tone to the track making it perfect for evening listening. This EP in brimming with passion and luscious melodies. Bland Orlando’s simplistic approach gives a special and magical effect to his tracks. ‘Wasted’ closes the EP. Haunting backing vocals lull and whine behind Orlando’s deep vocals. Passion and emotion radiates through out the track – building becoming more jittery until it transforms into a tropical- esque delight. The guitars add a dash of zest and sun-speckled scintillation as the rhythm becomes more shaky and vibrant. It’s a chilled cruising track to bring the EP to a mellowed out hazy summer end. 

 Bland Orlando has created an emotive EP that is set to ease the mind and relax the soul with his superb musicianship. 

Stream ‘Blue – Hold – Wasted’ below 


Folk, Indie, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jane Willow ‘The Fool’

Photo Credit: Tiernan O Rourke

Jane Willow is set to release her new single ‘The Fool’ on May 31st. The Dublin-based folk musician of Dutch origin has supported the likes of Glen Hansard, Mark Geary, Kíla and The Unthanks and her debut EP ‘Onward Still’ received radio play on Radio 1, Radio Nova, BBC Radio Ulster.

‘The Fool’ sees Willow venture to the more country elements of her sound as she takes a powerful stance with strong melodies and upbeat instrumentation. The warm guitar strides through a resilient buoyant beat while Willow’s striking vocals exude passion, emotion and endurance. There is strength and character driving this track through a winding dark and mysterious journey. The guitar weaves and meanders through  innocent melodies and sultry tones as the track progresses from the ominous, smoky verses to the expressive chorus. The vocal melody remains sweet and dainty however the instrumental backdrop and powerful vocal delivery are strong and brazen creating a raw and intriguing contrast. Willow has poured everything into this compelling track as she fleshes out and crafts her rich and diverse sound beautifully.

About the track Jane Willow said : “This song started as an homage to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’, exploring country songwriting with a strong vocal in mind, but it quickly evolved. I never intended for it to be a real song, or for me to sing it. But something personal occurred to me and I connected with the song because of it. To me this song is about consent. I wanted to rid myself of the anger I felt. And I didn’t want to feel alone in this hurt.  I feel very nervous releasing this song, or speaking about it. But I know the song means something to me. And hopefully it will mean something to other people too.”

‘The Fool’ will be released on May 31st for more information you can follow Jane Willow on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/janewillowmusic


Album Review, Blues, Folk, Folk and Soul, Indie, New Music

Magpie Diaries ‘Sanctuary’ Album

Country/folk group Magpie Diaries have released their long-awaited 11-track debut album ‘Sanctuary’ via Dashville. Originating in Hunter Valley, Australia, singer-songwriter Matt “Magpie” Johnston unassumingly founded Magpie Diaries as a coping mechanism for the loss of a dear friend, channeling his grief into the band’s signature brand of smooth alternative country music, bolstered by a tinge of folk and psychedelic rock straight out of the 70s. Motivated to continue this musical journey, Johnston set to work on the songs, recording Sanctuary with producer Matt Sherrod (Crowded House, Beck, William Crighton), over the next 3 years. Alongside his own musical endeavours, Magpie hosts a festival in his family property once a year. The festival titled The Gum Ball started over 10 years ago and today brings in crowds from around the world.
‘Sanctuary’ is a laid back mellow collection of tracks that melt gloriously into the ears creating a rich easy listening experience. The tracks swoon and glide about melancholic tones and dreamy vibes. Opening track ‘Beat Myself Up’ creates the swaying calm atmosphere with warm raspy vocals, lush harmonies and bittersweet guitar twangs. The guitar melodies in the tracks creates a sweet euphoric tone throughout the album from pining laments to steamy whines in ‘Irresistable Pie’ – the guitars flood each track with rich and varied characters. The album ranges from the upbeat soulful folky tones of ‘When Love Comes, ’10 Honey’ and ‘Beetroot’ to the tender ‘Strawberries & Cream’ and ‘If You’re Hurting’.When Magpie Diaries wants to lull you into a dreamy melancholic country toned stupor they do it superbly with sweet lyrics, beautiful melodies and soft passionate instrumentation and when they want to add a dash of shimmying vibrancy the shift is seamless and joyous without ruining the easy going mood of the album. The foot tapping infectious ‘Mumma’s Right’ and the delicate emotional ‘This Spring’ show this perfectly. The shift in tone is refreshing yet subtle. ‘Wastin’ Time’ thuds in on a darker tone as a stomping beat backs a sultry bluesy guitar and luring mysterious atmosphere. The brass elements through the album are simply sublime and lace each track with a juicy sultry persona. The raw ‘Don’t Give Up’ closes the album on an emotional vibe as glistening keys twinkle softly between strong guitar chords and lush vocals. It’s a passionate bruised end to the album that hits you hard in the chest and pulls at those heart strings. It’s a comforting track that gives hope and motivation in difficult times.

‘Sanctuary’ blends, churns and glides through a multitude of emotions from sensual, melancholic to cheery effortlessly while creating the perfect relaxed atmosphere to submerge yourself in.

Magpie Diaries will support the release of Sanctuary with 4 shows at the prestigious Woodford Folk Festival over New Years, along with an Australian East Coast tour throughout January – March. More information can be found on their socials here https://www.facebook.com/magpiediaries/

 

Stream ‘Sanctuary’ below

 


EP Review, Folk, Indie, New Music

Skipper ‘North’ EP

Infrared image of evening light falling on Icelandic mountain range

Folk rock artist Skipper has released his new EP ‘North’. Skipper released his latest Folk Rock EP, North, back in March and is ready to share it to new listeners once again. For Skipper, this record is his first self produced project, having worked on it all by himself. The vocals and the majority of the instrumentals are all his own work that he recorded in ‘Anchor Point’ in Melbourne, Australia.  With the help of contributors such as mixer, Brian McTear, who has worked with Sharon Van Etten and War on Drugs drummer Patrick Berkery, Skipper puts a spin on classic folk music.

‘North’ is a collection of gripping emotionally charged tracks that take you on a breezy journey of discovery. Written by Skipper about the complexity of life itself each track highlights a different aspect of life. ‘Past The Night’ speaks about death, following personal processes of letting go of true love. Brimming with wispy haunting soundscapes and deep eerie vocals this track builds from mournfully chilling to a crashing crescendo of shrilling guitars with wail and screech over punchy drums. The melodies in this EP are rich and full of meaningful heart gripping moments that make each track hit home with the listener. ‘Take What’s Yours’  is Skipper’s take on an ode to our consumer culture. Warm jingly guitar weaves its slinky way between a steady buoyant beat and rich percussion as Skippers vocals coo, soothe and almost drone between this lush exotic backdrop. ‘Northern Light’ is full of twinkling mystery. Delicate guitars glisten between a throbbing beat while echoed vocals haunt over the pulsing backdrop as bells chime an ominous jingle throughout. The sweet angelic ‘Hey There’ closes the EP. Soft guitar jingles teamed with lush harmonies add an ethereal lift to this gentle number ending the EP with soft chimes and celestial tones of hope. A charming tender way to close an EP which travels through a roller-coaster of emotions in the most soothing tranquilising manner.

Stream ‘North’ below

 


Folk, New Music, Singer/Songwriter

Jane Willow ‘Onward Still’

Dublin-based Dutch folk musician Jane Willow has released her new single ‘Onward Still’. Willow is a Dutch singer-songwriter who moved to Ireland at age twenty-one to pursue music after a stint of studying songwriting at a Dutch Music College. In her music she experiments with folk, jazz and classical elements, whilst keeping her rich, soft and velvet-like voice at center stage.In recent years she has played an incredible amount of gigs, frequenting venues like Vicar  Street, Whelan’s, The Workman’s Club and Galway’s Roisin Dubh. In August 2017 she opened for Glen Hansard in Vicar Street. She followed this gig with a full band show in the Grand Social. In November Willow successfully raised over 4000 euro on fundit.ie for her first EP and has been featured on RTE Radio 1, BBC Radio Ulster and was the finalist in many songwriting/performance competitions and ‘Ones To Watch’ showcases. On her debut EP she collaborates with Dave Hingerty (drums: Kila, The Frames), Vyvienne Long (cello: Damien Rice) and regular band members Joanna Marie Burke (backing vocals), Eoin Healy (bass), Derek Copley (mandolin) and Scott Flanigan (keys). Her EP is due for release November 15th and ‘Onward Still’ is the second single from the EP.

‘Onward Still’ is a delicate wholesome number that radiates with simple glowing tones and delightful sun kissed melodies. The lush harmonies soothe and caress the sweet cosy melody while Willows warm vocals ease your mind and coo throughout this vibrant little gem. With soft guitar twangs injecting sparkling luminosity and bursts of zesty refreshing flavours this track is a golden ray of sunshine on a mild summers evening. Soft rhythms cushion and tranquilise you into a blissful swaying state of elation as the track flurries along in a graceful elegant manner. This track warms the cockles of your heart with purity and goodness as elastic bass and buoyant drums wrap you in a comfy cover while the beautiful melody melts upon the moving musical backdrop.Its a snug well crafted little ditty.

You can catch Jane Willow live at her single launch gig on Thursday Aug 30th in The Cobblestone, Dublin.

Watch the video for ‘Onward Still’ below