“Train to Cheyenne” by Erin Heist: A Great-Granddaughter’s Tribute
In the voice and lyrics of Erin Heist, “Train to Cheyenne” is a unique folk tune that tells the story of Heist’s great-grandmother Betty. The song off the album Another Rainy Day is about Betty’s move with her 3-year-old son to Wyoming to marry a cowboy she’s never met before. In this hopeful song, Heist […]
“Heron” by Tweed: A Meditation on the Natural World
Tweed’s single “Heron” follows the journey of a bird flying into the next season, or chapter of life. The Auckland folk band’s slow, rhythmic song set to grounding guitar changes mimics the feel of the heron soaring free in the air, while still knowing where it’s from. As the lyrics written by the trio tell […]
The Intimacy of “House Red” by Phillinois
Phillinois’ “House Red” off the album Blue Haze has a way of surprising you. The beginning of the song seems like a polite, inquisitive folk tune infused with electronics, a mix between Breakout and Ben Folds. As Phil Gerigscott’s lyrics go on, or possibly, as another glass of house red is served, a slight chanting […]
“Most of the Time” by Jocelyn Jayne: Strong Songwriting from the Heart
In “Most of the Time,” singer-songwriter Jocelyn Jayne shares complex lyrics set to keyboard, speaking of the pain it feels to care for someone who is emotionally and mentally unavailable. “I keep a cold eye ready for you to wake up And I take you, you would be mine I won’t remember you ever being […]
“Cold” by Greg Dallas and Catey Esler: After a Crisis, Life Goes On
Songwriter/composer Greg Dallas released the alternative rock album The Storm on May 1st, 2021, featuring vocals from Catey Esler as heard on the song “Cold”. The album as a whole seems to encompass a heartbreak. The song “Cold” zooms in on the loneliness felt after a difficult decision or a situational crisis, possibly involving the […]
“Absolute Nobody” by Tendertwin: Indie That Makes An Impression
Bilge Nur Yilmaz (known as Tendertwin) leaves listeners comforted with being exactly who they are in her new single “Absolute Nobody,” a mysterious song about the pressures of life and the desires to live without stress or expectations. Tendertwin moves between intense, emotional chords and soft fairylike tones as pressure builds up and slowly leaves […]
“San Francisco”/”L.A.” by Bridge Dog: Sunny California Twee
Bridge Dog’s “San Francisco” begins with a sweet, cherry-infused, upbeat electric guitar, a positive energy so present it could turn any bad day around. What first sounds similar to The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” turns into something completely unique as the lyrics begin. Bridge Dog, a twee duo based in Sydney, Australia, starts this […]
Anna Kathleen’s “Pyromaniac” Burns Fierce and Bright
You can feel a wildfire burning in “Pyromaniac,” Ohio-based artist Anna Kathleen’s fourth single. From the very first line, we hear Kathleen address a lover, telling them, “Don’t start fires you aren’t ready to tame.” Lyrically, this serves as somewhat of a thesis statement, or the first match dropped in the brush, setting the tone […]
“Only Idaho, Forever” by Harrison Lemke: Evocative, Melancholy Folk
“Only Idaho, Forever” by Harrison Lemke reflects on the mundanity of daily life. He sings about the boring, circling routines that are all somehow grounded and made comforting by their sense of place. “Last night everything froze over;/It’s back to work today/The cars warming up out in the weekday street:/the sound of someone else’s money […]
“Idlewild” by Mandy Brooks: A Heartfelt Reflection on Childhood
“Idlewild” by Mandy Brooks tells a heartfelt story of magical childhood memories that help adults get through the challenges of life. In her new country/folk song, Brooks describes the place her family gathered each summer growing up, and the way that sense of belonging somewhere helped her when she felt broken as an adult. “Every […]
