The Foster Family Band
This single is the opening track from the debut EP by The Foster Family. Now, this is a release that I’ve been waiting for. “How Can I?” offers up a bluesy introduction to the unique sounds of The Foster Family Band; a seven-piece outfit from Phoenix. The instrumentation on this track includes trumpet, viola, clarinet, and violin. A lot of orchestral folk acts should take a cue from The Foster Family Band. Every arrangement is tasteful and uncluttered; every player a competent of a single expression, not clamoring for presence in every moment. This 4-track release is stellar from start to finish so make sure you set aside some time to listen to the whole thing. You won’t be sorry you did. But, first, start with “How Can I?” below…
Fellow Hollow
The musical duo out of Columbus, OH known as Fellow Hollow creates mellow, moving pastoral folk that will soothe your weary soul. Their sweet-tempered single, “Clothesline”, is painted in nostalgic hues and combines rich harmonies with a simple finger-plucked guitar work. This track comes to us from the band’s 2016 EP, When You Love the Same People, You Love Each Other, which came out last month. Settle into the sound of Fellow Hollow with “Clothesline”, and if you dig what you’re hearing, check out the full EP here.
Willetta
Phoenix’s Willetta released three tracks back earlier this year that were intended to be part of a split with another local act. “Aurora” was one of the singles planned for that release and, thankfully, the band went ahead and put them out online so fans, like myself, can hear them and love them. Willetta combines dreamy harmonies with ruminating melodies that provide the perfect vehicle for the thoughtful lyricism that lies at the center of these creations. “Aurora” is both beautiful and haunting. You should give it a listen below and then make sure you check out the full triptych from Willetta (available here).
andGATHER.
Nicholas SantoVasi is gearing up for the release of his second collection of tracks under the moniker andGATHER. By taking mellow indie folk and adding subtle permutations within the texturing of the track, andGATHER. arrives at a sound perhaps best described as “Melancholy Martian Folk”. “Cøde Red”, the first single from Nøthing That Is Real Is Alien Tø Me., is like gently drifting through the distant reaches of your unexplored mindspace. Sink into the experience below and, if you love the single as I love the single, don’t forget to check out the full LP here.
Valley Shine
Let’s diverge a little further from the sphere of traditional folk toward this folk-pop find from the L.A.-based act known as Valley Shine. In “Home Away”, this six-piece act creates a sound that will brighten the dark and dusty corners of your heart. Combining the down-home feel of folk with the power of orchestral pop, Valley Shine achieves a compelling musicality that will stay with you long after that first spin. Give “Home Away” an ear here…
Delafaye
Delafaye is the moniker of Kentucky-based musician Andrew Shockley. His debut single, “Dreamers”, has a sleepy, early-morning feel that reminds me of waking up in a warm bed on a cold morning. Those moments of calm reflection can give shape to your whole day. “Dreamers” is like that. It floats toward you in an ether of soft sounds as you cross the threshold that divides your dream-life from your waking world. This is a promising start for Delafaye. Listen to “Dreamers” below…
Sunny Pache
“A Song Called Garrett County”
Sunny Pache describes himself as an “outdoor enthusiast, musician, and student living in the Appalachian mountains of western Maryland.” In his latest single, “A Song Called Garrett County”, the listener can distill a nature-centric sensibility in Pache’s musical style. The track has a rustic feel that will refresh your world-weary soul like drinking sweet tea on a porch swing. Settle down with “A Song Called Garrett County” and make sure you check out Pache’s new EP, Indian Summers, available for pre-order through iTunes here.
