Folklaw "We Will Rise"
Own label, 2019
Folklaw locks into a solid folk rock formula that you may have heard many times before, but is still welcome when their delivery is this accomplished. The band has a good grasp on introducing passion without going over the top. This keeps things more universal in scope and allows a good connection with a vast audience. Or to put it more simply, this UK band writes a good tune and plays it with style and heart.
© David Hintz
Arvest "Diliamm"
Coop Breizh, 2018
While this album clearly has a rock style throughout, there is an underlying folk heart at the center. The overall atmosphere is spritely, but thoughtful. They mix it up with varying levels of rock moves and percussion with the constant being that the playing is nimble and quick. The wide variety of instruments is also quite exciting. Yet there is something distant about this, that is hard to place in space or time. So, kudos to Arvest for coming up with a sound and the songs behind it to take me to a new place. That is hard to do in this day and age.
© David Hintz
Danny Lynn Wilson "Peace of Mind"
Swingnation Records, 2019
Danny Lynn Wilson takes that well-travelled musical rural road with well worn pavement and spacious landscapes. His voice, although worn, has enough presence to convey his thoughts and stories. There is some blues, a bit of folk, and a wee bit of rock music in this mix of music. It is comforting with just enough push into interesting sounds to command more attention than the average release of this style. I would recommend going out of your way to find this for a listen or two or more.
© David Hintz
Willa Vincitore "Choices"
Own label, 2018
If you want the blues with fine rocking arrangements and an upbeat attitude, then this LP is presented here for your pleasure. New York’s Willa Vincitore has a powerful voice that she can flex into various forms of blues, R&B, soul, lounge, and rock music. The music is good, if not highly familiar, but this voice will keep you coming back.
© David Hintz
Sugatree "This Time"
Two Tails, 2017
We have heard this spritely brand of Celtic music many times before, but it will outlive us all for many a millennium to come. The melodic sensibility carries the day with a good light rock under current as the acoustic guitar and mandolin battles the flute to a draw. The delicate female vocals may take you back to Folkdove or Irolt, but there is a lighter more modern style at the core of this music. It is really hard not to like this, no matter how many times you have heard something similar.
© David Hintz
Altin Gün "Gece"
Glitterbeat, 2019
From Amsterdam, via Turkey, comes this vibrant and exciting band. They definitely click all the right boxes for those of us that dig psychedelic folk music. The Turkish influence is there in all its melodic modal glory. The arrangements are snappy with great vocals on top of a solid rhythm with lots of enchanting instrumental flourish. The traditional tones meet with modern sounds without resorting to electronica over indulgence. Aside from a little fading in the songwriting as the album continues, this is a gem well worth exploring.
© David Hintz
Sister Speak "The Stand EP"
Reso Nation, 2018
There are six songs on this release with a seventh bonus track. That is enough of a taste to hear the qualities of these musicians. It has traditional singer songwriter folk rock qualities with a wee bit of modern electronica in the arrangements. There is a pop sheen as well. It is primarily guitar and keyboards driven, so it fits comfortably into a mainstream folk pop-rock approach. A quality effort, this, especially for those in search of a pop sensibility.
© David Hintz
Dan Krikorian "Grandeur"
Own label, 2019
Dan Krikorian is quite dependable with his music. A warm and intimate style brings his stories to life. The arrangements are as full as ever as there is a lot going on at all times here. There is a softer quality that is reminiscent of Josh Ritter. Although he has got interesting career paths including education and basketball, Dan Krikorian is a fine musician that hopefully is developing a larger audience.
© David Hintz
Elias Elena Krell "XO"
Own label, 2018
This is a mix of styles veering from easy going country sounds through folk rock to out and rock music. It is all agreeable enough, although the diversity takes a bit of getting used to. I usually crave diversity, but would like something a bit more to center on here. Still, I quibble, this is good music with high quality vocals that will command attention.
© David Hintz
Tartit "Amankor/The Exile"
Riverboat Records, 2019
I have learned that the Tuareg people are part of the Berber culture, which I have some musical familiarity with. While I can not speak on the nuances of this particular music, it should strike a chord with anyone who appreciates the nomadic Saharan music of Africa. And even if you know nothing of the musical history, these hypnotic droning songs may just work some magic for you. There is a punchiness to the rhythm, which separates this from other droning styles, but the rhythms are quite steady throughout. The female vocals are quite unique and likely affect the lyrical perspective as well, although I am not familiar with their language. Like Tinariwen, the magic does not always hold over the length of the album or live set, so shorter doses may work for some listeners. This is their first album in over a decade and it is great to have them continuing to create their unique and intriguing music.
© David Hintz
Moes Anthill "Quitter"
Greywood Records, 2019
Although these ten songs are quite fetching in their own way, this brand of neo-folk seems less interesting to me than when the Fleet Foxes and the Low Anthem were in their infancies. There is not much to fault beyond that, as the band is crisp and on point with good instrumental punctuation surrounding the steady melodies. The vocals are snappy and with the right amount of emotion. If you like the more modern style to folk rock, give this a listen.
© David Hintz
Kyrre Slind "FRI"
Own label, 2018
Now here is the artist I want to find when I look to expand my horizons beyond the already broad parameters of Davy Graham, John Berberian, Robin Williamson, and Roy Harper (to name but four of at least 40). Kyrre Slind is a bit of master string artist moving about when his gypsy instincts kick in. He is in western Norway at present and delighting anyone who comes to hear him play. He mixes guitar, lute, electric guitar, sitar, banjo, and bouzouki in these nine songs. He truly creates unique atmospheres with each of these instruments and even does some interesting vocal work at times. There are meditative moments as well as active melodies that keep this album fresh with every note. Jack Rose, John Renbourn, Sandy Bull…. if these names are in your vocabulary, you will want to bring Kyrre Slind into your world.
© David Hintz
AKA Trio "Joy"
Bendigedig, 2019
With this trio’s members from three continents—Africa, South America, and Europe, I was hopefully for an exciting and exotic musical journey. Instead, this is sort of a soft jazz headed in a new age direction. Some of the song’s ethnic roots show more than others, but it is a fairly steady ride throughout. Alas, too steady, too soft and uneventful with only the occasional meandering into interesting terrain.
© David Hintz
Rachael Sage "Pseudomyopia"
MPress Records, 2019
This began simply enough, but as these thoughtful songs unfolded, Rachael Sage’s clarity and melody came through soft and clear. You don’t need 20/20 vision to follow her story telling, but the heartfulness and careful emotional involvement creates layers of interest in this music. It is mostly voice and acoustic guitar here, although there are plenty of strings that subtly and effectively elevate the material without distracting from the core of the song. This is a fine record that should have broad based appeal.
Please check out "Pseudomyopia" @ Noisetrade.vom!
© David Hintz
Innes Watson "Innes Watson’s Guitar Colloquium"
Isle Music, 2019
While there are occasionally some Celtic roots showing in this instrumental music, much of the busy guitar work heads toward a middle of the road terrain. It is almost Celtic new age, although it is a bit sprightlier than the way that sounds. There are plenty of guitars and guitarists here along with some cello and rhythm section parts. It is just a little too cozy and neutral for me.
© David Hintz
Matthew Noone "The Maghera Pony"
Own label, 2019
From Australia through Ireland comes this fine musician primarily playing the sarode, a North Indian stringed instrument somewhat similar to a lute. This is all Matthew Noone playing here who also adds some voice, electronics, and delicate piano to enhance the mysterious atmosphere. Although he studied Indian classical music, he infuses Irish melodies, as well as more experimental ambient sounds in his songs. While there is a meditative trance like quality at times, there is also enough experimentation to rouse the senses beyond the calm. This is the sort of music I like to recommend to friends who have nearly ‘heard it all before’, but also don’t want anything too ‘out there’. If that is not clear, then have a listen yourself.
© David Hintz
Jamaram "To the Moon and the Sun"
Turban Records, 2019
If you are in search of European reggae, and there is a fair amount of it, you may want to check out the latest from Jamaram. They have an agreeable style that is smooth, but punchy enough to not settle too deep into a relaxed groove. It is a fine line, but they manage it well. All band members are skilled from the horns to the rhythms to the vocals. They don’t have me jumping out of my seat, but I find my head and body swaying with their rhythmic tunes.
© David Hintz
Go by Brooks "Another Flame"
Own label, 2019
The band is from Luxembourg, but the sound is from 1970s and on classic rock. There is a balladry in most of these songs with varying degrees of heaviness. It is all slick and well executed. If you like this sort of thing, then have at it.
© David Hintz
Il Civetto "Facing the Wall"
Eastblok Music, 2019
This is an interesting rhythmic and melodic foray into world music that does not seem to have an obvious home. The band take their influences and work them into their style rather than hop around in different forms. The vocals are intense and personal The overall result is a smooth but engaging concoction that you may not be able to easily classify, but sounds perfectly natural. So, if you like easy going rock with heartfelt vocals, this album will offer all of that with the added bonus of a unique perspective.
© David Hintz
Gottfried David Gfrerer "Polychrome"
Lili Records, 2018
Acoustic guitar aficionados should take note of this release. Not only is the playing excellent, but Austria’s Gfrerer has some photos of some very unique guitars in the notes, including one he made solely based on a description of a 1920s guitar that was made in small numbers with none available anywhere today. His guitar style is American primitive, although I kind of hate that term as it implies caveman rhythms, whereas the guitar playing is anything but primitive. But the blues and old folk styles are there and his playing is lively and original. There are adequate vocals throughout, but the guitar work will interest those who even think they have heard it all before.
© David Hintz
Ranagri "Playing for Luck"
Stockfisch, 2018
I was just chatting with another music writer who asked me some questions about Stockfisch for an article he was writing on this long running German label. I had plenty to tell as I have been listening to their releases ever since their first, acoustic guitar wizard Werner Lämmerhirt.[41] There is some fine guitar here as well, but also full band arrangements that are lively, but retain delicate vocals, and quieter instrumentation. Even the drumming has brushwork and quiet moments as the pace is put forward. The vocals have a slightly laid back Dando Shaft quality to them and there are fine female harmonies to the male lead. Flutes, whistles, harmonium, and electric harp all add to the fun arrangements. Ultimately this highly engaging folk rock, slightly Celtic, but with a broad-based approach that should connect with most music lovers. So enjoy yet another gem from Stockfisch.
© David Hintz
Six Mile Bridge "Wide Open Space"
Relax Records, 2019
This has an easy-going group folk vibe at the heart of the music. There are a lot of stringed instruments at work along with some keys. This was recorded in Ireland and Germany and there are Irish and continental styles at work here, along with a touch of North America and Africa on occasion. It is a nice mix of styles and some of the songs stand out enough for further listening. It is always good to hear a group effort that is more interested in a more classic folk style rather than go with a safer indie folk-rock approach. And for that reason, this record is worth a spin.
© David Hintz
John Blek "Thistle & Thorn"
KF Records, 2018
While there is a light Americana feel to this singer songwriter outing, the sound seems more universal. It started slowly for me with decent enough playing and vocals, but the laid-back nature was a bit too steady. Eventually some of the songwriting showed enough skill to perk up my interest. I particularly thought ‘Hannah’ was one of the finer cuts here, even if the classic themes have a well-worn path leading to them. Although sort of a mixed bag for me, the style is assured and is quite attractive for the right sort of listener.
© David Hintz
Swampcandy "Mine"
Own label, 2019
Primarily a duo of vocals/guitar and bass/kickdrum, this album has a number of guest musicians and vocalists offering much variety. The core fun loving bluesey rock-folk type of a sound is every present. With a name like Swampcandy, you can at least guess the direction of where you are headed. Although the mouth of the Mississippi is conjured up here, this band actually is but a few dozen miles from me in Washington DC. I enjoyed the record and will now keep my eye out for what likely will be a fun live experience.
© David Hintz
Paul Nelson "Over Under Through"
Riverwide Records, 2019
Although this record plants its roots at the base of the Mississippi delta, it steadily flows upstream encompassing a broader base of American folk and blues music. The songs are interesting and easy to get involved with. Yet it is the tasty playing where Nelson handles the blues with a delicacy that stretches this out so successfully.
© David Hintz
Kristina Stykos "River of Light"
Thunder Ridge Records, 2019
I find two basic types of ‘road albums’. First, there are the road weary travelers with weathered voices and worlds of experience on display. And then second, there are the tough travelers, ready for adventure and on the lookout for excitement while being wary of possible trouble. Kristina Stykos appears to be in the latter camp as she has a strong voice that is ever pushing forward on the Americana road. This leans more toward the historical American folk scene than toward blues, but there is a good combination of styles within. These are thoughtful songs, quite introspective at times, but fully engaging throughout.
© David Hintz