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Corinna Rose - self-titled country acoustic folk from Montreal native

Valerie — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:01:26 +0000

Folk songs always make me smile. There's something about that slight honky tonk banjo sound that makes me think of life as a piece of cake.

This self-titled debut from Corinna Rose is no exception. It comes with that feel-good sound that you can play over and over again without getting tired. This is the first compilation for the singer, although she's released several singles before this one.

This time around, she's armed with an acoustic guitar, a banjo along with her beautiful voice; ready to showcase a short EP that is both enjoyable and worthy of a listen.

Corinna Rose is actually the moniker of Corey Gulkin; a Montreal based singer that admits to being influenced by artists as diverse as Weezer and Regina Spektor. It's this love for folk, pop and rock that has helped shape the tracks in this record. The album brilliantly captures a warmth and a certain joy sometimes the lyrics are also quite thought provoking.

Opening with Belle Guitare, Rose sings about getting her guitar as well as the many things about life. From wishing to have "a less simple life" to talking about losing grip on their partners. It's an upbeat song that sticks for a good long while after a few listens. It's followed by a melodic track titled, Hymn for the Hearbreaker, where the artist shows off her banjo playing skills. Moreover, Amanda is also another quiet track which showcases Corinna's skillful banjoy playing and knack for creating dreamy folk cuts.

The EP is capped off with Born On a Mountain, which ends the record in an upbeat tempo. It also makes you think of lush countrysides where you can run around and simply feel good about everyday life.

Overall, you get an exciting compilation that's perfect for folk lovers everywhere. It's a bit too short and ends rather abruptly just when you're starting to fall in love with the songs but nevertheless, it serves as a great introduction to the artist and what we can expect in the future. Take a listen.

Grand Child: My Head Is In The Clouds

Valerie — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:01:08 +0000

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My Head Is In The Clouds is the second release from Texas native, Grand Child. Composed of one man behind the scenes, namely Andy Lane; the album is a gorgeous mix of folk, psychedelia and acoustic indie pop.

Lane originally played for punk/ska band, Driver F. This is his solo project and it's nowhere near the music he plays with his band. His sound instead focuses on acoustic folk while incorporating psychedelia, and some catchy pop tunes here and there. It's a nice little record worth exploring if you want an album that's laid-back yet a little different to keep you company.

Sharing his penchant for folky melodic cuts, My Head in the Clouds begins with the uptempo number, I Know. It's a simple track that seems to float and dance around in the wind. There are a lot of things happening in the song, it combines a gypsy folkish vibe one minute while smoothly welcoming violins and heavier drums the next.

Sidekick, on the other hand, contains great vocal work and progresses from a slow folky track to a more alternative indie rock song near the middle. Lane has the capacity to easily switch up genres and mold them together seamlessly. Meanwhile, he finishes the short record with A Song To Die To. This one is a bit more cinematic with guitars and swelling violins occupying much of the track.

In the end, you get to take a sneak peek of what goes on in the mind of the artist. His love for different genres creates a stamp on the record. This also helps to mold the EP's voice; giving it that distinct identity in a sea of easily-forgotten-musicians.

Go ahead and grab the download. You can get it at a name-your-price option at BandCamp.

Emily Baker: House of Cards - easy listening indie acoustic folk

Valerie — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:01:10 +0000

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Emily Baker might just be the next acoustic country folk singer to watch out for. After winning the 2009 Arts Foundation Fellowship in Songwriting award, Emily's star has been shining more than ever.

House of Cards is the debut album for the singer and with the amount of attention it has received, there's bound to be plenty more to follow.

The album itself is simple in delivery yet it comes armed with solid songwriting. Emily plays much of the instruments as well including the acoustic guitar, ukulele, glockenspiel, percussion and of course, her melodic vocals.

The album is packed with 11 cuts that are simple but endearing. Emily has a knack for making simplicity sound amazing; adding that extra touch of melodic beauty you hardly encounter from songs anymore. Even though she's fairly new to the game, the artist has captured the eyes of several prominent players in the industry, leading her to perform alongside artists like Frank Turner, Beth Rowley, Pete Doherty and Gabriella Cilmi.

When you listen to House of Cards, you'll realize just why the artist has become a hot commodity so fast. Starting with Hit and Run, the song carefully walks the line between country and folk while adding the artist's recognizable vocals. Although the song isn't as catchy or impressionable as I wish, the melody is nevertheless gorgeous and calming.

Most of the other tracks are similar in feel and composition but some of them do step out and grab your attention. Half in Bits is melodramatic but it's a cut that showcases Emily's capacity to infuse her lyrics with sincerity and heartfelt emotion. It's followed by Rich Man's Weekend, which is one of the catchiest tunes on the record. My personal favorite from the album is Fools Rush In. There's a nice quirky feel to the song that makes it really easy to listen to. Moreover, the vocal work takes center stage and the song itself deviates from the rest of the cuts in the album.

You can say the record doesn't have enough variety but it is her first album after all. Personally, even though her vocals are suitable for much of the quiet, mellow cuts on here, the artist still needs to step up and make herself a little more memorable. It's a great album to serve as a background soundtrack to your day though, so if you need some of that then this one should do great. Take a listen maybe this is exactly what you need after a long day.

Night Reports: You're All Out - moody and somber indie rock

Valerie — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:01:26 +0000

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Another band that you wouldn't think is composed of only two people at the helm; Night Reports create beautiful indie rock music with a touch of soul.

Long time friends, Derrick Brown and Beau Jennings, have both collaborated in various projects before. However, they've never tackled anything similar to Night Reports. Although the collaboration started out slowly, with both of them passing MP3s and recorded files via email and voice message; they eventually compiled what has become You're All Out.

The record is a concept album of sorts, as it revolves around an athlete who is down in the dumps and living (and reliving) his life in his glory days.

You're All Out is one of those records you can pop into your player if you're feeling a little moody and want the perfect music to keep you company. It's somber and a bit melancholic yet filled with beautiful stories that can serve as your lullaby.

Opener, Are You On My Team? is a solemn little cut that comes with sad vocals and wonderful piano work. It's one of the most likable tracks on the record and after hearing it once, you'd be looking forward to hearing it again once you finish the entire album. French Kicks (World Music is the Real Criminal) changes pace and adds a slightly upbeat tempo to the mix. The song is filled with a catchy chorus, occasional handclaps and an overall happier atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Hang On Me Darlin' features a collaboration with songstress Samantha Crain and her hypnotic, quirky vocals. The song is a 3 minute stunner that gently weaves between a piano ballad to an indie melancholic love song. You Were My Pete Rose is a haunting love song that features Derrick's expressive vocals cooing and silently urging his "sweetness" to return to him.

Overall, if you love the likes of Damien Rice, then you'll have plenty of lovin' for this record. It's an album that masterfully combines hauntingly melodic folk music with that of slightly uptempo indie rock. Definitely makes a great balance. Check it out!

Moongardening Inc.: A Sky Full Of Killer Whales

Valerie — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:01:14 +0000

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Moongardening Inc. might have an unusual band name as well as an album title, but their music manages to stand out and impress. Creating a solid fusion of pop, jazz, blues and a whole lot in between; A Sky Full of Killer Whales exudes a certain charm.

Only downside is that there's hardly anything about the band online except what's written on their BandCamp page and sparse reviews here and there.

Nevertheless, their music can easily take front and center without much background info about them.

Made up of Sarah van der Meer (voice), Munuera Rodrigo Martin (guitar), Fernando Revuelta (Low), Pablo Oliva (keyboards) and Nano Cañamares (drums); the album mixes folk, indie pop as well as jazz and blues in certain areas. There are even times when progressive rock is introduced courtesy of prolonged guitar riffs and trippy vocals.

Speaking of prog influences, the first cut, The Sky, is a short but chaotic mix of guitars, drums, and distortion. Although you'll hear this trait in some of the songs, majority of the cuts are more folkish pop than anything else. Take for instance the third track, To Have or Have Not; the song is a laid back cut that features Sarah's feminine vocals. With a jaunty tune, it's easy to relax to and perfect for perking up your day.

One of my personal favorites from the album is Big G. It opens with heavy guitars which gorgeously complements the female vocals. Towards the middle part, the boys perform some melodic backup singing and it just brings back so much nostalgia of good old 70s rock. They cap off the entire record with a 10 minute opus titled, The Killer Whale. There's a huge blank sound in the middle with only the first and last parts containing songs. They couldn't have capped the record much better since the song evokes an ethereal feel.

A Sky Full of Killer Whales is one record to watch out for. The fact that the band doesn't really stick to one genre makes it even more interesting. You get one enjoyable track after another; something that's a bit rare to see these days. Go ahead and grab the download. It's available at a pay-what-you-want option.

Freakish Atlantic: Siren Songs - dreamy indie folk pop worth a listen

Valerie — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:01:00 +0000

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German band, Freakish Atlantic, specializes in mellow and dreamy electro indie pop that wraps around you like a comfortable hug on a cold winter morning.

Filled with a fusion of electronica and folkish new wave, you wouldn't think to imagine that the entire EP was actually recorded right inside a bedroom one "rainy summer in 2011." Standing behind-the-scenes for the band are Berlin musicians, Marius Gutowski and Florian Sekula.

Siren Songs is a 5 track compilation that can easily pass for a night capper or something you leave playing as you drift off to dreamland.

Title track, Siren Song opens up the record with a nice guitar buzz and some twinkly sounds. Considering that this is a bedroom recording, the quality is a bit hazy but this lends itself well to the sweet vocal work. What's especially nice about this track (and the entire album really) is that there's a sincerity embedded in it. There are no big sounds with complicated synths and instruments, instead it sparkles in this simple folk pop beat that makes you want to cuddle in your bed all day long.

Each track courses through with this heartfelt mood. Esther, for instance, gorgeously combines mellow synths along with beautiful lyrics. It's probably one of my favorite cuts on the EP thanks to the lyrics and just the general vibe. Despite the slightly uptempo beat, the song tells the tale of someone who is slowly losing grip on life.

Overall, the EP is a great release to check out. Capturing a little bit of what the band has to offer, Siren Songs easily convinces listeners that the band is one to watch out for. They're currently gearing up for a full album debut but for now, take a listen and grab the download.

Deplasticoverde - self-titled Spanish indie acoustic rock

Valerie — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:01:04 +0000

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I may not understand full sentences of Spanish but there's something about Deplasticoverde that's quite intriguing and special.

Deplasticoverde is a special project spearheaded by Carolina Espinoza. A young Spanish artist that released her debut EP in 2010 under Ponk Records. Shaped by folk and pop influences, the album undulates with beautiful acoustic guitars and sweet singing from the artist.

Her songs are simple but they abound with meaningful vocals and some spunky attitude which is enough to make you want to listen even if you have no clue what she's singing about.

The album comes with 8 full songs that range from upbeat to quiet. Starting with Todo el Tiempo, the record opens with a melodic number from the artist, showcasing her vocals and acoustic guitar playing. The song slowly picks up pace as it transitions into a more powerful single filled with drumming and sparkly pianos.

DEPLASTICOVERDE by Deplasticoverde

Majority of the songs are in Spanish but there is one track where the singer tests out her English singing skills. Tarea de Ingles is a short, 2-minute single that is perfect for travelling across foreign lands. Meanwhile, final track, Clever, mixes hypnotic percussion with beautiful guitar playing from the artist. The song is a bit dark, taking listeners to a mysterious little trip that perfectly closes the record.

Even if you're hesitant about listening to a foreign album, this is one piece you shouldn't pass up. Once you're done grabbing these, also take a listen to Carolina's latest record, Periodo, over at BandCamp.

Branches: Merry Christmas - beautiful acoustic compilation for the holiday season

Valerie — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:02:51 +0000

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Holiday cheer taking a long time to sink in? Take a listen to this short but charming Merry Christmas EP from Branches. It'll help put you in the mood for the holidays.

This mini-compilation gathers 4 songs that have become staple Christmas carols through the years and putting the Branches touch to it.

The group is made up of a bunch of "best friends-turned-bandmates." Together they create a lovely indie folk rock sound while adding a nice home grown touch. Coupled with mostly acoustic guitars and beautiful vocals, you are sure to feel the Christmas spirit around you.

Opening with the Gospel staple track, Go Tell it to the Mountain; the band adds a lovely acoustic touch to the song. Although the song is popularly sung in church services, it's generally celebrated as a Christmas carol since it rejoices the nativity of Christ.

It's followed by Away in a Manger, which features solid vocals from the singers and a nice catchy guitar rhythm. One of the band's strongpoint is their capacity to add a modern touch to the tracks. They also have a knack for keeping everything simple yet still interesting. The other cuts they covered include O Come All Ye Faithful and the ever popular, Silent Night. Both versions are equally likable with Silent Night showcasing gorgeous female vocals accompanied by quiet and melodic instrument work. Perfectly goes with that hot cup of cocoa on a lovely winter evening.

Branches is made up of Tyler Madsen, Natalie Nicoles, Jacob Montague, Tyler Goerzen, Mitchell Dong and Michael Springs. As a present for the holidays, they're offering this mini EP absolutely free! Take a listen and enjoy!

Related Links:
Branches on BandCamp
Branches on Myspace

Kopecky Family Band: Embraces EP - charming little EP from Nashville darlings

Valerie — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:01:57 +0000

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A "family" since 2007, the Kopecky Family Band is a beautiful gathering of 5 boys and 1 girl who sing melodic indie pop rock that will certainly put you in a good and relaxing mood.

The band hails from Nashville, TN and evolved after plenty of late nights sharing and talking about dreams. Since their formation, the group has performed for several big ticket events such as CMJ, SXSW and Bonnaroo.

This is the first out of three EPs the six-piece have released so far. This one is a couple of years old but it retains that same quiet beauty that most listeners will surely fall for.

Embraces was released back in 2008 and comes with 5 songs that resonate with an indie rock, pop vibe. Some of the tracks are slightly upbeat while most of the others are mellow with a slight hint of country & jazz.

Among the slower songs is opening track, Gun, which is a charming single that combines both female and male vocals along with a jazzy pop sound. The track serves as a nice introduction to the band's sound. This is perhaps one of the easiest cuts to love in the record and definitely deserves its spot as EP opener. The group doesn't just excel in their melodic cuts though, their more upbeat singles like It and Trainwreck, also feature a catchy beat.

The Kopecky Family have a knack for combining both sweet stringed instruments with an edgier rock style. The violins and harp add a classical sound underneath the louder drums and guitars. Plus, the vocal combination goes beautifully with each track. It's seldom to find a band that successfully creates a balance without sacrificing or muddling the final results. This Nashville crew definitely got it down to pat.

Embraces EP is one of those mini compilations you shouldn't miss out on. It might be short but it's filled with songs that are brimming with great talent, energy and a heartfelt sincerity. Grab the download from their BandCamp. This one is offered absolutely free.

Big Wilson River: Octopus Album - fresh and loud Americana!

Christie — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:01:57 +0000

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At first listen Big Wilson River’s Octopus Album packs a jarring punch. After adjusting to a somewhat stylistically predictable album, which is best described as a jerky and frantic folk/rock hybrid, a zealous melody and original narrative begins to merge.

Powerful instrumentals are aided by forceful lead singer Darrin Bradbury who at times dominates the vocals with a strained shout. Despite, he is paired with Emma McLaughlin who has a soft yet strong voice, something similar to the enticing and hypnotic effect of Adele.

The first track, Eighty Dead Armadillos is an action packed jam with a clever character to it – I dare you to not head bang along with catchy tune. A favorite is Gypsy Song, where a mesmerizing waltz features the soothing vocals of McLaughlin, luring the listener to involuntarily sway with the beat. Still, Gypsy Song is interrupted by a repetitious chorus of screaming vocals “God, I’m so tired,” a transition that is in no way smooth are considerate to the listener! The lyrics are strikingly playful and artful; take for example in Hemmingway Had a Cat: “Hemmingway had a cat, Hemmingway blew off his head. I have a cat, but I still have my head.”

Octopus by Big Wilson River

Track 4, Backyard Passout has an almost romantic narrative, that is until the guitar and bass crescendo into a frantic and passionate finale with more screaming. Perhaps “passionate” is the best way to describe Big Wilson River’s Octopus – it certainly does not lack passion; it’s just a matter of toning down a mix of sometimes severe vocals with a raucous accompaniment. The album is certainly energetic and unique – it offers a new approach to Americana, you might call it a sort of urban folk mythology. Give it a listen!