
Henry Nozuka – Into the Wild
Briefly, during the mid-2000s, the success of groups like the Fleet Foxes single-handedly created a new generation of North-Americans folkies. Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills and Nash records were dug up, and choir lessons were put to good use.
Henry Nozuka operates in a similar manner, letting songs move slowly, and freely through a chest of hushed vocals, gently picked guitars, and carefully crafted harmonies.
Single is released on August 22, 2020
Mental Health – Ritual Smiles
The Canadian wilderness seems to be a great breeding ground for indie-folk artists. Case in point Mental Health. Ritual Smiles is not so much a tribute to Laurel Canyon singers, as a love letter to J. Mascis’s acoustic efforts.
Throughout, there’s an effervescence that helps the edge of the song never get too dull, and aids the chorus in ascending up the hill. There’s a drive to succeed here, that is not as hidden as in the case of most other folkies.
HD Bradley – Already on fire
Accustoming to discomfort, HD Bradley writes from a place of loss, all while maintaining a slight smile. This is as traditional as it gets, as the folk melody is lead on by vocals that pull everything like a magnet towards the chorus.
Single is released on August 7th, 2020.