Blitzen Trapper comforts us with Destroyer of the Void

Familiarity breeds comfort. The past breeds familiarity. Even if we have trouble living in the moment, forgetting to appreciate the minutiae of what’s before our eyes, we look back fondly on what “used to be”. It may have even been the most tumultuous time of our life, but we yearn for something we think we… Continue reading Blitzen Trapper comforts us with Destroyer of the Void

The Gentle Guest

It’s been a while since I’ve given you guys some rocking alt-folk/americana, hasn’t it? Well let’s change that with The Gentle Guest, five (sometimes as many as ten) talented fellas out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Frontman Eric Rykal brings his raspy vocals to a burst of horns and stampeding percussion (among other conspicuous instruments, including… Continue reading The Gentle Guest

[MP3] Sarah Winters: “Not Mine”

Sarah Winters is, perhaps, the definition of what I expect out of a folk songstress from Minnesota. Her name matches the state’s weather fairly well (sorry Minnesotans!) along with her music, which is mostly chilling. The first single, “Not Mine”, from her debut album, Smallest Bones, has a dark demeanor, using precarious cello and thumping… Continue reading [MP3] Sarah Winters: “Not Mine”

[MP3] Rio Blanco: “Wild Doves”

In a somewhat surprising turn of events, uber-talented Knox Road friend Zach Lipkins is writing and recording under a new moniker, Rio Blanco. He sent us his first Rio Blanco song, “Wild Doves”, featured below, for your listening consumption. And, well, as they say, new look, same great taste! …Okay, maybe a little (lot) cheesy,… Continue reading [MP3] Rio Blanco: “Wild Doves”

Ted Wendler

Ted Wendler may indeed be the next great folk-pop singer/songwriter. Really, I’m floored listening to him; he’s emotionally devastating. And to think I’ve only heard unmastered versions of the tracks… Let the man-crush begin. Wendler is going places: Starting his professional career in Minnesota, he recently moved to Virginia Beach to finish an album with… Continue reading Ted Wendler

Mesita

There isn’t much known about Mesita, besides the fact that it’s the alibi of one “James Cooley”, a 22-year-old musician from Littleton, Colorado. He has a previous full-length and EP under his belt and he’s looking to release a new album this Summer. His entire catalogue of music is up for free on his Bandcamp,… Continue reading Mesita

Meklit Hadero

Honestly, I couldn’t think of better music for a Saturday afternoon. You know, it’s that time when we’re either preparing to go out for a night of festivities, getting some unfinished work done around the house, or catching up on some “me” time. We need some laid back, groovy tunes. Don’t tell me you don’t… Continue reading Meklit Hadero

The Damn Choir

The Damn Choir, a folk foursome out of Chicago, recently released their first full-length album Faithful Fools. As if the album name doesn’t already imply some fairly depressing music, the guys describe themselves as “sad-bastard” music (hey, we have a good friend who describes himself like that too ;)). Gordon Robertson heads up the bastards… Continue reading The Damn Choir

[MP3] Pearl and the Beard: “Oh, Death!”

Some creative folk at play here indeed. Pearl and the Beard, originally a trio, has recently become an ensemble of members, complete with a string section, drums, and a backing choir. The choir is what immediately drew my attention to these fine Brooklyn folks, as they back up the primary vocalists, Jocelyn Arlington (glockenspiel), Emily… Continue reading [MP3] Pearl and the Beard: “Oh, Death!”