Author: Kelsey Johnson

Wye Oak – “Fortune” [single] – indie rock

Indie rock duo Wye Oak are here to shake up the indie rock genre with their latest single “Fortune”. Jenn Wasner’s captivating vocals and catchy bass lines matched with Andy Stack’s unfaltering drum grooves give the track a mysterious feel. The lyrics further establish the mystery of “Fortune”, as they take a dark and enigmatic tone. Wye Oak did an outstanding job of creating a sound that transcends the typical indie rock borders; “Fortune” is alluring in every aspect, and listeners are bound to sing along. Simply put, it’s a great song from a great band. Check out Wye Oak‘s “Fortune” below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (12/23-12/28): Wye Oak, Ollie”

Little Monarch‘s EP Grains is lighthearted and lovable. With strong indie and pop influences, Grains takes a relaxed tone that’s easy to enjoy. The album starts off with the song “Got Me Good”, a carefree and content love song. The track is full of smooth melodies, claps, and snaps that give the song a laid-back West Coast vibe. Being the first track on Grains, “Got Me Good” sets the tone for the EP, and tracks like “See You” and “Bloom” solidify the sound that Little Monarch so carefully creates. One of the features that stands out on “See You” is the vocal harmonies. They are extremely well-written, as they bring listeners ears to new heights and fill out the sound of the chorus. While “Got Me Good” and “See You” are slightly more upbeat, Little Monarch creates a contrast with their slower-paced conclusion to the album, “Bloom”. Catchy electric guitar loops are the name of the game in “Bloom”, as they form a steady baseline for the lead vocalist’s voice to shine. The combination of electric beats, guitars, and synths give the track an ethereal sound that contrast with the more focused sound of the vocals.

Little Monarch made a great contribution to the indie genre with Grains. The EP is full of upbeat lyrics and catchy melodies that create a fresh and optimistic sound. In short, Grains is a great listen for fans of any genre. Kick back, relax, and enjoy Little Monarch’s Grains below!

Ian George – Kingdom of My Youth – folk

Ian George‘s Kingdom of My Youth is the pure, down-to-earth folk album the world needs this Winter. George stands out among other artists in that his music is extremely true and authentic to his artistic voice, which is clear throughout Kingdom of My Youth. Mellow fingerpicking, lovable vocals, and atmospheric harmonies give the album a peaceful, optimistic, and upbeat character and highlight George’s artistry. One of my personal favorite tracks off the album, “The Wild & The Untamed”, is full of long phrases that flow over complimentary guitar lines and drum grooves. The lyrics of the song are personal and touching as they tell a story of love and identity. Overall, “The Wild & The Untamed” feels incredibly honest, and it’s hard to not get lost in George‘s story. There’s so much more to be said about Ian George, but the best way to experience his album is to listen to it for yourself! Check out Kingdom of My Youth below!

 

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (12/16-12/21): Ian George, Palace”

Colony House – “Original Material” [single] – indie rock

Colony House‘s latest single “Original Material” is a song to sing along with. The track is wonderfully reminiscent of the early days of the indie rock scene, while still bringing a fresh sound to the Nashville music scene. Colony House has definitely created an indie rock anthem with “Original Material” that anyone can enjoy – complete with clean guitars, simple vocal effects, and harmonies. The verses are full of colorful and creative lyrics, and the chorus is incredibly catchy; the fun never ends in “Original Material”! Give it a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (12/9-12/14): Colony House, Will Samson”

The Deer – Do No Harm – folk

The Austin-based band The Deer has an eclectic sound that makes the group memorable and lovable. The Deer‘s latest album, Do No Harm, establishes the band’s unique artistry through featuring different sounds and techniques on each song. From pedal steels to strings and group harmonies – Do No Harm is full of lovely surprises that make the album stand out from others. Each track highlights different moods, from the psychedelic ballad, “Dissolve”, to the upbeat and dance-worthy tracks, “Confetti to the Hurricane” and “Swoon”. Overall, Do No Harm showcases The Deer‘s Western influences while also establishing the band’s unique voice and modern take to the folk genre. Each track has its own voice, but they all work together to create one beautiful and fun sound that can only belong to The Deer. Don’t miss out on such an incredible album and band – check out The Deer‘s Do No Harm below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (11/11-11/16): The Deer, Wolf & Moon”

Geoffroy – 1952 – alternative

On his latest album, 1952, Montreal-based artist Geoffroy showcases his creativity and ability to bend genres. Geoffroy combines several styles seamlessly, bringing together folk, electronic, and pop influences to create something entirely new. One of the best examples of his skill is the song “The Fear of Falling Apart”. The track blends electronic vocal effects, beats, and samples with warmer piano tones and Geoffroy‘s natural voice, creating an appealing contrast between old and new sounds. Although Geoffroy uses many unique effects, they never distract from his voice. His voice is strong, timeless, and smooth, and the melodies on 1952 suit it perfectly. Between even the first three tracks “The Fear of Falling Apart”, “21 Days”, and “Woke Up Late”, Geoffroy shows that he is capable of creating several musical feels while still asserting his own sound. So much could be said about 1952 and Geoffroy, but the best way to experience his music is to hear it for yourself! Give 1952 a listen below.

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (11/4-11/9): Geoffroy, Squirrel Flower”

Humbird – Pharmakon – indie folk

Indie folk artist Humbird‘s album Pharmakon is gorgeous through and through. Her smooth and clear voice shines over upright bass, immaculate fingerpicking, and colorful piano. Humbird‘s style of songwriting is stunning, as she lets melodies float and fall artistically. Her skill as a lyricist is also quite evident, as she draws on allegorical references and names to add a thoughtful depth to her lyrics. Just as you think you have a full mental grasp on Pharmakon, Humbird adds another element. Her song “Persephone” is a great example of this. Placed later in the album, when you’ve settled into her sound, she plays around with the form and adds brass to enrich the song. My personal favorite track on the album is “Pharmakon”. On such a lovely and sweet song, Humbird‘s writing and voice really stand out. A catchy, constant fingerpicking line and vivid lyrics make “Pharmakon” something special, and it proves that Humbird‘s voice is one to fall in love with. It’s easy to hear that Humbird poured her heart and soul into her album Pharmakon – be sure to give it a listen below!

Continue reading “Kelsey’s Prime Slices of the Week (10/27-11/2): Humbird, Bootstraps”