Thin Lear Creates Sumptuous, Low-Key Chamber Folk
Thin Lear is a complete artist in that his influences are impeccable and apparent in his songs, yet he still crafts his own unique, brilliant voice.
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Sierra Hull Performs a Comfortable High Wire Act
Sierra Hull sees this LP as a balancing act. With one foot in old-time acoustic music and another in contemporary Americana, she doesn’t want to take a wrong step.
Jason Isbell Is Dazzling With Just His Voice and a Guitar
Given Jason Isbell’s track record as a songwriter, it’s no surprise that a completely stripped-down album turns out to be one of his best.
The Devil Makes Three Offer a Spell-binding LP of Loss and Resilience
The Devil Makes Three let listeners lose themselves in song, but not without missing sight of the deeper truths. It’s a compelling and cathartic musical experience.
Souled American’s Slow Resurrection
Souled American’s Rise Above It offers slow guitar notes chiefly to hear them decay in the abundant silent space of time and distance.
Them Coulee Boys Bring 1970s Love to Their Country Rock
Them Coulee Boys’ folkie Americana songs would fit in during the early to mid-1970s when acts fused old-time country with contemporary rock to create a new sound.
Sean McConnell Reflects on Growing Older But Not Wiser
Sean McConnell poeticizes and philosophies from everyday personal experiences. What does it mean to be locked in our own skin?
Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood Goes Through the Looking Glass
Drive-By Truckers frontman Patterson Hood’s new solo record is an unsentimental look back at events that shaped him.
Mindy Smith’s ‘Quiet Town’ Is a Meditative World
Mindy Smith’s Quiet Town is introspective and critical as she longs for a time when individual rather than societal narratives define self-authenticity.
The Peace and Purpose of Mike Farris’ Captivating Music
Rock ‘n’ roller and soul man Mike Farris returns with a new album recorded in Muscle Shoals and blends all of his musical influences into a delicious stew.
Texan Joe Ely Knows Everyone Matters on ‘Love and Freedom’
Joe Ely puts emotional content front and center, whether offering a tale of addiction or a mirthful story of his encounters with a local cop.
Bonnie Prince Billy Finds a Comfortable Home
Bonnie Prince Billy’s The Purple Bird reaches its highest points when Will Oldham finds the joy in life, which feels like its own form of resistance.