This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks brings to you folk and Americana sounds that will make their presence felt. The list features artists Chris Rusin, Matt DeAngelis, Sam Webb, and more.
Chris Rusin - Cinders
A layering of electric and acoustic guitars opening the track, ‘Cinders’ by Chris Rusin embodies the Americana spirit to the full. Besides the Americana sound, there is a strong folk presence in the song, as it captures the idea of moving ahead, and keeping at it, because if not that then it would mean you are simply stuck. The overall mood of the song is broody and introspective, as it battles with tensions. The song might remind you of certain Fleetwood Mac tracks because of the guitar playing and also the dual male and female vocals interplay that is simply brilliant.
Matt DeAngelis - Livin’ It
Upbeat, jumpy piano notes starting off the track, ‘Livin’ It’ by Matt DeAngelis is a song that will be relatable to quite a lot of us, considering its allusions to the time of the pandemic. The song has a theatrical, musical quality to it, as you can perfectly imagine it playing on the stage as part of a play. The instrumentation is very interesting as it brings in layers of a wide range of instruments, blending together acoustic and rock sounds and also a slight jazz sound. Lyrically, the song captures the mental health struggles that marked the time of the pandemic which was coloured heavily with the uncertain.
Sam Webb - Steamtrain
With the blues colouring the sound of the song, ‘Steamtrain’ by Sam Webb will have you in awe from the very first note of the track till the very last note. Genre wise, besides the blues, the song also has folk elements and country elements, which will no doubt make you want to drive along the countryside. Webb’s vocals are dynamic and energetic, as it drives the track. Towards the last bit of the song, the song brings in the drums, creating a decadent texture, along with the brilliant playing of the guitars. You will finding yourself adding the song to your playlist within the first few seconds of the track, and that’s for sure.
Shy-Anne Hovorka - Fly Away
With haunting piano notes layered with the cello, ‘Fly Away’ by Shy-Anne Hovorka is a deeply vulnerable work and if you shed tears by the end of it, it will be no surprise. Hovorka’s achingly gentle, achingly emotive vocals lift the song and give it an ethereal, transcendental sound. The layering of the backing vocals bring in a lush texture to the song in parts. The vocals truly are at the centrestage of the song, giving it its character. Instead of talking about the need to move on, the song lyrically focuses on the act of contemplating the grief and the absence of someone, and in doing so it moves away from cliches.
Adam + Attack by Fire - Vampires in Heat
Making you want to sit around a fire with your friends on a cool summer night, ‘Vampires in Heat’ by Adam + Attack by Fire is a beautiful play of gentleness and melody. The track is reminiscent of the 60s and early 70s, with its folk and indie roots. The instrumentation is mellow and yet warm, with sparsely placed acoustic guitars, and the harmonies and the background dialogic vocals that go on bring in a very intimate sound to the track. The song might remind you of the band The Kinks if we go retro, and might remind you of Fleet Foxes if we think contemporary. All in all, it’s a beautifully crafted song that deserves endless listens.
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