This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks features husky vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and some soft rock tunes, from the likes of Eternal Mourning, Kerry Kenny Band, Jeff Dayton, Gerry Farrow, Rue Randall, and Fred Presley.
1. Eternal Mourning- To Be Named Between Life and Another
Montreal-based indie folk band Eternal Mourning has released a soulful and honest confession. With their track “To Be Named Between Life and Another”. The track describes the artists’ numbness through lyrics such as “walking back into the crowd you’re just a fender bender”, perfectly encapsulating that feeling of one’s struggles barely being noticed and how indifferently the world moves on. The music, on the other hand, is gently contrasting yet vibrant with the arpeggiated style of guitar, distorted notes, and scrunchy vocals. The arrangement overall is heavy with the combination of each moving interlocking element, but also because the piece calls for a certain vulnerability and nuance, overall making this a solid recommendation for the folk/rock list.
2. Kerry Kenny Band- Finbar
Kerry Kenny Band does not hold back with their latest track, ‘Finbar’. It’s an absolute riot of skill and talent with a wild execution considering its relatively common theme- a declaration of love, though the spice levels go up on this one, with its unapologetic unhingedness. The arrangement features several instruments creating colourful and explosive solos, from the skipping fiddle, to an energetic brandishing of guitar plucking, to a very bouncy bass. The vocalist grounds the track with her immersive, earthy textures and fervent delivery, leaving spaces for the variety of instrumental takeovers. All this results in an energetic and emotive cocktail of different soundscapes, making the track not just repeat-worthy but also leaving you in awe of each performer’s technical skill. If you enjoy or would like to hear more of Celtic rock, this would be a great recommendation.
3. Jeff Dayton- When It’s Cold in Texas
A perfect song to sink into this January is Jeff Dayton’s ‘When It’s Cold in Texas’. It’s a soothing track with a cozy ambience, where the vocalist reminisces about being with his partner during freezing-cold weather. And with lyrics like “When it’s cold in Texas, that’s when I miss your love”, paired with a breezy Americana flair, we can feel the loneliness dissipate slowly as you get deeper into the track. The lead vocals and harmonies maintain a casual, yet vibrant delivery while the guitars gently accompany the vocals in a lucid harmony. The instrumentation keeps it fresh by changing grooves and bringing in more instruments. Catch this track if you like slow-paced country music.
4. Gerry Farrow, Rue Randall- Time To Let Her Go
‘Time To Let Her Go’ is one of those cosy tracks that keep you company when you’re feeling low. The artists craft a rustic folk take of ‘letting go’, mixing powerful storytelling with introspective, genuine sentiment. The instrumentation is subtle and acoustic-leaning, with a gentle pulse from the drums and a soft strumming of the guitars, while the bass and horn section provides much oomph to the track. The bass transitions from slow burn, hidden notes to some quicker, arpeggiated patterns, while the horns bring in a warmer resonance and a crisper ambience. The two vocalists switch between each other smoothly, adding to the track’s subtle variations. Overall, it’s a well-balanced and nuanced track that appears simple, but on closer inspection is layered, complex and varied.
5. Fred Presley- Sympathize
Another snug track on the list is Fred Presley’s ‘Sympathize’, a mellow, wistful track that one would enjoy from under the covers while it’s raining outside. It’s a soothing blend of folk and alternative soundscapes, while at the same time being unafraid to call out the injustices happening around the world. The track combines a pitter-patter style of arpeggiated guitar chords with a rumbling bass underneath. The vocalist has an earthy texture to his voice that pulls you into the song more, and the arrangement is kept simple without too much flash. A good pick if you enjoy a more reflective piece with some husky vocals and tender notes.
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