House of Wolves – Fold in the Wind
Immediately affecting and softly devastating, Fold in the Wind is a pristine collection of songs created by Los Angeles musician Rey Villalobos. A certain dark elegance and sweet sadness defines the record but it’s never overly sentimental. It’s a warm melancholy that is given clarity with sparkling lyrical moments. “It’s the bitter side of life that I like,” Villalobos sings over an irresistible undertow on the album opener “50’s.” This album takes listeners deep, deep down into a dark yet pretty sub-terrain. It’s a wonderful place to be.
Soft Cat – Wildspace
Wildspace is a superb folk album crafted by musicians on the Baltimore label Friends Records. The music has an indelible element of nature reminiscent of sun breaking through a canopy onto mossy ground beneath bare feet. It evokes a shimmering lake, yellow fields and long warm afternoons. In it’s finest moments, Wildspace is the sunset at the end of a perfect day spent in the wilderness. Ethereal and silencing losing elegance when described in simple words.
The Leafs – Space Elevator
The Leafs are a Melbourne duo that present a refreshing take on the two-piece sound. No repetitive bluesy “rawk” here. At times they remind you of The Clash and others they hush to a mid-70s folk rock sound. They have a song about figs and monkeys. The Leafs tick all of the boxes.
