Eliza Mary Doyle-Pretty Strange
Eliza Mary Doyle can give you a taste of bluegrass that you’d have never accrued before. Her music has a country taste to it that has been aged like fine whiskey. If you’re not a fan of spirits, something about this music can make you drunk in love. She is back with an album after 7 years, and that’s quality time for the kind of aged spirit quality you’ll experience now. This is her album, Pretty Strange. That album title is also a nice way of describing the past 3 years. Opening with 7 Dude Ranch, she gives you a good scoop of what her music might sound like. Her vocals have a unique tang to it, sweet and salty. The rhythm is a smooth, fine collection of notes. The flourishes and added notes create a powerful punch-something that belongs. Acting Strange has a melancholy around the composition, though the lyrics are meditative. Eliza Mary Doyle describes the imagery with a lightness, which also details the emotional drive and tonality. Ain’t No Tellin’ creates the angelic bluegrass tone that you remember from all the scenes in movies and albums. The flavour of the banjo is truly felt, an instrument that can twist from joyous to sad in a snap. The technicality of the instrument looks complex, but Eliza employs it in the simplest of stories. Another Round is one such song where the quick tempo might rattle you, but the story is observational yet strife with learning. Through different times Fight the War is a subliminal power chant, with the genre powering the message. The layers create a background unlike another, the harmonics almost giving you goosebumps for the waves they make. I’ll always be in love with the simplicities of country music, yet the deep impact they leave, Red Dress creates that aura, with a narrative so simple, it seems unfair. It is the amount of specific scenarios that create this feeling. Runnin’ created this feeling too, however the shift in tempos creates a radical impact to what is felt and experienced. Eliza Mary Doyle is a powerful raconteur with a voice of gold. Them Boys has a boisterous energy to it, and the tempo makes you want to dance. Her approach to music is rooted in cultural sensitivity, yet shifts through time to become immortal in a sense. Unfortunately depicts this perfectly-as a song and her ability as a songwriter. As she closes with a special version of Water into Wine, she has created a lake of sound that is rejuvenated by her abilities alone. From a composer to a performer, she has created something that will continue as her powerful legacy. O Brother, Where Art Thou was the obvious movie that came to mind, but I’d like to create one with her own music and detailed characters to fall in place. You can listen to her 2016 album It Ain’t What It Seems for the contrast and progress in her tone since then. Follow her for more spectacular bluegrass music!
Cassidy Dickens - All I'm Missing
Cassidy Dickens is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter originally from the mountains of southern West Virginia. Surrounded by Appalachia’s colorful storytelling, front porch picking, and rich vocal harmonies from day one, Cassidy has always been enamored by the singular power of music to capture fleeting memories and raw emotion. Furthermore, this lifelong enchantment has inspired a musical catalog overflowing with love, heartbreak, home, and other universal-yet-intensely-personal themes. The artist's latest release "All I'm Missing" showcases her talents as a singer-songwriter with a unique blend of indie-pop, folk, and bluegrass influences. The song starts off with a gentle guitar melody, which gradually builds into a layered arrangement of acoustic guitars that is simply captivating. Also, the mix of the song is impressive, isolating different layers of acoustic guitars and blending them seamlessly with a subtle violin in the background. The result is a sound that is both intricate and enchanting. An intricate blend of folk, bluegrass and indie-pop The lyrics of the song explore the theme of leaving one's home and the bittersweet feelings that come with it. Cassidy sings about the cost of pursuing one's dreams and the sacrifices that come with it. The emotions conveyed in the lyrics are powerful and relatable, as she sings, "So much to gain, so much is lost, Big dreams sure do cost a lot," making the song a standout piece in Cassidy Dickens' discography. From narrative to arrangements, the musician has come a long way since the release of her sophomore album "Anxious Love." Additionally, Cassidy's vocals on the song are gentle yet powerful, conveying the emotions in the lyrics beautifully. Her ability to tell a story through her music is evident, and "All I'm Missing" is a testament to her talent as a singer-songwriter. The folk and bluegrass influences in the song are undeniable, making it a perfect fit for movies with similar themes. The song would fit well in a movie like "Wild" starring Reese Witherspoon or "Into the Wild" directed by Sean Penn. Both movies explore the theme of leaving one's home to pursue a journey of self-discovery, just like the protagonist in "All I'm Missing". In conclusion, Cassidy Dickens is indeed the next big indie star to look out for in the Nashville underground music scene, who is gearing up for global success in 2023.
THE MUSTER POINT PROJECT - GRUB STREET
In their latest offering, "Grub Street," TMPP delivers a vibrant and heartwarming musical journey that masterfully intertwines the rich textures of blues rock and the soulful essence of country folk. The song's peppy tempo immediately sweeps listeners into its inviting embrace, while its profound exploration of nostalgia resonates deeply within the soul. The acoustic instrumentation shines brilliantly, with the guitar mix exuding a remarkable crispness that brings every strum and pluck to life. The stereo field is skillfully manipulated, creating a sense of space that envelops the listener, allowing them to experience every nuance of the arrangement. The balanced frequency spectrum ensures that each instrument finds its place, from the twang of the guitar to the subtle echoes of the hats. The result is an immersive sonic landscape that effortlessly captures the essence of both genres. Nostalgic Fusion of Blues Rock and Country Folk "Grub Street" by TMPP transports you to rolling countryside vistas, evoking the nostalgia of open fields and timeless stories. This spirited track could seamlessly find its place in adventure movies like "Wild" – where self-discovery parallels the song's introspective themes – and biographical masterpieces like "Walk the Line," reflecting the song's penchant for storytelling. TMPP's collaboration with Canadian novelist Geoff Moore has yielded a masterpiece that continues to showcase their evolution within the global indie music scene. The synergy of their songwriting, coupled with the remarkable performances by specialized session musicians like Sterling Laws and the Kick Horns, testifies to TMPP's commitment to creating distinctive and immersive musical experiences. "Grub Street" also has a unique new video out that you may check out from the 'trailers' section of this article! In conclusion, as the band's journey unfolds, their ability to blend genres and emotions paints a promising future for their unique sound in the diverse landscape of the global indie music scene.
Allie Jean - Gasoline On Fire
In a world of musical conformity, where genres often blend into a harmonious mishmash, emerges Allie Jean with her debut single, 'Gasoline On Fire,' igniting the industry with a sound that's as defiant as it is empowering. Hailing from the quaint landscapes of North East Victoria, this country girl turned rebellious songstress embraces her roots while blazing a trail that transcends genres. 'Gasoline On Fire' sets the stage for Allie Jean's audacious debut album, 'This Drink is for the Hard Times,' and what a mesmerizing entrance it is. This track, reminiscent of the flamboyant glam rock era epitomized by bands like Def Leppard, meshes seamlessly with an indie pop charm, creating a sonic fusion that's as eclectic as it is infectious. Additionally, the distinct bluegrass and folk influences, evident in the soulful slide guitar lines and captivating chord progressions, add a layer of depth to this carefully crafted composition. Allie Jean Ignites the Indie Bluegrass Scene with 'Gasoline On Fire' The song by Allie Jean carries a sense of adventure akin to classic 80s movies that dared to venture into the unknown. Picture 'The Goonies' embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Additionally, it would also enhance the narrative of biographies like 'Boyhood.' The song boasts of an impressive mix. One that accentuates the nuances of the instruments as they resonate in the stereo field. The guitar tones sound full and warm, reminiscent of saturated tube amps mic'd up to the desk. Furthermore, the track can become a welcome addition to any indie folk or alternative folk playlist, thanks to the composition's bluegrass roots. Guided by the expert hands of Australian Country Music heavyweight Matt Fell, and refined by the mastery of William Bowden, Allie Jean's 'Gasoline On Fire' is more than a song – it's a statement. A statement that establishes her as a force to be reckoned with in the indie music scene, infusing a fresh spirit into the genre. As she takes the leap from her humble country beginnings, her journey comes full circle. Finally, reminding us that even from the most unlikely places, remarkable voices can rise, setting the world ablaze with their artistry.