Strange Birds – Strange Birds EP

March 4th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff  |  published in acoustic, alternative, folk  |  3 comments

Aidin Sadeghi and Bret Leinen compose the two-man duo that is Strange Birds. The majority of their work sounds distinctly like the exhibited by Coldplay in their songs “Parachutes”, “We Never Change”, and in particular, “Easy to Please”. At the same time, however, Strange Birds obviously don’t have Chris Martin’s distinct voice leading the show. Indeed, there are a number of elements that set them apart, including clean and round acoustic guitar that strums to a clean and upbeat, jazzy cadence.

She & Him – Thieves

March 1st, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff  |  published in alternative, folk, indie rock  |  10 comments

I am pretty ambivalent about She and Him. I like them; I dislike them. From day to day, I never know how I feel about them. I have legitimate complaints about the band (they are far too cute for their own good), but I also hold grudges against them that are patently unfair (they are fronted by a movie star). And although I liked their debut album enough, I wasn’t clamoring for another outing from the duo. But goddam if “Thieves,” the newest song to leak from the album, doesn’t confuse the situation a bit. The song is 4 minutes of perfect pop.

Sean Hayes – Run Wolves Run

February 25th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff  |  published in folk, folk-rock  |  4 comments

There’s something undeniably raw and emotional in the voice of Sean Hayes. There’s also something unquestionably raw about the instruments that backup Sean Hayes. Together, their sound is phenomenal, and it’s not just because this isn’t what I usually listen to. His new album, Run Wolves Run, to be released on March 16, showcases both the traditional, slower-paced melodic ambivalence of his prior records, and a newer, more actively band-like repertoire.

Rosie and Me – Bird and Whale

February 15th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff  |  published in acoustic, female vocalists, folk  |  4 comments

I will declare it right now: the best folk band to have contacted me these past 2 months is without a doubt, Rosie and Me. Singer, Rosanne Machado, accurately describes the group as “unpretentious and simple”. Both ‘Come Back’ and ‘Bonfires’ are acoustic wonders that sound and feel as natural as the change of the seasons and as spontaneous as Snooki from the Jersey Shore. These positive, warm melodies are almost enough to fight the cold winter this year and keep you refreshed during the summer.

Laura Veirs – July Flame

January 30th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff  |  published in female vocalists, folk, folk-rock

The title track “July Flame” is one of those immediately hypnotic tracks that is a bit unsettling, with haunting lyrics like, “ashes of a secret heart falling in my lemonade”, one can’t help but become addicted. While immediately drawn to certain songs, upon repeated listens, each track manages to worm its way into your head and heart. This is the first truly flawless album I have come across in 2010, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to inaugurate what is sure to be a great year of new music.

Shearwater – The Golden Archipeligo

January 25th, 2010  |  by jason grishkoff  |  published in alternative, folk

Their formula is simple, but by starting with slow build-ups and bursting through into soaring, epic and emotionally powerful choruses, Shearwater has once again produced a gem of an album. Based out of Austin, Texas, Shearwater was formed by two band members of Okkervil River, who wished to write a softer, more folk-influenced style of music. They have since grown to five members. The group first caught my attention with 2008’s Rook, their fifth album at the time.

Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

January 21st, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in acoustic, bluegrass, folk  |  1 comment

I recently read a blog about why we travel and somehow this band has reminded me of that article. The science blog says that travel allows our brain to be more creative, as we open ourselves to a constant stream of surprises. Even once we go back home, and even though everything might be the same, everything is different because our framework has changed. Mumford and Sons does this for me- I feel the confusion that comes from surprise, and it leaves the possibility for newness in discovery.