The Orchardist

These guys are storytellers.  I’m reminded of the Gray Havens, but with a less rocky, and a more indie-folk flavor.  Actually their stuff is quite heavy on the banjo, and rather reminds me of old Nickel Creek (before Chris Thile started getting into weird and unpleasant chord progressions).  Other parts of the music remind me of the Narrative (particularly the girl’s voice).  The lyrics are pretty creative and quite substantial, in my opinion!  You can download their full album "People, People" on their noistrade.

Long for the Coast

This indie-folk band has been one of my biggest discoveries of the year so far.  There are aspects of the music that are a bit reminiscent of some English artists that I don’t generally care for, such as Passenger and some other popular guys whose names I can't remember right now.  But there’s something about the music that is subtly different, which makes it extremely compelling.  The band is a guy-girl duo from Devonshire.  The minimalist but intricate guitar picking is excellent, and the music builds to include a nearly full orchestra at times.  The song “Ten Years Time” is my favourite, it just about moves me to tears.  “Winter” is also excellent.  But all the other songs have amazing chord progressions and powerful lyrics too.  It’s good wilderness music.  Apparently the band plays in coffee shops around Devon…I hope they get recognised soon for the amazing talent that they have.  We should do our part in the US to listen to their music. 

The Dave Matthews Band

OK, I know what a lot of you are thinking right now.  Dave Matthews is such a throwback from the 90s!  But have any of you kept up with his recent work?  I'm guessing not.  I actually didn't really learn to appreciate his music until a few years ago, through friends in Fort Collins.  I can't remember if I've already posted about his music, but his recent albums warrant another post.  I was paying attention to the band around the time they released "Big Whiskey & the GrooGrux King" in 2009, and I really appreciated that album.  It was really compelling.  I have distinct memories of biking around Fort Collins in torrential rain and listening to that music.  But somehow I lost track of them in the subsequent years.  Now I come to find out they've released two new albums since 2009, and the most recent one "Come Tomorrow" has been rocking my world in the last week.  It's everything everyone loves about Dave Matthews, with unbelievably catchy lyrics and riffs.  There's the perennial saxophone, and driving percussion, and all the thoughtful lyrics.  Definitely give it a listen!  It's unbelievable how this band has maintained their relevance and excellence over the years. 

Vinicius Galant

This dude is from Florianopolis, Brazil...his style of music is quite appealing to me.  It's an indie-folk style with a hint of electropop, and he has a unique voice which works really well in his particular style.  Sort of a dark, brooding voice.  I have a hard time understanding his lyrics, but quite apart from that the songs are rather nice.  The tunes are melodic and pleasing.  His album "Mud" is less than a year old, and it's available for download on noisetrade for free...I recommend giving it a listen. 

Evan Redel

This artist is quite skilled.  His style of music is an interesting mix of genres; many of the songs on his album "St. Marcus" (which is the only one I've heard) sounds very electropop-like, but with a bit more of a classic chord progression generally.  He has a deep voice, which works really well with the driving electronic beats and the backing instrumentation.  His voice actually reminds me somewhat of Marble Sounds, including his somewhat Euro accent.  The melodies and harmonies are extremely pleasing.  Definitely give him a listen. 

Jacob Everett Wallace

Sorry that I've been falling behind on my posts again.  I've barely had time to breathe, with I think two nights at home in the last 3 weeks, and free time limited to an hour or two.  This guy's music is an intriguing blend of country and indie rock, and I rather like it.  It doesn't have much of a twang, but rather a really nice straightforward guitar rock and drum sound.  His vocals are quite compelling and powerful, the lyrics are insightful and very much gospel-focused, and the riffs are extremely catchy.  His voice and the overall style somewhat reminds me of John Bryant, or a less minimalist version of Jordan Ruiz. 

Suri

This girl apparently has an extensive classical training, and it really comes across in the EP "As I Am".  The EP is mellow and melodic electropop, a real pleasure to listen to.  The vocals and melodies/harmonies remind me of a mix between Sufjan Stevens and Imogen Heap.  It's pretty ethereal, but with a strong and somewhat dark electropop backdrop.  You can download the album for free here.