Chet Bucke “Spring Is Not My Friend”
“Spring Is Not My Friend” is a symbolic knot of transformation, one between death and life. A few years ago, Chet Bucke lost a person close to him in Spring, the season of rebirth and hope. In the wake of a profound loss and navigating grief, the song flows out of him. Gentle and tender. Earthy and ethereal. “Spring Is Not My Friend” weaves the intricate turning of heaviness and loss into light and hope. Through its scenic and cinematic shifts of sonic landscapes, the song touches different stages of grief as perspective changes, strength emerges.
The duality of light and darkness is so subtly and meaningfully represented in this track. The third single from Chet Bucke feels like a feather landed in the palm of your hand—it’s soft and magical, but the weight it bears is the weight of life. The lyrics are moving and tear-jerking, in the light of its folkloric synthscape and drone-like introspection.
In contemplation, he seems to be in deep conversation with himself, but every word splatters a ripple in your heart. In the end, the song goes back to unconditional love and appreciation, knowing that each encounter is a blessing. “I hold on to the knowledge that I’ve said goodbye in the most meaningful way possible,“ said Bucke. “I feel ready for the Summer.”
“Spring Is Not My Friend” is not just a song. It walks you through a journey of transformation, allowing you to find strength in the season forward.
Sam and the Sea ‘Evil Ghosts’
Evil Ghosts is an instant love. Setting its scene in the still but ever-moving middle of the ocean, “Evil Ghosts” immerses you with its immediacy and palpable intricacy. Highlighted by its immersive guitar work, keen but intimate vocal, and poignant storytelling. Innocence weaves into Sam and the Sea’s intriguing folkloric storytelling that is both earthy and haunting. He reminds you of Angus & Julie Stone, both the child-like purity and sincerity.
“Canada” tunes into the drastic, fleeting feeling, placing you on a moving train as if heading somewhere yet not knowing where you’re headed. A beautiful undertone of uncertainty sink-floats in the background, while the warm, scenic palette vibrates on the stillness of a moment and the silhouettes of many memories, evoking feelings on so many different levels.
“Horses” tunes into a darker, greyer sonic palette. The images of concrete, sunset, midnight, and introspection come into play. Reverb, loneliness, evolution blend into this blur-edged contrasting, melancholic track. Words are not needed for the first half of this hypnotic race that resembles the steady rhythm and unstoppable nature of a fright train. Sam and the Sea’s stunning falsetto lifts this track to a new level of intimacy. “Horses” is a stunning track.
“…In Waves” feels like returning home. A Zen-feeling being awakened through the twangs of warm guitars, transitioning you into a kind of stillness before the drum beats picks up and the intoxicating vocal haze blurs the line between dream and reality, stop and motion.
kibbokid “Follow The Leader”
Eclectic, political, contemplative, and energetic; the debut release from kibbokid is full of contrast and sonically exciting. “Follow the Leader” tackles politics, which in that sense reminds you of the 60s’ folk revival, songs from Bob Dylan and such, but its multicultural sonic palette steps into alternative rock and world music, giving it a unique feel.
The British artist originally wrote the track in 2016, in response to Britain voting to leave the EU. He might have used the word, “protest song,” to begin with. “Follow the Leader” might have built on this idea, but as years went by, its sonic, lyrical combination grow more complex. Sonically, the song barely touch the folk genre in the traditionally sense, but the folk’s ethos root deep. In the age where genres are no longer being defined by sounds, kibbokid’s debut release is certainly a step forward, in the process of tracing back.
From Peter Warlock to Fairport Convention and Shirley & Dolly Collins, kibbokid has been tracing the evolution, being fascinated by English folk music. In the interview, we talks about inspirations and future plans. kibbokid might have revealed what’s coming next.
Punk Head: I love how inventive the backdrop of “Follow the Leader” is. What did everything come together?
kibbokid: Thank you! Well, I was originally going to record the song live, with a band, in April 2020 – the pandemic saw an end to that. So what you hear was born out of the limitations of what I could record myself in my small London flat. All the parts are sung and played by me, which I guess makes it concentrated with both my abilities and also my shortcomings.
PH: What are you most proud about this track?
kibbokid: I started thinking about this track in 2016 when Britain voted to leave the EU. It was a very tumultuous time, societally and economically (still is), and initially wanted to write a protest song. The original was quite unforgiving, but the song has been through many iterations since then, and I think now has a more compassionate tone. This tracks my own personal development, and I’m glad I arrived where I have – there’s too much anger around these days.
PH: What do you aim to accomplish in the near future?
kibbokid: I have a whole collection of related songs that I’m hoping will see the light of day in the very near future.
PH: Who are you listening to at the moment?
kibbokid: Truthfully, my listening is all over the place. I like to listen to anything and everything that passes my way. I have been reading Rob Young’s book Electric Eden which tracks the vein of English folk music from 19th Century collectors and composers up through the psychedelic explorations of the 1960s and 70s. So I’ve been listening to a lot of that: everything from Peter Warlock and Vaughan Williams to Fairport Convention and Shirley & Dolly Collins. It’s not a music that I want to play myself, but I do have an interest in England’s folk traditions – it’s all very mysterious to me, and I want to understand it better.
PH: What is the one thing that you’d like your fans to know about you?
kibbokid: That I deeply appreciate their time and attention.
Dango Rose ‘The Forgotten Years
The Forgotten Years is a trilogy project that documents the different chapters in Dango Rose’s transforming life as an artist, poet, musician, and writer.
Dango Rose’s ‘The Forgotten Years: Vol. II’ Tunes Into a Collaborative, Experimental Chapter of Life
Photo credit: Dog Daze Photos
The Forgotten Years is a trilogy project that documents the different chapters in Dango Rose’s transforming life as an artist, poet, musician, and writer. The second chapter, The Forgotten Years Vol. II dives deep into a more experimental phase along with the deepening and awakening of the mind, taking you on a meaningful ride across the unexpected soundscapes.
Rose’s music is more significant than the sound itself. His use of form and instrumentation is very subtly orchestrated. It naturally flows and glows, communicating deep emotions, spirituality, nature, introspection, and inspirations.
Weaving electronic and world elements into roots, folk, and pop influences, Rose navigates between those intricate shifts in atmosphere and dramatic emotional, textural contrasts effortlessly. “The Singularity” is so brilliantly mixed with all the different influences. It gives you a taste of everything while dives into the topic of self and the world.
Hypnotic and deeply grounded, the project is rooted in an intuitive and reflective approach that naturally appeals to listeners. Dango Rose has an earthy, percussive touch to strumming that gives his music a very unique sound, for example, “Snow” and “The Singularity.”
Although very cleverly hidden in the background, the vocal harmony starts to really become an irreplaceable factor in “Snow.” The interactive melodies and beautiful texture are no doubt a surprise. It reached momentum in “I Fall Away.” From the spoken words that demand your attention to the beautifully illuminating soundscapes, the album is a journey itself.
Written by Katrina Yang
My Fine Companions “One Day At A Time”
Written during a time of difficulty where the world was in lockdown, “One Day At a Time” emerged from the expression that people used to cope with Covid.
My Fine Companions Talk Hardship on “One Day At A Time”
Photo credit: Henry Kidney
Written during a time of difficulty where the world was in lockdown, “One Day At a Time” emerged from the expression that people used to cope with Covid. In a simple, sombre Americana-folk soundscape, honest lyricism sets the mood in a “storm,” the song reaches out to people who have been and are experiencing hardship with a gentle pat on the back, “one day at a time.”
“It was a way of working through feelings about this incredibly difficult time. I like the fact that people seem to have responded to the honesty of the song in a positive way,” said Nick Kidney, lead singer of the band.
With their experience in up-tempo live settings, the collective sound of the six-piece band, My Fine Companions, brings together a natural heartwarming, uplifting vibe that softens the grim reality. Centering beautiful vocal harmonies between the three main vocalists of the band, create a very distinctive sound that separates them from the rest.
Just like the band’s name suggests, My Fine Companions was born out of friendship: "I think friendship is a great thing to build a band around and that’s how this band started. We were friends who’d get together, have a few drinks, and play songs. Initially other people’s songs. Then I started writing and quite quickly we were playing our own. The name ‘My Fine Companions’ is a description of what we are,” said Kidney.
“One Time At A Time” sets in a slower tempo and sombre tone that derives from the band’s usual sound. Due to the pandemic and adaptation of different recording processes instead of their usual live sitting, the fourth Companions album is exciting to look forward to.
Commenting on the project still in the mix, Kidney mentioned, “We tried a lot of different instrumentation this time and whilst the songs are similar to what we’ve done before, I think there’s more stylistic diversity,” he then added,
“on the previous albums, the songs were mostly recorded live with overdubs added later. Here we had to record separately and then piece the songs together which was something we’d never done before. Funnily enough, I think it created a more polished sound.”
Written by Katrina Yang
EP REVIEW: AUDRI “SWAN SONG”
Discovery
Photo credit: Audri
Audri’s music has the power to permeate the walls and illuminate the surroundings with its unique storytelling and frequency. Spiraling between folk songwriting and a rock-fused dreamscape, Swan Song is a spectacular collection of three distinct stories/characters that reflect and discuss situational, behavioral, and emotive conditions.
In Audri’s creative process, she treats the songs like each unique identity that evolves, creates, feels, and tells stories, which results in her seemingly impossible contrasting range of sound palettes that no one else could create. Her music isn’t defined by genre or influence, but the story and characteristic itself, which also gives her the freedom and space to nurture the creative flow.
Her songs have the deeply engaging vibe that instantly drags you into their storytelling that goes beyond lyrics or sound but the song itself as a whole. “Dear Ramona” opens the EP with a sonic letter that tunes into the tender, expressive nostalgia. “Happening” dives into a dark, introspective mental space where the thoughts fly crazy under the deep water. “Relax” opens with a moody guitar that swirls into an upbeat, light-hearted message. Like a strand of light, the song casts away the darkness with its good vibes and positivity.
ALBUM REVIEW: BENJAMIN MULLINS “AMERICAN FOLK”
Staff Pick
Like a gentle light that warms your heart in the darkest night, American Folk is tenderly luminous where the plucking of ukulele and silky strings weave into the folkloric storyland with Benjamin Mullins’s smooth vocal. The album sets its scene on a lazy afternoon, with light percussion, and intimate storytelling. Nothing too broad, and nothing too heavy, American Folk is light and delicate, looking at the world with a childlike wonder.
“Dream a river back to you love, pan the gold beside the banks of; Heavy dark, a trillion dead suns, needle point to hole and gun; Halt catch fire overload, light the spark explode” “Entropy” introduces a slightly different epic tone with layers of contrasting strings, creating meaningful imageries.
Benjamin Mullin’s lyricism never lacks depth or imagery. They read like poetry that floats in the air with a layer of mystery, like stars in the sky. Each song has a beautiful ring that fills the void with textures and imaginaries. It continues to vibrate even after the song has come to an end.
“Coconut Tree” has a childlike wonder that steps into the cheerful rhyme from children’s song with an American soundscape. Bouncy fiddles and mesmerizing melodies. The song adds a special touch to the album. “I see you standing there, wearing flowers in your hair
I can't wait now for the time, to meet you at the water line
I see you, you see me, let's get together under the coconut tree”
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: FERALMAN “THE BALLAD OF LIFE & DEATH”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Antelope Media
The idea of “The Ballad of Life & Death” took inspiration at a significant turning point in life when Feralman was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During the four long weeks of waiting for the test results, many creative ideas took shape in the form of songs and weaved into introspective, metaphorical lyricism.
Contemplating life and death, it seems that they are elegantly and delicately linked together where one cannot be without another. We cherish life and every single thing that makes our memory because of the destined end of death and even our fear for it.
Revolving around the metaphoric image between the hooded man and jolly woman, Welsh/Australian artist/songwriter Feralman approached this idea with a smooth, mellow duet featuring Nashville-based singer Rochelle Feldkamp. With the combination of silvery flute passage and hand clapping, “The Ballad of Life & Death” has a rich, heartfelt texture with a layer of abundance and festivity.
“At times, the balance between life and death can be very fine. One is often considered with fear and dislike, the other with enjoyment and happiness…two very different emotions. I liked the idea of bringing these together in some way and this song is essentially the story that my mind’s eye created,” Feralman commented.
EP REVIEW: BURR ISLAND “BAKER ST. BLUES”
Staff Pick
Photo credit: Eddy Massarella
Baker St. Blues is a collection of four interconnected, magnificent short auditory films. Cinematic and dramatic, Burr Island has a very extroverted presentation in combination with their sensitive, introspective lyricism that forms a fascinating internal hurricane of tension and contrasts. They adhere to the folk spirit that often captures the grim truth of reality with wittiness and seemingly cheerful sonics. Acoustic guitar and a vocal duet with a sprinkle of production are all Burr Island need for its meaningful, heartfelt storytelling.
The album spirals inward with emotions and depth, self-examining as well as contemplating the outside world. “Why Is It?” reflects on the way our lives seem to rely entirely on technology. It stores our activities, memories, and dictates our thoughts and opinions. It’s horrifying in a way and it makes you wonder how far we have gone with “reality.” “All I Am” passes through the surface-level desires/needs to find peace from within. It peels off the glittering mask of the material world and questions our existence. “Courtroom of My Minds” takes on a brand new angle and examines the very process of doubt — the clouded room that is always filled with voices struggling between self-sabotage, social norms, and seeking for truth.
“Baker St. Blues” is the fearless, passionate color in a world of grey. Dream and love work its way into the sonics and remind us there’s always something worth fighting for in seemingly mundane life. It’s about the person you used to be and who you dream to be. Does the dream still exist? The song brings tears to your eyes as you start to remember and realize.
Burr Island is a band you can’t help stamping your feet and humming its mesmerizing melodies along the way. Their music is heartwarming and touching in the sense that it connects us through our very human experiences in its truthful, authentic, spirited storytelling. They give something back with their music and offer a moment of contemplation and pause.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: FOX FAGAN “NOBODY ON THE BLOCK”
Staff Pick
Entrancing, lullaby-like melodies meet Fagan’s dreamy, poignant voice. Laid-back rhythm and poised texture bring a nostalgic, Californian vibe. Expressive slide guitar and emotive cello create another layer of contrast. Fox Fagan’s music is a dark blend of folkloric telling from his UK root and Los Angeles’s laid-back southern sun with a touch from the deserted, island of Australia. It becomes something indistinguishable together, brewing its unique texture.
Narrated around an encounter at 3 am between a man living on the block and a hooker named ‘Jordie,’ “Nobody On The Block” is a mixture of many that left for free interpretation. The spiraling storytelling plotted something fascinating in between the lines. The first-person narrative closeup on a single man living in solitude, longing for warmth and human touch. Empty cans and Slayers been on painted the surroundings and his lifestyle.
The interaction between the hooker was more of a one-sided story by the man who assumed the hooker needed to be saved and invited her to stay over. The hooker’s response doesn’t come till the end of the song when she said, “Don’t you know baby, I do nobody on the block. I’ve got my own buzz now please leave me alone.”
From the simple, straightforward narration to top-notch sonics and performance, the seasoned musician has a track of collecting life-inspired stories in his songs, evoking deep thinkings without much instruction. The clever metaphors always mirror back our own state of mind; the underlying message is always left for individual interpretation.
Written by Katrina Yang
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PREMIERE: MOLOSSER “Ellesmere Island”
New Music Friday
Appear Album Cover
Entrancing and haunting, “Ellesmere Island” draws you into a melancholy, folk soundscape of a cold, mysterious land. Downtuned guitar intertwine with an intimate vocal, creating a unique sense of storytelling that encompass more than what meets the eyes. Minimal percussion adds the perfect rhythmic engagement into the sound. Where the dark meets the light, where the story begins.
Although the track has a dominating folk, blues influence in its soundscape, there is a strong rock n roll spirit presence imprinted in its soul, communicating through the cathartic choruses and mesmerizing guitar rhymes.
“Ellesmere Island” is the final track on Molosser’s debut album Appear which was released earlier this year. In the music video, the duo brings you into a cabin in the wild, to the rivers and the forest where the tales begin.
Hailing from Sweden, Molosser is known for its captivating storytelling and mesmerizing guitars. There’s a sense of mystery, danger, and darkness in its storytelling. In its folkloric melodies, they evoke ancients feelings long-forgotten in history.
Written by Katrina Yang
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EP REVIEW: EMMA HUNTER ‘HERE I GO’
Staff Pick
Photo Credit: Carrie Southall
Here I Go explores a shadowy world where the sun doesn’t shine. Like a nightingale singing in the dark, Emma Hunter’s voice unchain elegance and beauty in the void, emerging and evolving with strength, weaving an igniting, floral world.
The EP opens with an intense track about domestic violence with its title track, “Here I Go.” Setting the motion of leaving with no sound. A deeply haunting, blues-infused guitar riff invites you into an emotive, dark world. Sunflowers were shattered in blood; a beautiful woman dancing in a red dress, repeatedly drowned, and abused; the drag of limbs across the floor. “Here I Go” unveils the horrific nature of violence: the brutal destruction of something beautiful.
Further reaching to the muddy street of jazz with surfing guitar and chromatic walking bassline in “Nightingale,” anthemic in the swirling sounds. There is a constant stare that follows you throughout the EP. An eerie, swelling electrified noise emerges from the underworld, gazing at you in the dark like a shadow. Here I Go is astonishing and unsettling in its storytelling. The singer/songwriter has shown immense potential in her vocal performance and songwriting.
“Treacle Well” is a contemporary vocal piece where rhythms and harmonies allure in the dark, weaving into a cinematic, polyphonic modern dance masterpiece. In the immersive, harmonious waves, “Window” comes to life when the reverberant guitar riffs join in for the hypnotic sound bath. Emma Hunter’s voice travels freely, like little fairies dance on the top of branches, landing on places you wouldn’t expect.
Written by Katrina Yang
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SINGLE REVIEW: FARLANDERS “THE LIGHTHOUSE LIES DARK”
Song of the Day
“The Lighthouse Lies Dark” sets its scene in a massive, immersive sound of the ocean. A solo violin wanders in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but the sound of nature. A cleverly paved soundscape emerges from underneath, simmering with a touch of light.
Located in Cambridge, UK, the folk collective Farlanders have a unique way of storytelling. Following their instincts, “The Lighthouse Lies Dark” explores hope and comfort through unconventional song form. Like lighthouse guides the lost boats back to dryland, the song has a warm and comforting aura.
“The Lighthouse Lies Dark” is inspired by those who provide light in the dark. A beautiful piano underneath a voice that sings to your heart, the song brings tears to your eyes, in the reflection of flame.
Absorbing influences from folk and world music, Farlanders also created their own music vocabulary. Unlike anything you’ve heard, “The Lighthouse Lies Dark” is a refreshing, out-of-this-world yet grounding sonic experience.
PREMIERE: PRINCE OF SWEDEN ‘LIVE FROM A DARK ROOM’
New Music Friday
Underlining melodies guiding through the dynamic guitar strumming. Melting in Prince of Sweden’s contemplative vocal, drifting along the afterheat of reverb, Live From a Dark Room invites you to the unique singer-songwriter soundscape where the magic of folk is reserved.
Traveling between solitude, campfire, nature, storytelling, and warmth with a rocker spirit, Prince of Sweden captivates thoughts wandering in-between spaces. Recorded live from a dark room at Prince of Sweden’s friend's house, the debut EP Live From a Dark Room consists of four songs where the time is still.
“If You Speak to Her, Tell Her Thanks for Me” is a tender tune revolving around unsaid words. The rendition of the traditional folk song “Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie” has a blues twist in its deep, shivering guitar motif. The vocal-led “Henrietta on My Mind” brings a brighter color to the collection with lighthearted accompaniment.
Influenced by the 60s infused rock n roll of the Arctic Monkeys and the slow folk ballads of Leonard Cohen, the British solo act Prince of Sweden explores introspective lyrics surrounded by a folk guitar soundscape with a rock edge.