Country & Folk

New album: Jacob T. Simons || Shadow Creek

Finding the bare essentials of songcraft

By / / Country & Folk, Indie Pop / Leave a Comment

We’ve championed Colorado-based singer-songwriter Jacob Tyler Simons in these pages before, back when he was steering the ship for the admired outfit Moon Orchids. His first solo LP, Shadow Creek, functions as a natural counterweight to his former collective’s grandiose finale (it made it into the top 10 of my 2025 year-end list), trading polished ambition for a humble, salt-of-the-earth approach. To capture a truly unvarnished sound, the musician challenged himself with a strict set of recording dogmas. He handled all vocals and guitars himself without the safety net of overdubbing, committing to full live takes where atmosphere completely trumped technical precision. If a mistake didn’t break the rhythm, it stayed on the record.

It resulted in a beautiful anti-artificial document, consisting of nine intimate indie folk songs (plus a short balcony recording of a rainstorm), anchored by guitars and a harmonica full of emotion, further enhanced by Olivia Shaw’s weeping fiddle and Paul Robert Fake’s sparse keys. Simons’ sincere voice wrestles with a nostalgic yearning for simpler days, constantly weighing the heavy dread of modern societal decay against the grounding sanctuary of enduring love: “I’ve got a compass that tells me where I need to be // I can kick the needle if you come and stay with me” (from Rosewater Beads). The blurry cover photo serves as the perfect visual thesis for the album, as an uncompromising reminder that perfect focus is not a prerequisite to reveal an artist’s deeply honest core



Shadow Creek—produced and engineered by Jacob T. Simons and Mark Anderson—is out digitally and on vinyl LP (self-released).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp

New EP: Archer || Ivan

An acoustic tomorrow

By / / Country & Folk, Indie Pop / Leave a Comment

Earlier this year, Trondheim-based Norway-based alt-rock quartet Archer released their debut full-length album, The View from the Reservoir, one that has unjustly remained under the radar. Two of its twelve songs—Tomorrow and Flooring—return on the Ivan EP for a second chance, but in folk-tinged, unplugged versions that are even more beautiful than the electrically amplified originals.

The music draws you in with its atmosphere, Kristoffer Jonassen’s lyrics are what keep you there: “And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do // When everything is over and all is through // And I’m not sure just where I belong // But I liked that place where you played that song that goes // Don’t let today waste, I won’t be sleeping // I’m stuck in the dream that was yours to begin with.”

The strong title track is new here, pointing towards what may come next; its heartfelt delivery and poetic lyrics making for a particularly enticing preview of the next album. Promising indeed, but there’s still plenty to discover in the debut before we get there.


The Ivan EP is out digitally via Flat Rat Rec. Featuring Kristoffer Jonassen (guitar, vocals), Kevin Solem (guitar, piano), Robin Synnøve Solem (guitar, banjo, bass), and Jim Patrik Antonsen (drums).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp

New album: Kevin Steele || One Thing Left To Do

A rock ’n’ roll life with plenty left to say

By / / Alternative Rock, Blues & Roots, Country & Folk, Garage Rock, Glam Rock, Punk / Leave a Comment

No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to keep up with all new releases (I read a few music magazines and blogs, receive newsletters, listen to playlists, search proactively, and follow 4,000+ Bandcamp accounts, but I probably still only see a fraction of what comes out). It would be wise to accept this as a given of these volatile and abundant times, but it remains frustrating that so much good music goes unheard. Fortunately, a missed gem surfaces every now and then, like this one.

In the depths of Bandcamp, I unearthed One Thing Left To Do—apparently released last February, but it’s about time this one got its due. This is the first solo LP by St. Petersburg, Florida-based singer-songwriter Kevin Steele, who already had a life full of rock ’n’ roll behind him (Roxx Gang, Mojo Gurus). Here, with guitar phenom Billy Summer (Luxury Mane, The New Brutarians) by his side, he tears through a versatile and rowdy mix of rock, punk, glam, punk, blues, country, R&B, and gospel, occasionally brushing against sounds that feel strangely familiar, teasing your memory without giving up their source.

From big riffs and hypnotic grooves to bruised melodies and intimate ballads, performed with garage dirt under the fingernails, the record covers plenty of ground without ever denying its backbone. The moods may change, but for 44 minutes, Steele makes clear that he’s answering to no one but himself. Or as he sings: “Nobody Tells Me When To Quit (Na Na Na Na Na Na).” And I, for one, wouldn’t have wanted to miss the trip.



One Thing Left To Do is out digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Steele Records / Too Cool Music Publishing.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Discogs

New album: Anytime Cowboy || Gone By Now

Get lost in the world of Anytime Cowboy

By / / Alternative Rock, Country & Folk, Garage Rock, Punk / Leave a Comment

Second wantlist appearance by Anytime Cowboy this year, and it totally makes sense. Clearly, illustrator Reuben Sawyer is in an inspired mood, and not just in his illustrations. On Slab Songs, which came out in the first week of 2026, he blended slack rock, outsider country, and dark post-punk into something that feels slightly off-kilter in all the right ways.

The new 18-song Gone By Now continues that trajectory. It is full of 90-second songs where the juxtaposition between the slack-ish low-pitched vocals and the punk-rock urgency of the music is my favorite thing about the record. The sequencing is another thing, because Gone By Now pulls you in and out like you’re a puppet in the artist’s play. And while I care deeply about my autonomy, I don’t mind getting lost in the world of Anytime Cowboy at all.



Add to wantlist: Bandcamp

New album: Bobby Harlow || Less of an Apology

Co-founder of The Go takes a beautifully rough-edged detour into psychedelic country

By / / Country & Folk, Psych / Leave a Comment

Detroit-based singer-songwriter Bobby Harlow had already secured a notable place in music history (and in my heart) two decades ago as a founding member of rock band The Go, and although he heads down a different path here, his solo debut record proves a thoroughly welcome change of scenery. Less of an Apology still has the gritty spirit of rock ‘n’ roll at its core, but here it is wrapped in a psychedelic country package, giving the sound a warmer, more reflective edge.

Recorded live to 8-track tape, these nine songs leave the computers and click tracks behind in favour of spontaneous performances with plenty of room to breathe. The poetic, intuitive lyrics add another layer of intimacy, while the stripped-back production keeps every instrument and vocal close enough to touch. Although the quirky Outta Time is an entertaining standout as the most uptempo track, it is the heartfelt ballads that make the biggest impression, with Don’t Play With My Heart and Forgive Me standing out.

No handy Bandcamp or SoundCloud player this time around, but this one deserves a spot in your streaming queue.

Less of an Apology is out streaming and on vinyl LP through Lolipop Records. Featuring Robert Harlow (guitar, vocals), Ignacio Gonzalez (bass), Mikey Whiteside (piano), and Wyatt Blair (drums).

Add to wantlist: Lolipop || Discogs

Dusted || The Best New Cover Songs Of August 2026

By / / Alternative Rock, Blues & Roots, Country & Folk, Funk & Soul, Garage Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Power Pop, Psych, Punk, Surf / Leave a Comment

Not all new music is really new, as many artists cover songs. Sometimes these are songs by their favorite artists, e.g. as a tribute to such a musical hero for a special reason, or they simply feel that a song deserves to be dusted and polished to reacquaint fans with great songs from the past. Other times, bands cover songs as a parody. Regardless of intent, some of those cover versions are so good or so much fun, we’d like to put a spotlight on them. Chosen from a wide range (only if supported by the artist, so no live videos filmed by the audience or anything like that), here are—in a kind of random order—a bunch of successful covers from last month.

Are You Sure (first performed by Tammy Grimes, later also recorded by Aretha Franklin) by Tami Neilson — from Songs from the Motion Picture “Holy Days” soundtrack (Outside Music)

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (AC/DC) by City Kings — from Chainsaw EP

I Wanna Be Sedated (Ramones) by The Offspring — digital track (Concord Records)

…

Dusted || The Best New Cover Songs Of August 2026Read More »

The Loose Ends || August 2026

By / / Alternative Rock, Blues & Roots, Country & Folk, Funk & Soul, Garage Rock, Glam Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Jangle Pop, Power Pop, Psych, Punk, Surf / Leave a Comment

There are more wantlist-worthy releases than time to cover them all. Starting this year, Loose Ends is our monthly fix for the great records that slipped through the cracks. Expect a key track and quick take on each release, and a link to add it to your shelves.

ABAOAQU || BUDDHOD
Noisy, subtly mathy yet melodic indie rock from France. Consider us intrigued.

The Afghan Whigs || Soft Control
With visceral guitars, soulful intensity, and hard-won wisdom, these ten new songs find strength in embracing both the darkness and the light without losing sight of the absurdity in between.

Apes of the State || Nothing Makes Sense Anymore
Blending biting political rage, personal turmoil, dark humour, and genuine solidarity, these ten folk-punk songs turn a dysfunctional world into a surprisingly life-affirming celebration of resistance, friendship, and simply making it through another day.

…

The Loose Ends || August 2026Read More »

New album: Taylor Hollingsworth || Folk N’ Roll

Fleet-fingered guitars and a voice all his own

By / / Blues & Roots, Country & Folk / Leave a Comment

Birmingham, Alabama-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Taylor Hollingsworth has spent years refusing to fit neatly into a genre box, so naturally he invented his own: Folk N’ Roll. On his latest album (released two years after the cheerful Yahola LP), that phrase becomes a musical mission statement, bringing together finger-picked folk, bluesy guitar and loose-limbed rock ‘n’ roll in a distinctively Southern blend, deceptively simple but hard to resist.

The artist’s years as a touring guitarist (with Conor Oberst or his own band, The Blips) and seasoned one-man performer are evident in the unmistakable musicianship, while his storytelling gives these ten original songs an engaging personality (titles such as Shady People, Hot Dogs, Bunny Rabbits, Holy Rollers, The Boxer, Sunday Driver, Only The Boys And Me and Grover Jones immediately appeal to the imagination, the lyrics do so even more). The stripped-down setup proves more infectious and spacious than expected, with plenty of room for inventive guitar lines and a voice with more than enough character to leave its mark.



Folk N’ Roll—produced by Matt Patton and Taylor Hollingsworth—is out digitally and on viny LP through Dial Back Sound. Featuring Taylor Hollingsworth (lead vocals, guitars), Matt Patton (bass), and Ricky Burkhead (percussion), with backing vocals by Van Hollingsworth, Matt Patton and/or Morgan Geer on select tracks.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Dial Back

New album: Fortuna 500 || Two For Flinching

A rowdy collision of twang, noise, and camaraderie makes a brilliant debut LP

By / / Alternative Rock, Country & Folk, Garage Rock / 1 Comment

Walking to the bakery this weekend, I hit play on Fortuna 500’s Two For Flinching, and song by song the smile under my headphones just kept growing. Once back home, I dropped a needle on a record, settling into my standard weekend ritual; there’s an unmatched magic to a Saturday morning filled with fresh crusty breads, hot coffee, a thick newspaper, and spinning vinyl. Yet, even as I spent some hours rotating between 60s mod and my latest LP hauls, I found myself itching to put Fortuna 500 right back on.

The Somerville, Massachusetts-based five-piece brands their sound as “garage country,” but that barely scratches the surface of their debut full-length. Across 12 unpolished tracks in 50 unruly minutes, Two For Flinching is an ambitious DIY adventure capturing a young band having too much fun to play it safe. They take an idiosyncratic route through various genres, fiery lyrics, easygoing noise and enough sudden turns—it’s largely sun-drenched and beer-soaked vigor, but at times also slower and darker—to keep you permanently off balance.

Fingers crossed they press this to wax in the near future, because my turntable is practically begging for it.



Two For Flinching—produced by Chaimes Parker—is out digitally (self-released), with also some home-burned CD-Rs in circulation. Featuring Cole Triedman (lead vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica), Harley Spring (guitar), Ryan DiLello (guitar), David Levine (bass), and Julian Snyder (drums).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp

New album: Drug Country || Country Drugs

Front-porch storytelling wrapped in unpolished production

By / / Country & Folk, Indie Pop, Indie Rock / Leave a Comment

If you rhyme “I stop in this little bar” with “drink whiskey and listen to Big Star”, then you’ve already won me over to a large extent. Richmond, Virginia-based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist John Russell does it in House Pour, one of the twelve songs—streaming services provide a thirteenth track—on Country Drugs, his debut record under the moniker of Drug Country.

It’s not just the lyrics that are appealing; the versatile instrumentation and arrangements are just as worthy and surprising, with striking guitar hooks, and sound effects that occasionally lend it a cinematic air. Expect a pretty lo-fi blend of indie pop, slacker rock and front-porch folk, with an intimate live vibe. This is forty-two minutes of delightful detours through a splendidly distorted oasis.



Country Drugs is out digitally and on cassette through Self Aware Records and Hilltop Recordings.

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp

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