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Americana duo Dorsten Release New Music

In their new single “To the River,” Americana duo Dorsten continue to develop their sharp tandem tonal attack with larger-than-life harmonies that could make anyone into a fan of modern roots music. “To the River” has all the cosmetics of a true indie-pop song; a big hook, an easygoing groove, and a pair of players in Dorsten that can give life to just about any hook they get their hands on, but the mechanics of the track have a lot more in common with vintage folk music than they do anything else. There are a lot of layers to peel back in this act’s sound, but no matter how you take their music or which genre you choose to classify it as there’s no getting around the simple fact that they’ve got more talent than most anyone in their southwestern peer group at the moment.

Everything in this song revolves around preserving the authenticity of the harmony, which most indie artists would take issue with right out of the gate. There’s often no room in the mix for eliminating the artificialities that come with propping up skyscraper-sized hooks when making conventional pop music, but that’s where Dorsten’s folk ethic comes into play. They’re going out of their way to make sure there’s a little bit of a swing to their shared vocal delivery, and within the substance of the harmony itself, we find a lot of unrefined, humble tonality that lets us know we’re listening to something real and tangible. It’s not a bastion of the revivalist movement, but rather a more virginal era of the Americana genre they’re drawing inspiration from here.

https://open.spotify.com/album/7fGo6G0ysyZCh9Co8Lcjl3

Even with its subtle bassline being factored into the equation, the groove in this track is heavy enough to get us moving to the beat steadily from the get-go. I’m not one hundred percent certain, but if I were to make an educated guess, I’d say that Dorsten wanted to make a point of demonstrating how little they need to depend on external resources when crafting something original in the studio with “To the River.” The irony comes in the form of the lyrical content, which alludes to pop culture in the bluntest of fashions, amidst a backdrop that is born of something removed from cosmopolitan artistry altogether.

The underground is always producing new talent, no matter what genre of music we’re discussing, but when it comes to folk and its many factions, its latest export in Dorsten proves that the state isn’t losing its touch by any means. This has been an intriguing time for Americana, and specifically for folk-pop crossover artists, but in “To the River,” I think we can hear shades of a newly evolved sound coming from these two that will be more than worth following up with in the future. They’ve still got time to keep growing, but as of this moment, this brother and sister act is among my top indie folk bands to watch as we get closer to 2024.

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Bradley McClure

Artist Spotlight

Cali Tucker Unwraps Christmas Magic With Her New EP “Santa Baby”

Cali Tucker

Cali Tucker is back in the spotlight this season with “Santa Baby,” a beautifully made holiday EP that captures the heart, warmth, and timeless glow of Christmas classics. Cali is known for singing the National Anthem at NASCAR’s Pennzoil 400 in front of 80,000 fans and more than three million people at home. She brings the same powerful presence and emotional depth to this holiday project.

“Santa Baby” is a great holiday release for music lovers, bloggers, and new artist discovery sites. It has six tracks and lasts 20 minutes. It mixes nostalgia with Cali’s signature smooth vocals. Each song shows off her talent, but “O Holy Night” and “The Christmas Song” are two that stand out as favorites. Both performances show off her range, control, and ability to bring classic songs into modern emotional spaces without losing their original charm.

“O Holy Night” stands out as the EP’s spiritual center, with a glowing performance full of dynamics, warmth, and a cinematic stillness that draws people in. Cali gives the song both respect and a unique touch, breathing new life into a well-known hymn. “The Christmas Song,” on the other hand, makes you feel like you’re sitting next to a fire. It’s soft, heartfelt, and full of stories that make you feel nostalgic. Cali’s voice flows effortlessly through every note, making it impossible not to feel the magic of the season.

The whole EP flows easily and has a mix of fun sparkle, soulful warmth, and classic Christmas music. “Santa Baby” is the perfect song for the season, whether people are making holiday playlists, looking for new Christmas music, or discovering new vocal talents. This EP adds a new but familiar sound to today’s holiday music scene. It has a comforting feel and is easy to listen to repeatedly.

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Indie

Lou Emery Shakes the Ground with “House of Cards,” a Raw Rock Anthem About Love on the Edge

Lou Emery

Lou Emery’s “House of Cards,” an anthem, paints a picture of a relationship falling apart under its own emotional weight. Emery’s latest release is one of their most dynamic and emotionally charged to date. It combines synth-pop sounds, wild electric guitars, and a rhythm that isn’t afraid to go outside the lines.

“House of Cards” pulls listeners into a storm from the very first note. The song starts with synth layers that shimmer like distant warning signs. Then, it quickly turns into an explosive guitar sound that reflects the chaos of love slipping through the cracks. Emery embraces the song’s instability, both musically and lyrically, letting the tension breathe, break, and rebuild with each passing measure.

The single’s unusual rhythmic structure is one of its most interesting parts. Emery uses rhythm as a storytelling tool instead of following traditional patterns. This captures the push-and-pull dynamic of trying to hold something together that is already falling apart. The result is a pulse that feels both random and purposeful, like real emotional turmoil.

The lyrics of “House of Cards” hit home for me. Lines that talk about “tossing aces away” are clever double entendres that convey both frustration and the painful process of discovering who you are. Emery’s storytelling shines through here as she uses a metaphor that goes beyond a relationship. It shows how fragile the structures we build inside ourselves are and how easily they can fall apart when put to the test.

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As the track reaches its peak, the electric guitars go crazy, capturing the moment when it’s harder to hold on than to let go. Emery’s voice is both strong and vulnerable, cutting through the song’s sonic chaos to bring emotional clarity. “House of Cards” stands out in today’s rock and synth-pop scene for its balance between control and collapse.

“House of Cards” presents Lou Emery as an artist unafraid to push boundaries, with its explosive production, layered storytelling, and fearless experimentation. This is the kind of song that fans of track music find once and then play over and over.

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