Indie

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.

Bradley McClure

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Artist Spotlight

FBL_QUARTEZ Delivers Smooth Confidence and Comfort on “Don’t Worry”

“Don’t Worry” by FBL_QUARTEZ is a polished R&B/Hip-Hop song that sets the mood and is meant to make people seeking comfort, connection, and reassurance feel better. This song is perfect for adults and fits perfectly with the mood of Valentine’s Day, but it can be listened to all year long.

The production sets up a smooth, welcoming mood right away. The instrumental is smooth and warm, blending modern R&B with classic hip-hop. It makes you feel at ease, which is the main point of the song, letting go of stress and being clear about your feelings.

FBL_QUARTEZ sings with confidence and control. The performance has a calm confidence that makes the message feel real instead of like it was done for show. The delivery feels natural, as if the artist is trying to reassure you rather than impress you. This method intensifies the song’s emotional pull.

“Don’t Worry” is a great song for its target audience because it speaks to people who like smooth grooves and relatable emotions. It’s a song that works well for late-night drives, quiet moments, and reflecting. The speed lets the listener get used to the mood without rushing through it.

What makes this release stand out is how clear its purpose is. Every part of the song, from the production to the vocal tone, helps convey its comforting message. It feels like it was planned, polished, and grounded in emotion.

FBL_QUARTEZ’s “Don’t Worry” is a song that puts feeling over flash, making it a great addition to holiday and beyond playlists. It reminds us that sometimes the best music is the kind that meets people where they are and gives them a moment of peace.

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Artist Spotlight

Cameron Dallas Builds Momentum and Confidence on “CATCH!”

“CATCH!” is a pop song by Cameron Dallas that goes into bold territory. It needs movement, confidence, and an immediate impact to work. The song sounds like it was made for action from the first beat. It could be blasting through speakers on a drive or playing on a late-night dance floor.

The production on “CATCH!” is smooth and shiny, giving the song a modern pop sound that feels well-planned and focused. Every part of the song is meant to move it forward, giving it a sense of momentum that never stops. This song works best when you press play and let it play without stopping.

Cameron gives a powerful vocal performance that grabs your attention. His voice stands out in the production, striking a good balance between control and charm. He rides the beat with such ease that it makes me think he knows exactly what he wants this song to do and who it’s for. He focuses on simplicity and energy, letting the track speak for itself.

“CATCH!” stands out because it is so sure of itself. It takes it. There are no wasted moments in the song, thanks to its tight structure and pacing. The parts of the song flow into each other nicely, which supports the idea that it’s meant to be played over and over again and instantly connect with people.

“CATCH!” sounds like a statement of momentum for Cameron Dallas, showing that he has improved in both sound and delivery.

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