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
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google News
Artist Spotlight
“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Khynan Rhys’ “Do You Still Remember?“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Khynan Rhys | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
Indie
J0VANNA delivers ‘Aphrodite,’ a Self-Love Anthem We All Deserve
With her new single “Aphrodite,” a genre-bending cocktail of R&B, pop, and soul, J0VANNA steps boldly into the spotlight. This song is a reminder that perfection is in authenticity. A title referencing the Greek goddess of love and beauty, “Aphrodite,” challenges society’s expectations and embraces the woman in us all.
Inspired by J0VANNA’s journey, the song goes deep into the pressures of social media — a landscape that is easily consumed with filtered façades and unattainable ideals. J0VANNA reclaims the narrative through her velvety vocals and uplifting lyrics, flipping vulnerability into a superpower. The beat is sultry but spirited, a liquid blend of soulful groove and pop sensibility that’s both contemporary and timeless.
The crux of “Aphrodite” is its universally soothing message: we are enough. If you can call it that, the chorus swells, and the lyrics unfold as J0VANNA’s voice guides listeners toward self-acceptance, encourages them to discard their insecurities and bask in their legitimacy. It’s uncommon for a track to feel this personal and burn so wide, but “Aphrodite” steps that fine line with grace.
Whether you want a playlist for your self-love journey or must be told beauty transcends societal standards, “Aphrodite” is here. It’s a mantra, an anthem about confidence, a fierce nudge toward owning our beautifully imperfect selves. With “Aphrodite,” J0VANNA solidifies herself as “Ones to watch” but a voice this generation needs. So, crank it up, soak it in, and let the goddess in you out.
