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

“I Just Want to Soar” by JK Jerome delivers an inspiring reflection on dreams and destiny

Certain moments in life have this mix of awe and confusion when you have not yet found your purpose, but you are watching someone else find theirs. UK singer-songwriter JK Jerome’s “I Just Want to Soar” explores that feeling with a sincere blend of folk-rock warmth and indie-folk storytelling, offering a thoughtful first taste of his upcoming debut EP.

The Shropshire-born artist creates a beautifully intimate mood throughout, with a soft but emotive arrangement that lets the song’s emotion shine. “I Just Want to Soar“ is a reflective dialogue between memories, ambition, and self-discovery, grounded in folk traditions and ignited by contemporary indie rock.

The song’s story is about the innocence of childhood dreams and the allure of watching someone who seems to have everything figured out. In this way, JK Jerome takes a simple observation and turns it into a more profound meditation on identity, direction, and the universal desire to know where we belong.

Jerome sings the song with a contained, heartfelt delivery that keeps every phrase intimate while allowing space for the understated instrumentation. JK Jerome has a real talent for emotive songwriting, combined with earthy folk-rock, making this an engaging introduction to his ongoing musical journey. The song leaves you feeling hopeful and encourages you to chase your dreams and keep reaching for the stars ahead.

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Artist Spotlight

With “Silhouette,” Bam Rigby captures the spirit of resilience

Progress is often met with resistance, and Bam Rigby’s new single, “Silhouette,” is a truthful and heartfelt reflection of that reality. A recording out of New York City, it mashes the upbeat sound of indie pop with the rougher sound of indie rock to make perseverance a fun listen while reminding us that every little step counts, even when you’re not sure where you’re going.

“Silhouette” has a lot of momentum with a propulsive rhythm and plenty of live instrumentation. There’s a certain warmth to the song because it was recorded on analog, and every guitar, drum, and harmony has character. The production gives the music a timelessness that feels both familiar and new.

Rigby’s voice works well in the arrangement, offering a blend of quiet contemplation and steady resolve. The song builds with rising background harmonies that gradually ease the emotional burden, reflecting the persistence at the heart of its narrative. What you get is a song that admits to struggle but does not succumb to it, that chooses hope and resilience in the midst of defeat.

“Silhouette” is a statement about the quiet determination you need to stay the course when distractions and setbacks threaten to throw you off course. The first release from his upcoming debut album, “Sometimes I Forget to Breathe,” this release introduces us to an artist who believes in real musicianship and meaningful storytelling, and leaves us with plenty of reasons to look forward to what comes next.

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