Mathieu Ball, Efrim Manuel Menuck, Jonathan Downs, Patch
Style: Post-Rock, Experimental Rock
Vibes: Dystopian, Weary, Rebellious, Apocalyptic, Heartfelt, Mournful, Moody, Murky, Raw, Communal, Winter, Hypnotic
We Are Winter’s Blue and Radiant Children – “No More Apocalypse Father” Read More »
Style: Progressive Electronic, Space Ambient, Post-Minimalism, IDM
Vibes: Hypnotic, Healing, Futuristic, Compassionate, Alienation, Introspective, Melancholy, Mellow, Mournful, WarmLoraine
Loraine James – Building Something Beautiful For Me Read More »
featuring Tricky, Horace Andy, Neneh Cherry, Shara Nelson
Style: Trip Hop, Bristol Sound, UK Hip Hop, Downtempo, Street Soul
Influences: Dub, Hip Hop, Soul, Jazz Fusion, Film Scores, Electronic
Vibes: Moody, Hypnotic, Urban, Mellow, Sensual, Heartfelt, Melancholy, Communal, Uplifting, Nocturnal, Smooth, Psychedelic, Warm
Massive Attack – Blue Lines Read More »
featuring Patrick Shiroishi, Marisa Anderson, Tashi Dorji
Style: Doomgaze, Slowcore, Post-Rock, Drone Metal, Noise Rock
Vibes: Introspective, Poetic, Gloomy, Cathartic, Funereal, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Sombre, Patient, Deconstructed, Intimate, Western, Melancholy, Powerful, Depressive, Haunting, Brooding, Winter
BIG|BRAVE – A Chaos of Flowers Read More »
featuring Zoh Amba, Marisa Anderson, Jim White, Bill Nace, Cédric Dind-Lavoie
Style: Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Vibes: Weary, Intimate, Sombre, Mournful, Reflective, Warm, Melancholy, Mellow,, Lonely, Reflective, Bittersweet, Restrained
Myriam Gendron – Mayday Read More »
Style: Slowcore, American Primitivism, Post-Rock (Louisville Sound), Ambient Americana
Vibes: Loner, Rainy, Meditative, Contemplative, Pastoral, Urban, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Mellow, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Instrumental, Sparse, Solo, Loops, Pulse, Repetitive, Soft, Atmospheric, Minimalistic
Papa M – Live From a Shark Cage Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream Folk
Moods: Bittersweet, Contemplative, Gentle, Poetic, Intimate, Morning, Pastoral, Flowing
Musical Qualities: Soft, Lyrical, Lush, Vocal Harmonies
Tara Jane O’Neil – s/t Read More »
Style: Hill Country Blues, Delta Blues, Gospel-Influenced
Vibes: Intimate, Back Porch, Raw, Introspective, Spiritual (Christian), Hypnotic, Longing, Melancholy, Storytelling
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Droney, Solo, Lo-Fi
Mississippi Fred McDowell – The Alan Lomax Recordings Read More »
On the Surface
Style: Chamber Folk, Progressive Songwriter, Art Rock
Vibes: Brooding, Autumnal, Reflective, Weary, Bittersweet, Longing, Sombre, Melancholy, Mysterious
Themes: Existential, Impermanence, Time, Love, Death, Philosophical
Beth Gibbons – Lives Outgrown Read More »
Style: Ambient Americana, Drone-Folk, Spectral Blues, Free Improvisation
Vibes: Nocturnal, Mournful, Murky, Hypnotic, Haunting, Lonely, Melancholy, Bluesy, Meditative
Musical Qualities: Slow, Droney, Soft, Lo-fi, Atmospheric, Solo, Improvisation, Sparse
Loren Connors – The Departing of a Dream Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Acid Folk
Vibes: Autumnal, Alienation, Reflective, Warm, Melancholy, Stoned, Rural, Lonely, Mellow, Psychedelic, Loner
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Cello, Flute, Mandolin, Organ, Piano, Electric Bass
Gary Higgins – Red Hash Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock, Chamber Rock
Vibes: Drifting, Weary, Longing, Celestial, Melancholy, Summer Nights, Patient, Responsive, Flowing, Sombre, Passionate, Kinetic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Loose, Melodic, Slow, Atmospheric, Improvisation
Dirty Three – Whatever You Love, You Are Read More »
LPx2, Domino Recordings, 2003 / 2008 repress featuring Karen Mantler, Annie Whitehead, Gilad Atzman, David Gilmour, Brian Eno, Paul Weller ON THE SURFACE Style: Progressive Pop, Jazz-Rock, Canterbury Scene Vibes: Surreal, Sombre, Conscious, Dystopian, Ethereal, Ominous, Absurd, Colorful, Gloomy, Mournful, Plaintive, Restrained Themes: Liberation, History, War, Political (Anti-imperialist Critique, Socialism), Existential, Philosophical Instrumentation: Vocals, Keyboards,
Robert Wyatt – Cuckooland Read More »
Gastr Del Sol is David Grubbs & Jim O’Rourke
featuring Tony Conrad, Mats Gustafsson, John McEntire, etc
Vibes: Cryptic, Deconstructed, Existential, Surreal, Restrained, Plaintive, Hypnotic, Suspenseful, Active Listening
Gastr Del Sol – Upgrade & Afterlife Read More »
Whilst in Istanbul for an artist residency, the adventurous Montreal chamber rock group recorded Dalmak with an ensemble of Turkish musicians, augmenting their core sound of cello, marimba, and drums with the saz, darbuka, bendir and several other instruments used in Turkish and Arabic folk music. Epic, modal themes emerge from watery beds of minimalistic polyrhythms and suspenseful string arrangments. While often sombre, mournful or foreboding, the musi seems driven by a collective sense of spiritual determination and hope.
Style: British Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter
Vibes: Contemplative, Bittersweet, Longing, Pastoral, Twangy, Eclectic, Melancholy, Rainy, Warm
Michael Chapman – Rainmaker Read More »
featuring members of Espers, The Eyesores & Jesse Sparhawk
Style: Acid Folk, Progressive Chamber-Folk
Vibes: Mystical, Forest, Flowing, Sombre, Medieval, Witchy, Eerie, Fantasy, Melancholy, Autumnal, Eerie, Mysterious
Fern Knight – Music for Witches and Alchemists Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibes: Gloomy, Intertwined, Stark, Brooding, Depressive, Disaffected, Hazy, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Mellow, Monotone, Moody, Raw, Sombre, Weary
Musical Qualities: Riffs, Loops, Slow, Lo-Fi, Repetitive
POLT. – While I Am Decaying Like a Rotten Thing, Like a Garment That Is Moth-Eaten Read More »
Style: Dream Folk, Experimental Songwriter, Ambient-Folk
Vibes: Ethereal, Melancholy, Hazy, Intimate, Soothing, Haunting, Dreamy, Autumnal, Cryptic, Tender, Mellow, Reflective, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Flowing
Musical Qualities: Soft, Glitchy, Atmospheric, Lyrical, Electro-Acoustic
Maria BC – Spike Field Read More »
Style: Shoegaze, Psych, Noise Rock, Slowcore, Ethereal Wave
Vibes: Raw, Gloomy, Cathartic, Lonely, Depressive, Rainy, Nocturnal, Sensual, Hazy, Sombre, Sentimental, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Noisy, Dynamic, Lo-Fi, Fuzzy
Shizuka – Heavenly Persona Read More »
Styles: Chamber Ambient, Dark Ambient, Glitch, Ambient Techno
Vibes: Nocturnal, Brooding, Eerie, Mysterious, Cinematic, Dark, Desolate, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Mournful, Mysterious, Ominous, Shadowy, Sombre, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Micro-Sampling, Electro-Acoustic, Glitchy, Atmospheric, Instrumental, Orchestral, Beats
Murcof – Remembranza Read More »
Style: Drone-Folk, Acid Folk, Guitar Soli (LP2)
Vibes: Nocturnal, Intimate, Desert, Raw, Lethargic, Melancholy, Autumnal, Haunting, Mellow, Peaceful
Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Acoustic, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Droney, Instrumental (LP2)
Ilyas Ahmed – Between Two Skies / Towards the Night Read More »
Marcio Mattos, Sachiko M, Tetuzi Akiyama
Style: EAI, Experimental Songwriter, Reductionism
Vibes: Sombre, Forest, Depressive, Nocturnal, Introspective, Apathetic, Poetic, Open, Death, Visceral, Mysterious, Anguish, Bleak, Alienation
David Sylvian – Manafon Read More »
Style: Sufi Music, Ambient Pop, Progressive Electronic, Electroacoustic
Vibes: Longing, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Sombre, Ethereal, Dance, Futuristic, Romantic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Electro-acoustic, Sampling, Glitchy, Noisy, Soft
Ali Sethi & Nicolas Jaar – Initha Read More »
Style: Ambient, Free Folk, Post-Minimalism
Vibe: Reflective, Dreamy, Melancholy, Soothing, Contemplative, Nocturnal, Ethereal, Loner, Meditative, Haunting
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Loops, Soft, Collage
Ilyas Ahmed – A Dream of Another Read More »
with Jake Falby, Alex Somers, Eric Littmann, Marilu Donovan, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma & Nadia Hulett
Style: Chamber-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop, New Age
Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Loving, Bittersweet, Mournful, Healing, Introspective, Compassionate, Observational, Poetic, Contemplative, Ethereal, Summer
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Lush, Orchestral
Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Strings, Piano, Synthesizers, Harp, Modular Synthesizer
Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Lo-Fi Psych, Mystical Folk
Vibe: Mysterious, Mystical, Communal, Murkey, Nocturnal, Ritualistic, Spacey, Eclectic, Hallucinogenic, Haunting
Musical Qualities: Vignettes, Lo-Fi, Acoustic, Droney, Collage, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Electro-Acoustic
The Tower Recordings – Folk Scene Read More »
Style: Irish Folk, Dark Folk, Avant-Folk, Acoustic Drone
Vibe: Haunting, Sombre, Rootsy, Storytelling, Ominous, Melancholy, Dark, Death, Intense, Ritualistic, Spiritual
Lankum – False Lankum Read More »
Fursaxa & Helena Espvall
Style: Free Folk, Drone
Vibe: Ritualistic, Medieval, Nocturnal, Forest, Exploratory, Mysterious, Mystical, Religious, Occult, Cosmic, Witchy
Musical Qualities: Droney, Improvisation, Acoustic, Loops, Slow, Choral
Anahita – Tourmaline Read More »
Style: Shoegaze, Space Folk, Drone, Lo-Fi Songwriter, Post-Rock
Vibe: Washy, Dreamy, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Autumnal, Nocturnal, Pastoral, Desolate
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Home Recording, Droney, Noisy, Repetitive, Dense
Flying Saucer Attack – Distance Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Avant-Dub, Experimental
Vibe: Mechanical Decay, Deconstructed, Urban, Cold, Dystopian, Desolate, Winter, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Dub, Rhythmic, Instrumental, Sampling, Slow, Noisy, Repetitive, Analogue
Instrumentation: Drums, Tapes, Bass Clarinet, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar
Exhaust – Enregistreur Read More »
Style: Alt-Country, Lo-fi Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Winter, Depressive, Weary, Rural, Reflective, Melancholy, Introspective, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Lyrical, Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies
Palace Songs – Hope Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream Folk, Chamber Pop
Moods: Ethereal, Tender, Apocalyptic, Spiritual, Contemplative, Cosmic, Christian, Raw, Existential, Melancholy, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Loose, Atmospheric, Sparse, Improvisation
Bill Fay Group – Tomorrow Tomorrow and Tomorrow Read More »
Style: Canterbury Scene, Progressive Pop
Moods: Plaintive, Playful, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Dreamy, Eccentric, Tender, Sentimental
Instrumentation: Mellotron, Piano, Drums, Organ, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Electric Piano, Drums, Voice
Style: Slowcore, Slacker Rock, Shoegaze
Moods: Introspective, Lethargic, Existential, Hypnotic, Melancholy, Nocturnal, Rainy, Spacey
Musical Qualities: Slow, Noisy, Studio-as-an-Instrument, Riffs, Repetitive
Style: Progressive Bluegrass, Folk
Moods: Autumnal, Rural, Rootsy, Twangy, Warm, Melancholy
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Cello, Fiddle, Dobro, Mandolin
Norman Blake – The Fields of November Read More »
Styles: Dream-Country, Singer/Songwriter, Neo-Psychedelia
Moods: Longing, Conversational, Heartfelt, Bittersweet, Colorful, Lonely, Warm, Rural, Dreamy, Introspective, Melancholy, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical
Edith Frost – Telescopic Read More »
Style: Wyrd Folk, Progressive Folk, Acid Folk
Moods: Forest, Sombre, Enchanting, Gloomy, Mystical, Medieval, sombre, Melancholy, Mellow, Mysterious
Styles: Singer/Songwriter, Folk-Pop, Jazz-Rock
Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Bittersweet, Romantic, Warm, Playful, Sentimental, Energetic, Groovy, Passionate, Melancholy, Sunny
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Live, Melodic, Soft
Joni Mitchell & the L.A. Express – Miles of Aisles Read More »
Style: Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Dream Pop
Moods: Autumnal, Warm, Twee, Heartfelt, Tender, Eclectic, Hypnotic, Romantic, Soothing, Lethargic, Melancholy
Musical Qualities: Melodic, Noisy, Catchy, Soft, Washy, Lush, Motorik
Yo La Tengo – I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One Read More »
Style: Folk-Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Acid Folk, Country-influenced
Moods: Autumnal, Moody, Sombre, Bittersweet, Conscious, Eclectic, Melancholy, Political, Mellow, Morning, Mournful, Retro, Psychedelic, Rebellious, Warm
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Flute, Piano, Organ, Dumbek, Bongos, Drums, Congas, Cello, Vibraphone, Harmonica, Banjo, Mandolin, Wind Chimes, Vocal Harmonies, Bells
Tom Rapp – Stardancer Read More »
Style: Folk Rock, Art Rock, Pop Rock
Moods: Bittersweet, Breakup, Alienation, Melancholy, Urban, Autumnal, Mellow, Introspective, Depressive, Intimate, Love, Sombre, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Soft, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic
The Velvet Underground Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Noise Rock, Shoegaze
Moods: Overcast, Moody, Raw, Angsty, Melancholy, Urban, Autumnal, Bittersweet, Bombastic, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Noisy, Slow, Dynamic
Mogwai – Ten Rapid (Collected Recordings 1996-1997) Read More »
Style: Art Rock, Shoegaze, Dream Pop
Moods: Brooding, Melancholy, Reflective, Breakup, Intertwined, Angsty, Ethereal, Existential, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Lush, Polished, Melodic, Dynamic
Blonde Redhead – 23 Read More »
Styles: Slacker Rock, Neo-Psychedelia, Bedroom Pop, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Introspective, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Reflective, Kaleidoscopic, Warm, Melancholy, Intimate, Whimsical, Nostalgic, Eclectic, Heartfelt, Psychedelic, Summer, Existential
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Riffs, Home Recording, Melodic, Vocal Manipulation, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Styles: Art Pop, Progressive Songwriter, Ambient Pop, Chamber-Jazz (Influenced)
Moods: Nocturnal, Surreal, Elegant, Ethereal, Observational, Flowing, Alienation, Cryptic, Disaffected, Lonely, Longing, Melancholy, Mysterious, Poetic, Romantic, Winter
Musical Qualities: Lush, Orchestral, Progressive, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical, Dynamic, Complex, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Keyboards, Piano, Upright Bass, Violin, Cello, Drums, Saxophone, Trombone, Percussion, Group Vocals
Julia Holter – Loud City Song Read More »
Style: Noise Pop, Dream Pop, Shoegaze
Moods: Bittersweet, Tender, Melancholy, Romantic, Nocturnal, Reflective, Sentimental, Warm, Driving, Hypnotic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Catchy, Atmospheric, Noisy, Soft, Fuzzy
Yo La tengo – Extra Painful Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Experimental Songwriter, Slacker Rock
Moods: Alienation, Contemplative, Depressive, Eclectic, Intimate, Melancholy, Brooding, Cryptic, Introspective, Loner, Raw, Playful
Smog – Dongs of Sevotion Read More »
Style: Progressive Rock, Shoegaze-Influenced
Moods: Passionate, Epic, Melancholy, Cryptic, Sentimental, Moody, Longing, Cathartic, Dark, Triumphant, Monolithic
Musical Qualities: Complex, Progressive, Melodic, Uncommon Time Signatures, Polished, Atmospheric, Dynamic, Dense
Oceansize – Frames Read More »
Styles: Stoner Metal, Heavy Psych, Drone Metal
Moods: Passionate, Heavy, Melancholy, Cathartic, Manic, Energetic, Stoned, Raw
Musical Qualities: Fuzzy, Riffs, Noisy, Dense, Dynamic, Droney
Style: UK Bass, Deconstructed Club, Weightless, IDM
Moods: Futuristic, Melancholy, Mechanical, Introspective, Nocturnal, Urban, Cryptic, Sensual, Reflective
Musical Qualities: Digital, Percussive, Sparse, Glitchy
Loraine James – Reflection Read More »
Style: Ambient, Dream-Folk, Drone Pop
Moods: Melancholy, Nocturnal, Cosmic, Grainy, Contemplative, Lethargic, Meditative, Peaceful, Intimate, Ethereal, Loner, Haunting, Dreamy, Hazy, Meandering, Monochrome, Murky, Soothing
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Droney, Lo-Fi, Home Recording, Loops, Simple, Slow, Soft, Solo
Grouper – A I A: Alien Observer Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Moods: Reflective, Sentimental, Rural, Lonely, Melancholy, Twangy, Romantic, Longing, Contemplative, Depressive, Heartfelt, Introspective, Love, Rootsy
Edith Frost – Wonder Wonder Read More »
Blue Afternoon continues the flowing jazz-folk of Happy Sad while occasionally detouring into the avant-garde atmospheres that manifest more fully on Lorca and Starsailor. The arrangements are characterized by fluid vibraphones, lobbing upright bass, and the virtuosic jazz guitar of Lee Underwood, but what really ties everything together are the vocals and songwriting. Buckley’s voice is so versatile that he is able to express a wide range of emotions, sometimes blurring them from one moment to the next.
Tim Buckley – Blue Afternoon Read More »
Style: Progressive Folk-Rock, Welsh Folk
Moods: Medieval, Mystical, Sentimental, Epic, Passionate, Earthy, Communal, Intricate
Instrumentation: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocal Harmonies, Celtic Harp, Flute, Bodhran, Congas, Bongos, Keyboard, Electric Bass, Recorder, Drums, 12-String Guitar, Mandolin, Mellotron
Pererin – Haul ar yr eira Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Dream-Folk
Moods: Reflective, Flowing, Dreamy, Bittersweet, Melancholy, Pastoral, Mellow, Breezy, Haunting, Morning, Contemplative, Poetic, Peaceful, Soothing
Meg Baird – Furling Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, British Folk
Moods: Intimate, Gentle, Storytelling, Lonely, Reflective, Melancholy, Autumnal
P.G. Six – Live at the Tavern Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Folk
Moods: Tender, Intimate, Bittersweet, Autumnal, Reflective, Lonely, Poetic, Breakup, Conversational, Lethargic, Loner, Longing, Love, Melancholy, Mellow, Brooding, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Soft, Sparse, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Master and Everyone Read More »
Styles: Loner Folk, Shoegaze, Noise, Drum & Bass, Space Rock
Moods: Intimate, Nocturnal, Melancholy, Winter, Tender, Loner, Spacey, Eclectic, Lonely, Claustrophobic
Musical Qualities: Home Recording, Noisy, Droney, Lo-Fi, Atmospheric
Flying Saucer Attack – Mirror Read More »
Style: Free Rock, Ritual Psych, Experimental
Moods: Primordial, Free, Exploratory, Mysterious, Suspenseful, Ritualistic, Shadowy, Meandering, Deconstructed, Abstract, Communal, Deconstructed, Nihilistic, Murky, Stoned, Raw, Haunting, Surreal, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dissonant, Repetitive, Loose, Droney
The No-Neck Blues Band – Qvaris Read More »
Style: Outsider Folk, Country Blues, Singer/Songwriter, Americana
Moods: Back Porch, Relaxed, Tender, Melancholy, Uplifting, Contemplative, Heartfelt, Eccentric, Introspective, Playful, Raw, Rootsy, Rural
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Home Recording, Sparse, Lo-Fi, Bluesy, Catchy
Michael Hurley & Pals – Armchair Boogie Read More »
Style: SInger-Songwriter, Progressive Country, Chamber Folk
Moods: Reflective, Longing, Heartbreak, Autumnal, Contemplative, Melancholy, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Heartfelt, Lonely, Rainy
Musical Qualities: Lush, Suite, Lyrical, Orchestral, Melodic
Mickey Newbury – Heaven Help the Child Read More »
“I am not me” the chorus sings repeatedly, a spell to dissolve the ego and deconstruct the myth of American individualism, leaving fertile ground for a collective vision of abundance to bloom. The open-door band of multi-instrumentalists shakily weave through a suite of haunting drone seances, raggedly tender folk sing-a-longs, liberated group improvisations and triumphant post-rock discord. Once again Jackie-O Motherfucker continues their forward march to a beautiful anarchic world without losing touch with its roots in the weird American underground.
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Bloom Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Noise Rock, Shoegaze, Post-Rock
Moods: Lonely, Melancholy, Rainy, Moody, Sombre, Reflective, Winter, Bombastic, Cathartic, Cold, Epic
Musical Qualities: Dynamic, Atmospheric, Slow
Mogwai – Young Team Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Ambient Folk, Experimental Songwriter, Slowcore
Moods: Introspective, Dreamy, Melancholy, Intimate, Hypnotic, Autumnal, Flowing, Airy, Contemplative, Mysterious, Nocturnal, Reflective, Tender, Depressive, Eerie, Ominous (A2)
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Repetitive, Lyrical, Slow, Soft
Richard Youngs – Amplifying Host Read More »
Style: Free Psych, Space Rock Revival, Acid Folk, Shoegaze
Moods: Melancholy Nocturnal,, Searching, Lethargic, Stoned, Sombre, Lonely, Cathartic, Suspenseful
Musical Qualities: Repetitive, Riffs, Fuzzy, Climactic, Washy, Improvisation, Loose, Noisy
Bardo Pond – On the Ellipse Read More »
Style: Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Americana
Moods: Rainy, Autumnal, Lonely, Melancholy, Heartbreak, Loner
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Acoustic, Lo-fi
Jay Bolotin – No One Seems to Notice That It’s Raining Read More »
Style: Free-Folk, Weird Americana
Moods: Weary, Melancholy, Pastoral, Communal, Tender, Meandering, Bittersweet, Hopeful, Rustic, Haunting, Murky, Rainy, Sombre, Rootsy
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Vocal Harmonies, Droney, Thematic, Loose
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Flags of the Sacred Harp Read More »
Style: Acid Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Chamber-Folk
Moods: Surreal, Philosophical, Pacifist, Eclectic, Medieval, Cryptic, Melancholy, Spring, Morning, Conscious, Moody, Whimsical, Protest, Political, Psychedelic, Acerbic
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Harpsichord, Organ, Autoharp, Banjo, Mandolin, Vibraphone, Audio Oscillator, Electric Bass, English Horn, Clavioline, Sarangi, Finger Cymbals, Swinehorn
Pearls Before Swine – One Nation Underground Read More »
Style: Folk Baroque, English & Scottish Folk Music
Moods: Medieval, Romantic, Storytelling, Rural, Intimate, Morning, Rootsy, Melancholy, Passionate, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Sparse, Fingerstyle, Technical
Bert Jansch – Jack Orion Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Chamber Folk, heavily influenced by Celtic Folk & British Folk-Rock
Moods: Reflective, Intimate, Autumnal, Pastoral, Soothing, Melancholy, Medieval, Peaceful, Tender, Mournful, Meditative
Instrumentation: Celtic Harp, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Piano, Frame Drum, Shakuhachi Flute, Farfisa Organ, Djembe, Dumbek, Tabla, Synthesizers
P.G. Six – Parlor Tricks and Porch Favorites Read More »
Style: Spectral Ambient Collage, Future Garage, lowercase
Moods: Longing, Nocturnal, Romantic, Lonely, Haunting, Foggy, Urban, Ethereal, Intimate, Rainy, Winter, Stark, Fragmented
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Soft, Atmospheric, Collage, Sparse, Reductionist
Burial – Antidawn EP` Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Country, Cosmic American Music
Moods: Reflective, Heartbreak, Longing, Bittersweet, Sentimental, Twangy, Warm
Musical Qualities: Vocal Harmonies, Melodic, Lush, Soft
Style: Progressive Songwriter, Prog-Folk, Art Rock
Moods: Sombre, Epic, Lonely, Futuristic, Dystopian, Cryptic, Melancholy, Poetic, Mythic
Themes: Alienation, Apocalypse, Medieval, Science Fiction, Fantasy
Qualities: Progressive Structures, Lush Arrangements, Storytelling, Suite, Conceptual, Complex
Richard Dawson – Ruby Cord Read More »
Style: Post-Rock, Trip-Hop, Dub, Slowcore
Moods: Brooding, Urban, Nocturnal, Sombre, Reflective, Autumnal, Melancholy, Patient, Longing, Dreamy, Moody, Introspective
Musical Qualities: Sampling, Slow, Soft, Lush, Dynamic, Atmospheric
Bark Psychosis – Codename: Dustsucker Read More »
features vocals from Bill Callahan, Emily Cross (Loma), Adam Torres, & Julia Holter
Style: Haunted Folk, Ambient Americana, Southern Gothic
Moods: Desolate, Bleak, Haunting, Western, Cinematic, Stark, Sombre, Rustic, Melancholy, Brooding, Contemplative, Depressive, Nocturnal, Alienation, Dystopian, Impressionistic, Lonely, Moody, Mournful, Mythic, Noir, Personal
Musical Qualities: Suite, Atmospheric, Slow, Sampling, Electro-acoustic, Droney
Style: Free Folk, Drone, Avant-Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Shadowy, Cautious, Hypnotic, Ritualistic, Eerie, Existential, Murky, Psychedelic
Musical Qualities: Droney, Improvisation, Loops, Slow, Loose, Dissonant, Chants, Atmospheric
Charalambides – Joy Shapes Read More »
Style: Outlaw Country, Singer/Songwriter, Flamenco-Influenced
Vibe: Tender, Breakup, Reflective, Patient, Personal, Lonely, Longing, Peaceful, Romantic, Bittersweet, Heartfelt, Intimate, Melancholy, Mellow, Sentimental, Spiritual
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Lyric-Driven, Chamber Arrangements
Willie Nelson – Spirit Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Chamber Folk
Moods: Reflective, Poetic, Intimate, Lonely, Loving, Wise, Compassionate, Tender, Soothing, Contemplative, Bittersweet, Rustic, Peaceful, Melancholy, Intricate, Pastoral
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Vocal Harmonies, Soft, Melodic
Joan Shelley – The Spur Read More »
Style: Slowcore, Singer/Songwriter
Moods: Depressive, Existential Late Night Bus Rides, Autumnal, Lethargic, Introspective, Moody, Alienation, Sad, Misanthropic, Sombre, Melancholic, Poetic, Pessimistic, Breakup, Sentimental, Lonely
Musical Qualities: Slow, Sparse, Atmospheric
Red House Painters – Down Colorful Hill Read More »
Grouper & Jefre-Cantu Ledesma
Style: Ambient, Drone
Moods: Plaintive, Autumnal, Soothing, Mournful, Nocturnal, Washy, Hazy, Melancholy, Haunting
Musical Qualities: Electroacoustic, Field Recordings, Noisy, Lo-fi, Atmospheric, Soft, Slow, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Style: Ethereal Country, Psychedelic Folk, Slowcore, Singer-Songwriter, Dream Pop
Vibe: Enchanting, Dreamy, Hypnotic, Forest, Wistful, Brooding, Western, Nocturnal, Sensual, Lethargic, Soothing, Melancholy, Reflective, Autumnal, Ethereal, Desert, Romantic, Bittersweet, Spectral
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lush, Soft, Atmospheric, Vocal Harmonies, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Slide Guitar, Vibraphone, Keyboards, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Bass, Drums, Cello
Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions – Until the Hunter Read More »
Style: Country, Singer/Songwriter
Vibe: Bittersweet, Reflective, Breakup, Intimate, Introspective, Melancholy, Poetic, Sombre, Longing
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Sparse, Acoustic, Slow
Mickey Newbury – Better Days Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter
HGM Side: Americana, Warm, Contemplative, Sunny, Rural, Passionate, Spiritual, Introspective
Chapman Side: Chamber Folk, Melancholy, Morning, Mellow, Autumnal, Reflective, Storytelling
Hiss Golden Messenger / Michael Chapman – Parallelogram Read More »
Style: Chamber Rock, Slowcore, Post-Rock
Vibe: Aquatic, Melancholy, Flowing, Patient, Soothing, Meditative, Longing, Lonely, Dreamy, Mellow, Lethargic
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Loose, Soft, Instrumental, Loops, Improvisation
Instrumentation: Violin, Drums, Electric Guitar, Loops, Melodica, Piano, Harmonica
Dirty Three – Ocean Songs Read More »
featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto, Holger Czukay, Jon Hassell, Danny Thompson, & Mark Isham
Style: Sophisti-Pop, Art Pop, Ambient Pop
Vibe: Longing, Introspective, Elegant, Ethereal, Sentimental, Sleek, Melancholy, Contemplative, Autumnal, Mellow, Sombre, Nocturnal
Musical Qualities: Polished Production, Melodic, Rhythmic
David Sylvian – Brilliant Trees Read More »
Style: Americana, Singer/Songwriter, Alt-Country, Slowcore
Vibe: Tender, Bittersweet, Stark, Cryptic, Storytelling, Melancholy, Lethargic, Poetic, Autumnal, Heartfelt, Mellow, Playful
Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Sparse
Matt Sweeney & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Superwolf Read More »
Style: New Age, Ambient Jazz, Progressive Electronic
Vibe: Healing, Woozy, Personal, Ethereal, Soothing, Intimate, Hypnotic, Mellow
Musical Qualities: Atmospheric, Spoken Word, Soft, Slow, Electroacoustic, Field Recordings, Studio-as-an-Instrument
Instrumentation: Saxophone (w/ FX), Synthesizers, Piano, Electric Guitar, Percussion, Violin, Trumpet, Flute
Joseph Shabason – Anne Read More »
Style: Sophisti-Pop, Synth Pop, New Wave, Art Rock
Vibe: Detached, Existential, Luxurious, Angsty, Deadpan, Poetic, Dance, Melancholy, Cryptic, Anxious
Musical Qualities: Catchy, Polished, Rhythmic, Lyrical
Destroyer – LABYRINTHITIS Read More »
While Magnolia Electric Co’s final record is still tinged with the weariness & melancholy that pervades all of Jason Molina’s previous work, Josephine also feels imbued with vital life force, bittersweet romance, and hopefulness that make it uplifting despite the odds.
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Recommended if you dig dobro & lap steel, ditch-trilogy Neil young, and autumnal contemplation
Magnolia Electric Co. – Josephine Read More »
Style: Loner Folk, Weird Americana, Folk Rock, Singer Songwriter
Vibe: Peaceful, Melancholy, Reflective, Romantic, Gentle, Rustic, Warm, Autumnal, Bittersweet, Breezy, Contemplative, Lethargic, Mellow, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Soft, Lush, Lyrical, Vocal Harmonies, Acoustic, Atmospheric
P.G. Six – Slightly Sorry Read More »
Style: Bedroom Psych, Drone, Noise Pop, Shoegaze, Space Folk
Vibe: Nocturnal, Murky, Dreamy, Introspective, Hazy, Hypnotic, Intimate, Washy, Ritualistic
Musical Qualities: Feedback, Drone, Atmospheric, Noisey, Lo-Fi
Flying Saucer Attack – Chorus Read More »
Style: Dream Folk, Jazz-Folk, Warped Americana
Vibes: Warm Melancholy, Springtime Reflection, Rootsy, Early Afternoons in the Garden, Dreamy, Intertwined, Heartfelt
Musical Qualities: Lush; Improvised Arrangements; Studio-as-an-Instrument, Melodic, Vocal Fx
Instrumentation: Banjo, Saxophone, Acoustic Guitar, Percussion, Flute, Acoustic Bass, Synthesizers, Piano
Sam Amidon – Sam Amidon Read More »
Style: Free Folk, Mystical Americana, Drone, Free Improvisation, Post-Rock
Vibe: Weary, Hopeful, Rustic, Communal, Spiritual, Ragged, Eerie, Melancholy, Deconstructed, Hypnotic, Communal, Haunting, Raw, Suspenseful, Intertwined
Musical Qualities: Collective Improvisation, Dynamic, Lo-Fi, Atmospheric, Droney, Group Vocals, Dub FX
Instrumentation: Electric Guitars, Vibraphone, Flute, Drums, Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, Banjo, Melodica, Sitar, Electronics, Turntable, Keyboards, Trumpet, Electric Bass
Jackie-O Motherfucker – Liberation Read More »
Style: Singer/Songwriter, Americana, Slowcore, Alt-Country, Loner Folk
Vibe: Existential, Warm, Morning, Spiritual, Deadpan, Peaceful, Poetic, Introspective, Lonely, Melancholy, Mellow, Contemplative, Intimate
Musical Qualities: Slow, Lo-fi, Lush, Soft, Sparse, Lyrical
Instrumentation: Pedal Steel, Piano, Hammond Organ, Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Drum Machine, Hurdy Gurdy, French Horn
Smog – Red Apple Falls Read More »
Style: Country, Folk
Vibes: Melancholy, Desert, Western, Sombre, Lonely, Sad, Breezy, Peaceful, Dreamy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Vocal Harmonies, Lush
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica, Dobro, Piano, Fiddle, Trombone, Saxophone, Sousaphone, Trumpet, Flute, Congas, Electric Bass
Hardin & Russell – Ring of Bone Read More »
Style: Lo-Fi Songwriter, Loner Folk, Slowcore
Vibe: Intimate, Sad, Ethereal, Hypnotic, Heartfelt, Stream of Consciousness, Introspective, Longing, Depressive, Lonely, Melancholy, Loss
Musical Qualities: Sparse, Acoustic, Lo-Fi, Minimalistic, Raw, Repetitive
Richard Youngs – Sapphie Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, Slowcore, Dream Country
Vibe: Flowing, Lethargic, Peaceful, Dreamy, Melancholy, Elegant, Airy, Romantic, Bittersweet, Contemplative, Intertwined, Intimate, Mellow, Sentimental, Smooth, Soothing, Twangy
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Lush, Slow, Soft, Simple, Chamber Arrangements, Melodic
Damon & Naomi – Within These Walls Read More »
Style: Chamber Folk, British Folk, Acoustic Blues, Jazz-Folk
Vibe: Breezy, Mellow, Contemplative, Autumnal, Uplifting, Melancholy, Warm, Joyful, Love, Intertwined, Reflective, Poetic
Musical Qualities: Acoustic, Melodic, Lush, Rootsy, Bluesy, Chamber Arrangements
Instrumentation: Acoustic Guitar, Upright Bass, Flute, Saxophone, Harmonica
Bert Jansch – Birthday Blues Read More »
Style: Trip-Hop
Vibe: Noir, Brooding, Sensual, Passionate, Melancholy, Angsty, Sombre, Mysterious, Cinematic, Anxious, Sad, Dark
Musical Qualities: Orchestral, Live, Lush, Dense, Rhythmic, Sampling
Portishead – Roseland NYC Live Read More »
