REVIEW: If our editor Rachel Cholst liked love songs, she probably wouldn't be in the country music business. But Rachael Sage's album Canopy has melted even her heart -- the album is an accomplished embrace of what real, mature love looks like -- on all levels of humanity.

https://rainbowrodeomag.com/p/a422257c-ecac-4d68-a349-b86f164c5e88/

#QueerCountry #Americana #CountryMusic #RootsMusic #FolkMusic #FreakFolk #AntiFolk #ChamberPop #LGBTQMusic #QueerMusic #LGBTQMusician #lgbtq #RachaelSage

Block – I Thought I Won The War

After “Lead Me Not Into Penn Station,” a remastered version of the 1996 critically acclaimed full-length release, New York City-based artist Block returns with another fine piece of sonic artistry that will unquestionably appeal to anyone who appreciates cleverly assembled and flawlessly performed music. “I Thought I Won The War” is the first piece of work released in 2025, and an introductory piece that announces Block’s highly anticipated new full-length album. Although Block’s music helped launch the late 1990s NYC anti-folk movement, his music always carried poetic, storytelling lyricism and a comprehensive collection of various music genres, something that anti-folk singer-songwriters rarely combine, especially nowadays. Lyrically, the artist navigates the hardships of falling in love and relationships by exploring various sentiments, moods, situations, and circumstances. Sonically, although his music leans towards anti-folk, you’ll notice how all sorts of indie styles like indie folk, indie rock, and indie pop found their place in this sonic equation. There are also influences borrowed from alternative rock and alternative pop, but all these styles have been used moderately, tastefully, and cleverly, without spoiling the initial sonic direction. Block experiments with all these sonic ingredients in a way that singer-songwriters rarely experiment today. As soon as you press play, you’ll notice how this composition shines with such an organic atmosphere, proving that Block felt so comfortable while writing, composing, arranging, recording, and producing it, far from being under pressure about how the song would actually turn out in the end. It feels and sounds so natural, with each segment carrying so many brilliant moments where you’ll deep dive into all those vocal, sonic, and rhythmic maneuvers, like exploring a totally different universe. Artists capable of doing that are considered a rarity on the modern music scene, but for Block, it seems like a natural progression and an easy task achieved with such precision and finesse.

You’ll immediately stumble upon all those wisely and tastefully combined layers, shaping a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon. The catchy, memorable, hypnotic, addictive, and irresistible chord progressions pave the way for all those marvelous themes, melodies, and harmonies. These interplays sound so beautiful that you’ll gladly spin this track all over again. The way acoustic and electric guitars work here goes beyond comprehension many times throughout the entire track. “I Thought I Won The War” wouldn’t be complete without the additional synths, which, in this case, accentuate the main theme. It’s nearly mindblowing how all these layers articulate without spoiling each other. Each note, strum over the strings, or any other sonic maneuver has its place and purpose here, and Block simply knows how to elevate everything to an entirely new level. Block’s soulful, passionate, sincere, emotional, and powerful vocal performance is another standout feature. You’ll hear how his impressive vocal range balances low, mid, and high notes, commanding attention, and decorating each segment and orchestration. There are also additional vocal layers, especially notable during the choruses, that undoubtedly contribute more anthemic and cheerful vibes. These vocal harmonies match all the guitars and synths harmoniously, making “I Thought I Won The War” even more appealing to the ears. Beneath all these guitar and synth works, carefully implemented, warm-sounding, intricate basslines rumble and offer more heaviness, clarity, and depth while also serving as a binding element that connects the mentioned orchestrations and rhythmic patterns. These low-ends are rich, deep, dense, and heavy yet somehow subtle, contributing more than enough groove and detail to the song. Of course, this composition wouldn’t sound complete without the excellent drumming performance, based upon tastefully arranged, flawlessly performed, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics, keeping everything in line and dictate groove and pace. Each instrument has its place and purpose here, making “I Thought I Won The War” even more pleasant to the ears.  

“I Thought I Won The War” is such a beautiful indie piece, crafted, performed, and recorded by one of the finest singer-songwriters you could stumble upon on today’s music scene. Block showcases his impressive skills, creativity, and experience through marvelous vocal harmonies, lush guitar and synth works, intricate basslines, and outstanding beats. Once again, he proves that indie and alternative music can still sound innovative when done right, and, at some points, even break the rules and shapeshift the boundaries of these longstanding music genres. “I Thought I Won The War” is one of those indie tracks you surely do not want to miss. Head to your favorite streaming platforms and check it out.

https://open.spotify.com/track/263e8LjRYqsbcLcTQruBMU?si=7af4adbecee34889

#alternative #antiFolk #block #indiePop #indieRock #music #reviews #singerSongwriter

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Lester O'Shea - I Read It In A Book Once

"A charming slice of lofi bedroom folk"

https://getmusic.fm/l/j7iVaF

#indie #folk #lofi #acoustic #antifolk #music

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Coal Canary - Double Dickel On The Rocks

"Fuzzy lo-fi sounds"

https://getmusic.fm/l/4ECrBi

#bandcampcodes #punk #folkpunk #lofirock #antifolk #music