NTTR - No Time to Review

Ichiko Aoba's Luminescent Creatures expands upon the ethereal narrative of her 2020 album Windswept Adan , drawing inspiration from her immersive experiences in Japan's Ryukyu Archipelago. Collaborating with composer Taro Umebayashi, Aoba crafts an album that intertwines her delicate vocals and nylon-string guitar with lush arrangements of strings, synthesizers, and field recordings, evoking the serene beauty of underwater realms. Tracks like "COLORATURA" and "SONAR" envelop listeners in expansive soundscapes, reflecting themes of nature's interconnectedness and cosmic wonder. The inclusion of "24° 3′ 27.0″ N, 123° 47′ 7.5″ E," a reimagined traditional folk song from Hateruma Island, underscores Aoba's deep connection to the region's cultural heritage. This album invites listeners to embark on a meditative journey, exploring the profound mysteries of the natural world through Aoba's introspective lens. Bandcamp Daily The Gua...

"Weft" showcases Jason Dungan's evolution as Blue Lake, intertwining elements of drone, folk, and ambient music. The album introduces a richer instrumentation compared to his previous work, featuring piano, melodica, and 12-string guitar, which contribute to more intricate arrangements. Notably, tracks like "The Forest" and "Tatara" highlight Dungan's collaborative spirit, incorporating live recordings with additional musicians to create immersive soundscapes. The album's title and cover art, featuring Maria Zahle's textile piece "Torso," reflect the thematic inspiration drawn from weaving, symbolizing the intricate layering of musical textures. Pitchfork Genre : Chamber Folk Country : Denmark Final Verdict : 63% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 12th / 47 Highlight : Weft Made me think of: Steve Gunn Penguin Cafe Orchestra Mary Lattimore #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdis...

Charm of Finches, the Australian sister duo of Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes, released their fourth album, Marlinchen in the Snow , on April 19, 2024. Recorded in Nova Scotia with producer Daniel Ledwell, the album features 11 tracks that blend contemporary chamber folk with indie pop influences. Songs like "Clean Cut," "Atlantis," and the title track showcase the sisters' intricate harmonies and evocative storytelling, drawing inspiration from themes of longing, travel, and folklore. Critics have praised the album's depth and atmospheric quality. Americana UK describes it as "a moody and evocative collection of songs," highlighting the "hushed, muted" vocals that create a haunting ambiance. God Is In The TV notes the album's ability to "melt the icy complexities of human emotion with warm rays of nostalgia," emphasizing its blend of traditional folk and contemporary pop elements. At The Barrier commends the duo's musi...

Natalia Lafourcade's Live at Carnegie Hall captures a pivotal moment in her musical journey, presenting a live performance from October 2022 at the iconic New York venue. The album features collaborations with esteemed artists such as David Byrne, Omara Portuondo, and Jorge Drexler, offering fresh renditions of her acclaimed works. This live recording not only showcases Lafourcade's deep connection to her Mexican roots but also serves as a bridge to her forthcoming artistic endeavors, highlighting her evolution as a musician. France 24 Genre : Chamber Folk Country : Mexico Final Verdict: 71% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 48th / 942 Highlight : Pajarito colibrí (En Vivo Live at Carnegie Hall) (added to my 2024 best of) Made me think of: Mon Laferte Silvana Estrada Taylor Swift #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ChamberFolk #NataliaLafourcade #Mexico #LP #Album #release  

Merope's fifth album,  Vėjula , released on November 5, 2024, continues their exploration of ambient folk, blending traditional Lithuanian music with experimental elements. The duo, comprising singer and kanklės player Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė and guitarist/producer Bert Cools, collaborates with artists like Bill Frisell and Laraaji, enriching the album's texture. Tracks such as "Koumu Lil" and "Namopi" showcase a delicate interplay between acoustic instruments and electronic sounds, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Critics praise the album's ability to evoke vivid imagery, describing it as "a masterful melding of gorgeous pastorals and the mysterious."   While some listeners may find the ambient nature of the album less engaging,  Vėjula  stands as a testament to Merope's innovative fusion of folk traditions with modern soundscapes. ( theskinny .co .uk   faroutmagazine .co .uk   theguardian .com ) Genre : Chamber Folk Country : Lithuania/Belgi...

Genre : Chamber Folk Country : UK Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 154th / 402 Highlight : Death and the Maiden Made me think of: Kate Bush Dead Can Dance Agnes Obel #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ChamberFolk #MarjanaSemkina #UK #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Chamber Folk Country : US Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 59th / 99 Highlight : Instrument of War Made me think of: Calexico Marissa Nadler Aldous Harding #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ChamberFolk #VeraSola #US #LP #Album #release