Folk

(Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Jewel)

Chloë Sunshine: Indian Summer

Listed as one of Boston�s band to watch for 2012, Chlo� Sunshine traffics between surf pop and whimsical avenue. The up-comers fronted by Kendall Chlo� Eagan offers Indian Summer, a collection of seven vibrant tracks that captures slices of love in a non-conventional way. Sugar-filled piano keys spread in Love, Love, Love. This song plays on the realm of child-like wonder while exploring the subject of a new found love. Chlo��s voice is really captivating; it blends well with the piano and the catchy lines. A playlist must-have, this is the perfect soundtrack for a weekend road trip.

Flights: Anywhere But Where I Am

If you're expecting some alternative punk duo to greet you when you listen to this record, then think again. What you'll find instead is a gorgeous blend of ethereal, folky indie pop sound that, well, sounds great as in-flight music. The band is actually made up of duo Eric Hillman and Brian Holl. Gathering influences from bands like Broken Social Scene, Radiohead, Bon Iver, Bjork and Aqualung; the duo echoes off the same laid-back, melodic and sometimes eclectic indie folk as their influences. Anywhere But Where I Am comes with 13 tracks and was released over at BandCamp on New Years Day 2012.

Wise Children: Absence & Reunion EP

If you have a soft spot for quiet, acoustic indie folk, it'll be hard to pass up on Wise Children's second release, Absence & Reunion EP. It's about a year old but definitely worth checking out especially for fans of songs that exude a folkish, indie vibe. Wise Children is actually a one-man band led by Robin Warren-Adamson. Hailing from the South Coast of England; he plays dreamy, melodic indie folk that's reminiscent of Iron & Wine and a slightly less somber, Damien Rice.

Grand Child: My Head Is In The Clouds

My Head Is In The Clouds is the second release from Texas native, Grand Child. Composed of one man behind the scenes, namely Andy Lane; the album is a gorgeous mix of folk, psychedelia and acoustic indie pop. Lane originally played for punk/ska band, Driver F. This is his solo project and it's nowhere near the music he plays with his band. His sound instead focuses on acoustic folk while incorporating psychedelia, and some catchy pop tunes here and there. It's a nice little record worth exploring if you want an album that's laid-back yet a little different to keep you company.

Emily Baker: House of Cards

Emily Baker might just be the next acoustic country folk singer to watch out for. After winning the 2009 Arts Foundation Fellowship in Songwriting award, Emily's star has been shining more than ever. House of Cards is the debut album for the singer and with the amount of attention it has received, there's bound to be plenty more to follow. The album itself is simple in delivery yet it comes armed with solid songwriting. Emily plays much of the instruments as well including the acoustic guitar, ukulele, glockenspiel, percussion and of course, her melodic vocals.

Night Reports: You’re All Out

Another band that you wouldn't think is composed of only two people at the helm; Night Reports create beautiful indie rock music with a touch of soul. Long time friends, Derrick Brown and Beau Jennings, have both collaborated in various projects before. However, they've never tackled anything similar to Night Reports. Although the collaboration started out slowly, with both of them passing MP3s and recorded files via email and voice message; they eventually compiled what has become You're All Out. The record is a concept album of sorts, as it revolves around an athlete who is down in the dumps and living (and reliving) his life in his glory days.

Moongardening Inc.: A Sky Full Of Killer Whales

Moongardening Inc. might have an unusual band name as well as an album title, but their music manages to stand out and impress. Creating a solid fusion of pop, jazz, blues and a whole lot in between; A Sky Full of Killer Whales exudes a certain charm. Only downside is that there's hardly anything about the band online except what's written on their BandCamp page and sparse reviews here and there. Nevertheless, their music can easily take front and center without much background info about them.

Yetis: Lightmares EP

Armed with guitars, sweet vocals and melodic r-acoustic vibes, Lightmares EP by the Yetis makes for good company on a quiet afternoon. The band is made up of Cameron Smith - guitars & vocals, Curtis Smith - bass & vocals, David Muratore - guitars & vocals, Jenna Smith - violin, glockenspiel & vocals andThomas Brett - drums, percussion & vocals. Their sound resonates with pop rock along with a Christian rock tinge. This EP first came out in March 2011 and is available at a pay-what-you-want option over at their BandCamp page.

The Belle Game: Inventing Letters EP

Making a name for themselves in the indie folk pop world, The Belle Game's music is tough to resist. In fact, their sound resonates with a familiarity, much like getting that comforting hug from an old friend. This Canadian crew have known each other for a long time. In fact, two of the members have been friends since they were 5 years old. With fate & circumstances guiding them to each other, the crew officially formed and created their first debut EP, Inventing Letters. This mini EP is about two years old but time hasn't diminished the band's capacity to enthrall its audience thanks to the lovely melodies and catchy laid-back beat they create.