man I dig it, first impression is strong. It was recommended to me by a friend who called it folk, or maybe folk adjacent, and that’s definitely true. Because of that, though, I was a bit caught off guard in my first listening by how much it takes from hip-hop and pop and stuff. It was easy to get over; I think the things it steals from everybody come together in really great ways. I already knew I tend to be a sucker for folk/folk-leaning stuff, and I continue to learn that I’m a huge sucker for hip-hop + any other genre. Hip-hop gives beats and rhythm and just, like, vibe sense that translates super well everywhere (to the point that at this point it can be hard to differentiate from types of pop that have really adopted it (or some idea of it)). Folk gives harmonies, storytelling, piercing softness.
I think my initial read when listening to it was that it was way more hip-hop than it is, but I still think that point stands and is important to how I hear it, to framing my listening. I think even when he does full folk stuff, he’s got some style and feel that’s informed by these other tools and instincts that add so much. He’s got spots where he does full folk stuff, and spots that are a little more hip hop, spots that are a little more alternative, spots that are a little more pop. He moves around, and through it all he sounds good. Through it all he’s got a pretty tender feeling core, very personal and melodic. I like him, I like his vibes across the board. I’m gonna give a high A-, but I’m hopeful for future rise, I think
Mon Rovîa complete, now listening to: Blind Pilot
tunafruitsandwitch 