If It's Too Loud...

Artist : Le Ren Album : Leftovers Quick Thoughts : Probably my favorite listen this week, Le Ren offers a folky effort that excels at really great melodic and musical content. I don't know much of anything about this act, but she seems to be a transport from the 1960s in her overall approach, and this debut is one I'll be going back to very quickly. Songs of Note : "Dyan," "Who's Going to Hold Me Next?" Artist : Julia Shapiro Album : Zorked Quick Thoughts : Julia Shapiro excels in the sort of shoegazey stuff I know I love. This record gives me some real Marissa Nadler vibes, for sure, but it's really its own thing in a lot of respects. I really enjoyed this, it's the right kind of heavy for me this week. Songs of Note : "Come With Me," "Zorked" Artist : Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit Album : Georgia Blue Quick Thoughts : This is a charity record for Georgia elections, so know that going in, but a really interesting...

Photo by Mariah Hamilton Le Ren is the name Lauren Spear performs under. The Montreal based musician is set to release her debut EP later this month. Her new single, "If I Had Wings," is a modern day version of classic folk artists like Marianne Faithful and Joni Mitchell. The song has an undeniable sense of loss and melancholy, for good reason. Two years ago, Spear's ex-boyfriend was killed in a car accident. "If I Had Wings" is about that loss and the sense of feeling responsible for keeping their shared memories alive. The song is perfectly beautiful, and we can't recommend this enough. You can watch the video for "If I Had Wings" below. Morning & Melancholia , the debut EP from Le Ren, will be out July 31 on Secretly Canadian. You can pre-order a copy here . For more on Le Ren, check out the artist's Facebook and Instagram .

Photo by Mariah Hamilton Normally describing a song as a waltz would turn me away from it, but most songs aren't by Le Ren. "Love Can't Be The Only Reason To Stay" is quiet but compelling. Le Ren's vocals just draw you in with the cadence of her guitar. As quiet as it is, this isn't a quiet folk song. The warmth and power of Le Ren's voice keeps it from being twee or too folky. I say that, but "Love Can't Be The Only Reason To Stay" is a relatively standard folk song that is truly lifted by the vocals. This song is hopefully a teaser for incredible things to come. You can watch the video for "Love Can't Be The Only Reason To Stay" below. The song is available as a single via Secretly Canadian. For more on Le Ren, check her out on Instagram .