A cold February in Europe means we’re very ready for some warm acoustics and indie folk intimacy. From cabin-recorded confessionals to widescreen folk pop, these soft bangers balance nostalgia with motion. We’re really pleased to present this week’s indie folk bops.
Ben Heyworth – Image of Roads (Montana Mix)
Ben Heyworth reshapes his songwriting roots into a bold indie folk statement charged with restless energy and melodic clarity
Image of Roads (Montana Mix), moves from its acoustic origins into fuller territory, built around driving guitars and a lovely percussive vibe. There is a push and pull between control and release, giving the track a slight live wire edge, but the chorus smooths out into a wonderful indie-folk statement.
Ben Heyworth, a long-standing figure in the Manchester scene, reconnects with his band roots here while stepping forward under his own name. Having previously led Minorplanet and released electronic-leaning work as This Morning Call, this release signals a confident new chapter grounded in organic instrumentation and direct songwriting. It’s great.
Charlie Diamond – That Diamond Dream
Charlie Diamond captures rustic charm and rebellious spirit in a vintage-tinged folk cut full of character
That Diamond Dream, is steeped in twangy guitars and loose, live drum grooves that nod to classic rockabilly and hillbilly boogie. The raw vocal is pure personality and grit, with just a wonderful warmth. Exactly what we need this winter.
Charlie Diamond, recording from a cabin studio in the United States, leans into a stripped-back, single-take approach that foregrounds authenticity. A 2024 Songwriter of the Year nominee, he continues to refine a blend of folk and country influences shaped by independence and creative freedom. More of this please, Charlie.
Weston Day – Storms
Weston Day delivers a punchy, lyrically rich folk rocker that balances vulnerability with sharp melodic instinct
Storms pairs fast-paced acoustic strumming with a lovely sort of tumbling, Costello-like lyrical approach that circle themes of love and regret. It’s a wonderful production, guitar tones adding depth, giving the track a grounded, rootsy feel.
Weston Day introduces the first single from his album Maps with a sound that sits between folk intimacy and late 80s rock energy. His campfire punk spirit and forthright vocal style bring urgency to reflective subject matter. This should be all over Radio 2.
Adam Wedd – for u i’ll cross the sea
Adam Wedd blends heartfelt storytelling with melodic indie folk craft on a tender, transatlantic banger
for u i’ll cross the sea, unfolds gently with acoustic guitar at its core, gradually expanding into a warm, full-bodied arrangement. Vocally it’s really, really beautiful. And the melody carries a sense of longing that mirrors its real-life inspiration.
Adam Wedd, a London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer, draws on classic songwriter traditions while shaping a sound that feels contemporary and personal. Inspired by a cross-border love story, this release shows the kind of great narrative focus and emotional precision that should bring in many, many more listeners. It’s great.
Ker – Lofty Thoughts
Ker crafts a wonderful atmospheric indie folk meditation that finds emotional weight in the smallest everyday details
Lofty Thoughts, drifts on soft melodic phrasing and touching, understated instrumentation, creating space for reflection. Its gentle dynamics, lovely guitar work and thoughtful pacing reinforce the song’s introspective core.
Ker, originally from Edinburgh and now based in London, brings a varied life path into his forthcoming debut album Converging Paths. I really liked ‘Wondering on Giants’, one of his previous singles, and it’s good to hear more on a similar theme; sentiment, memory and the significance of ordinary objects. Great stuff.