Folk music as of late has gotten the reputation of being intertwined with indie rock, relying on quirky personalities or opulent production that makes it easy to place each artist in identifiable boxes. Characters like Joanna Newsom and Sufjan Stevens have changed what folk means in the 21st century. Then there are artists like Samuel Campoli, who don’t easily fit into the standard of modern indie folk. His voice is low key, but his singing never feels phoned in. The production in his latest release Claverack EP isn’t especially lo-fi, but there are moments where the fuzz gently overtakes the instruments that shifts the momentum and emotion of the track. The arrangements are rather simple, with songs like opener “Caroline” and the interlude “Didit” able to generate woeful moments of longing. These six compositions that comprise this release feel like they could be somewhat standard songs under anyone else’s execution, yet it’s Campoli’s ability to smear his colorful creations into shadowy creatures that feel at once homey and close to the unknown that makes Claverack EP a welcoming excursion away from folk music’s new traditions. You can stream the EP below and catch Campoli live at Elsewhere on August 28. –Tucker Pennington
