Darling West, The Prescriptions, Brendan Bond

Rising from Norway with thoughtful Americana, Darling West carves out pensive, spacious folk dubbed Nordicana. Third LP While I Was Asleep adds a drummer and textures Mari Sandvær Kreken’s soft poignant lead. Nashville quartet the Prescriptions bridge Southern country and indie rock, and Brendan Bond, notable for contributions to A. Sinclair and Golden Dawn Arkestra, adds on rousing roots rock. – Rachel Rascoe