Kaleb Braun-Schulz & The Nightingale Band come to our attention through their ten track folk pop album, The Things You’ve Kept, You’ll Keep Until…

By Graeme Smith

Some artists let their music speak for itself and Kaleb is one of them. I can’t blame him. His new album The Things You’ve Kept, You’ll Keep Until… has plenty to say.

It’s ten tracks of bright and varied folk pop, all told through rousing, cinematic instrumentals and passionate vocals. Things start off at a marching pace with Someday Is a Long Long Time and at once we get strong narrative, vibrant imagery and a punchy instrumental. There’s almost a Springsteen-esque quality about it. It’s the perfect opener to draw you in.

Early Phases keeps things lively while also slowing them down. A sense of melancholy is infused in its lyrics. One Arm Free, No Legs Free brings with it some acoustic textures and a taste of psychedelic rock before Unbeatable provides a simmering, brassy, introspective highlight.

Vanilla Candle Scene rounds off the album’s first half with a delicate moment. Fountain Street is bright and groovy, Debts dark and driving, and Turned out to Be True gentle and poetic. For Tomorrow is a slow-burning, folksy effort that ends big before Willow Hill closes the album with a jaunty final highlight that’s full of natural imagery.

If you like songwriters with a bit of edge like Tom McRae, Nick Drake or Conor Oberst, then you’re going to find a lot to love about Kaleb Braun-Schulz. He and his Nightingale band have created a varied, important wonder with their new album. It demands multiple listens.

The Things You’ve Kept, You’ll Keep Until… is out now and you can give it a listen below.