ROUTES & BRANCHES
featuring the very best of americana, alt.country and roots music
October 23, 2026
Scott Foley, purveyor of dust
WHAT's SO GREAT ABOUT THiS WEEK?!!
^Dowsers, "Dogwood" single (Gar Hole, 26)
Gar Hole's signing of this sorta alt.folk supergroup cements the label's right to our Best Label Ever award for 2026. Dowsers assembles members of acts like Magic Tuber Stringband, Fust, Weirs, and Sluice for such a lovely, deep-grained trad that circles back to become alt: Once we gave too much love to a dogwood tree / And not enough love to ourselves. Evokes the feel of kicking through fall leaves, and is that weed that we smell?
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Adeem the Artist, "Hard To Get" Christians For Goliath (Four Quarters, Dec 11)
Adeem has mentioned this project that they've had in the can for many months, a faith-themed album produced by John Darnielle of Mountain Goats. Now seeing the light of day with label support, the collection promises the Artist's trademark mix of genuine sentiment and insightful, challenging lyrics. Adeem has few real peers. Having said that, this initial single is actually a cover of a song by contemporary Christian songwriter Rich Mullins.
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Whait, "Falling Down" Sympathy At Home (Night School, Feb 12)
Whait is the team of Wendy Eisenberg and more eaze (Mari Rubio). The debut single from their project starts with acoustic guitar and shared vocal. Then the little animal noises kick in. Even as the song allows for a bit of synth, the critters never get out of hand. Which might be the oddest thing about the track.
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Caroline Rose, "Valery (Please Don't Be Mad At Me)" Gentling the Horse At the Walt Whitman Mall (SUCK, 26)
For every Caroline Rose song we love, there are at least a few that we're okay leaving behind. That said, their talent and unabashed gall means we'll give anything a try. At least Rose cares enough to record a video for this final single from their superbly titled new collection. And nothing says care like a melodica solo.
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My Wonderful Boyfriend, "Chip City" single (New West, 26)
Couple days ago the New West label proudly announced its newest signing. From Brooklyn, My Wonderful Boyfriend plays indie pop with an appealing slacker sensibility. In this video, the light makes them seem bruised and it makes us feel claustrophobic. Says front Boyfriend PJ McCormick: It's a love song from a guy who is a little drunker than he thinks he is.
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