A unique, confident voice is emerging from the UK folk scene, and Molly Dolphin arrives at an ideal moment amidst the noise and chaos of the world, where many people wear disguises.
Stream: ‘Underground River’ – Molly Dolphin
Folk music has always served as a sanctuary for artists who resist the commercial and superficial aspects of more mainstream genres. It is a musical haven where the complexities of the human experience—both beautiful and troubling—can be celebrated without the pressure to follow trends or present idealized images of oneself. Molly Dolphin’s debut EP, Underground River, beautifully captures the charm and necessity of a solo folk singer with a guitar in today’s cultural landscape. Throughout the EP, her voice gracefully flows and rises, not crafted to satisfy popular expectations, but rather in harmony with the genuine stirrings of her spirit. Closely aligned with the folk tradition that inspires her, there is no excessive production or embellishment here; this choice perfectly complements her artistic vision of being organic, honest, and unpretentious.
In Underground River, you won’t encounter cliché song structures, display-oriented vocal showcases, or unnecessary flourishes aimed at winning over the audience or proving her talent and worth. Her harmonies and choruses are catchy in an effortless way, presenting themselves without intent. This is especially remarkable given the serious themes explored in the EP.
Listening to Underground River feels akin to eavesdropping on an intimate conversation between her and her guardian angel, or attempting to decode personal journal entries laced with her own enigmatic language. There’s a sense of familiarity and relatability in the EP, yet it also holds an air of mystery, like a place once visited but now forgotten.
At its core, Underground River represents a discovery, an exploration of the rich terrain of Dolphin’s mind to uncover hidden dimensions of her psyche shaped by life experiences. It's also a quest through her vivid imagination for the words and melodies to express and make sense of those moments. I could refer to the record as an unveiling of her inner self, but such terminology lacks the element of 'earth,' and thereby nature, which is a fundamental inspiration of the EP.
In the title track, “Underground River,” Molly employs nature as a means to reflect the landscape of her mind. The song is filled with creative and impactful natural metaphors and imagery, providing an alternative way to articulate the psyche, rather than relying on sterile psychological jargon that often fails to capture the complexities of our psychic lives. Here, the ‘river’ symbolizes the ‘unconscious mind,’ and the song expresses a yearning for a connection with it, pondering its source and the path it may lead her down.
However, the EP is not solely composed of natural imagery and traditional folk themes; it also contains mature, candid songwriting moments, such as when she expresses regret in “Worship” about making someone feel guilty, or when she admits to feeling “never less certain” regarding her spiritual beliefs.
Underground River consists of just four songs, each sharing a common musical essence while remaining distinctive in their arrangements, structures, and themes. This makes sense, as they were created at different points in her life and states of mind. Nevertheless, they all convey a profound emotional openness and vulnerability, accompanied by an unmistakable voice that is both ethereal and strikingly human in its flaws.
Ultimately, it’s clear that this project has been as life-affirming for her as it is for the listener, and considering the impact of Molly Dolphin’s debut EP, I'm eager to see what she will achieve with a full-length album.
— —
:: Stream/purchase Underground River here ::
:: Connect with Molly Dolphin here ::
— — — —
Connect with Molly Dolphin on Instagram
Discover new music on Atwood Magazine
© courtesy of the artist
:: Stream Molly Dolphin ::
Norwegian artist Jouska has released a new track titled 'California'. The songwriter’s upcoming album 'How Did I End Up Here?' will be available on October 17th and tells various stories.
runo plum radiates a captivating warmth in “Lemon Garland,” a nostalgic and enchanting reflection filled with longing, closeness, and the tender beauty of companionship. In conversation with Atwood Magazine, the Minneapolis singer/songwriter shares her thoughts on solitude, desire, and the fragile connections of friendship, providing insight into the developing artistry that has established her as one of the most intriguing new voices in indie folk.
A distinctive and confident voice is emerging from the UK folk scene, one that’s quiet yet original. In a chaotic world filled with noise and people frequently hiding behind masks, Molly Dolphin's ‘Underground River’ EP arrives at the perfect moment.