For this week’s soundcheck we are taking a deep dive into the subgenre of indie folk. For a personal definition, I describe indie folk as a combination of indie rock aesthetics and lyrical focus with the instrumentation of folk music. Some bands that fall under the label lean more folk and some lean more indie, but that’s what gives the genre variety. Some trademarks I have noticed over the years are horn sections, lush harmonies, sometimes psychedelic or abstract song structures, personal lyrics and distinct drums. Some of the earliest records that could be called indie folk come from artists such as Elliott Smith and Silver Jews with classic records from the late 90’s such as “Either/Or”, “XO”, and “American Water”. The genre would grow in the 2000’s with artists such as The Shins, Bright Eyes, and Sun Kil Moon. Other artists like Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens would push the boundaries of the sound by adding electronic and ambient influences into their music. The genre is arguably more popular than ever today being led by artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Father John Misty, Clairo, and Big Thief. Artists such as Grouper, among others, have released records and tracks that could fall under the label without being indie folk artist themselves.
With this soundcheck, we will be taking a brief look at 4 classic indie folk records from some of the best artists working in the genre. These are 4 great records and artists that I would say to start with, each bringing a slightly different approach and being records that I would argue are 10’s.
First up is a classic of indie music in general, Neutral Milk Hotel’s 1998 record “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea”. This record is a surreal, psychedelic folk journey presented over lo-fi acoustic guitars, fuzzy bass, booming drums and some of the most unique vocals ever put to tape from one Jeff Mangum. Mangum has a lyrical obsession with nostalgia, love, historical themes and Anne Frank. The record is defined by its iconic horns combined with other unique instrumentation. The songs here range from fast pace indie rock bangers like “Ghost” and “Holland, 1945” to more folk tracks such as the massive “Oh Comely” and iconic title track. When it comes to indie folk, every aspect of this record, from its lo-fi production to its surreal cover has proven to be massive iconic and influential, receiving 10’s from sources such as Pitchfork Media (and myself) and appearing on Rolling Stones’ “Top 500 Albums of All Time”. This is a great starting point overall, especially if you are already an indie rock fan.
Released in 2001, “The Glow, Pt. 2” is a lo-fi indie folk masterpiece. It is the defining work of The Microphones, led by Phil Elvrum, one of the most prolific artists working in the scene. This is a deeply raw and personal record, both in its lyrics and production. The songs that make up this record twist and turn like a country backroad, containing numerous instrumental shifts and explosions of emotion and instrumentation. The record takes influence from indie rock, folk, field recordings and elements of black metal. It’s a record that is equally loud and quiet, simple and complex, and intense and beautiful. The album itself is themed around the element of fire and contains a prominent foghorn motif throughout. Elvrum captures an intense emotion across the records track, leaning into the abstract into many of these tracks. He knows when to keep it short and when to allow a track to take it’s time and sprawl into something else entirely. It’s a record full of many iconic moments: the opening chord of “I Want Wind to Blow”, the harsh sound of the title track, the piano drop in “Map” and the various short and sweet songs such as “I Am Bored”. It is truly a one-of-a-kind indie folk record. This is a great starting point if you are more into singer-songwriter styles.
Grizzly Bear’s 2006 record “Yellow House” is a one-of-a-kind record. This album sees the band push forward a very psychedelic, abstract sound. The 10 songs here grow and build like high mountains and deep valleys, with individual tracks turning from stripped back guitar songs into explosive horn and drum sections with repetitive refrains. The lyrics on this record read more as cryptic poetry than the genres more raw and personal popular entries, containing large instrumental sections and repeated phrases. Tracks such as “Knife” and “Central and Remote” feature rewarding builds and sudden bursts of loud drumming and horns, sounding equally from the 60’s as the future. Other tracks, such as highlights “Lullabye” and “Plans” feature monumental crescendos that have stuck with me for years ever since I first heard them. It is a gorgeous record, one that is both gigantic and intimate. This is a great pick for fans of psychedelic music, although I recommend starting with the other 3 as it is a more abstract pick.
I had a hard time picking a record for Fleet Foxes, the band that I view as the best in the entire genre and one of my favorites of all time. Their first 3 records are all 10’s in my opinion, making it hard to narrow it down to just one album from them. I ultimately have decided to briefly discuss their initial run of albums instead, as each one has something unique to offer. On their self-titled debut, the band bring a very warm, lush, and comforting sound that feels like it is ripped far from the past. It is one hell of a debut, seeing the band emerge fully formed. It contains some of their best songs such as “White Winter Hymnal”. Their second record, 2011’s “Helplessness Blues” is a darker record, focusing lyrically on the struggles faced by young adults. It is a very emotionally raw record that pushes their ornate sound forward, featuring more psychedelic and sprawling songs throughout it such as highlight “The Shrine / An Argument”. Lastly, 2017’s “Crack-Up” is their most mature album yet. These songs are more experimental and abstract, featuring more prominent samples and electronics to create a refreshing folk sound while still calling back to their classic sound on tracks such as “Fool’s Errand”. I believe it to be the most underrated album of all time. Fleet Foxes have not one bad piece of music, and anywhere in their discography is a great place to start.
Indie folk is one of the most rewarding subgenres that you could ever get into. All the artists and albums mentioned here are amazing and would be great works to check out if you are wanting to expand your music taste. Make sure to check out the playlist included below.
Paladin Sound: Guide to Indie Folk

Design by Carter Ozburn
Nick Fairfax, Columnist
April 28, 2025
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