Caleb Groh (once upon a time known as Happiest Lion and if it’s Christmas time Caroling Caravan) has some new music coming out. While I’m no indie folk expert I would put him on top of the current crop of folks working in that medium. His voice aches and breaks like Sufjan or Luke Temple. His lyrics are often personal or at other times poetic; simple or inscrutable depending on the song. I get the feeling (one I get from others like Nathan K., Jeff Pianki) that there’s a strong but conflicted element of faith behind his songs. Musically there are certainly elements of folk and country, a banjo plucks here or a mandolin strums there, but don’t expect searing pedal steel or songs about drinking at the honky-tonk or cheating, star-crossed lovers.
The new record was recorded this summer in Cincinnati and Nashville with members of the band Pomegranates and Sam Cowan on drums. The record will be called Down, Dakota and should be out soon. I’ve heard a couple songs and as always am impressed with Caleb’s music. Here’s the first song he’s sharing from the new record. Hopefully I’ll have more to share in the weeks to come.
Bonus video “Lo in the Leaves”
Lo in the Leaves from Caleb on Vimeo.