Free Range - “Forgotten"

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Waxahatchee, Phoebe Bridgers, The Weather Station

Chicago newcomer Free Range released an excellent addition to the alt-country canon last week with her debut Practice, a melancholy record that combines indie-rock moods within more traditional Americana settings. While often slowed down and relatively minimal, Free Range carries weight in both her songwriting and performance. These aren’t grand statements about America or society or anything like that, rather she takes personal, bedroom-folk type stories and adopts them into a nostalgic scene. The result goes down easy, but is heart-stirring as themes around loss permeate through most of the album’s ten tracks. Free Range isn’t trying to show off a wide breadth on her debut and smartly spends the half-hour revealing heart and hurt. Free Range showcases Tuesday night at Cheer Up Charlie’s right before set from other recommended artists Overcoats and Ratboys. (Kevin McStravick)