John Vincent III - “Next To You”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Phosphorescent, Bon Iver, My Morning Jacket

Adding ambient rock waves to his alt country roots, John Vincent III’s sophomore record Songs from the Valley is part dreamy psych-pop and part tender indie folk, a beautiful overall piece of reflective art. Nostalgia seeps into the record, yielding a warm collection of songs naturally raised with heartfelt grace. Focusing around haunting ballads both acoustic and electric, Vincent adds some rock, pop, and chamber folk instrumentation throughout Songs from the Valley to ride gently along the Americana-to-contemporary spectrum. Solidly produced with instruments washing smoothly amongst each other, including Vincent’s softly soulful vocals, the LA-based artist keeps the mood contemplative and emotional throughout the album. John Vincent III has already followed up the 2019 record with a new EP Oil, a DIY folk project distantly performed whether in lo fi whispers (“Petunica Petunia”) or rugged rock and roll (“Where’d All the Time Go?”), a much looser effort and one that could translate completely differently to stage come SXSW 2020. (Kevin McStravick)