M. Ward - “Unreal City”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 10; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Jim James, Sufjan Stevens, Wilco

M. Ward has been remarkably consistent over his twenty-plus-year career, so it’s no surprise that the songs released so far from his upcoming tenth full-length Migration stories continue a fine blend of indie folk, Americana, and rock and roll. Perhaps a little dreamier than what has come before, displayed on the new-wave infused pop gem “Unreal City” and light, acoustic soundscapes of the title track and “Torch”. Concurrently raw and full, M. Ward has mastered his sound through fluid production and performance, a beautiful and heartfelt listen both mature and freshly vulnerable. (Kevin McStravick)

2017 Review: M. Ward released in ninth full-length in 2016 and while he’s not jumping too far away from his folk-country core, he continues to add songwriting and sonic elements unexpected in the genre. Freak folk with a little more emphasis on the freak part, not off-putting by any means, in fact More Rain is very comfortable listen, but well beyond an acoustic guitar and a voice.

2013 Review: M. Ward is so impressive due to the sharp attitude he brings to such a quiet genre.  The music is not only soft and tender, it is cool and dynamic.  Ward lets his roots ride on his sleeves, incorporating traditional Americana, classical folk and Fifties rock seamlessly into his expansive catalog.  Ward has recently gained additional acclaim from his work with Zooey Deschanel in She & Him.  It’s promising to see any artist accomplish as much as a collaborator as his consistently strong solo canon.