Following mandatory military service in their native Tel Aviv, a collection of seven young men came together under the moniker Strange Folks to talk of their experiences and fuse together an eclectic sound that pulled on threads from everything from Middle Eastern folk to pop-stained jazz. 'Strange Floors' is sublime; a strange, confusion puzzle that you can't help but return to time and again. www.myspace.com/idanrab

'Feeling My Way In The Dark' sways between back-porch country fug a la The Band and threats to delve head-first into some blue-collar foot-on-the-monitor rock freak-outs. There's also moments reminiscent of Wilco's literate strain of alt-rock as frontmen Ryan Walker and Brian Kent weave together a masterful turn in mainstream-baiting Americana. A fitting introduction to one of Washington, DC's most accomplished bands. http://www.myspace.com/thebeanstalklibrary

One of Canada's most respected roots singers, James Keelaghan returns to the folk frontline with the release of his new album 'House of Cards' this autumn. Taken from this is 'Safe Home', an FDM.com exclusive download that offers a wonderful showcase for Keelaghan's rich, almost-peerless narrative. Intelligent, brave and above-all contemporary, Keelaghan's place at the fore-front of Canadian roots songwriting seems even more assured. www.myspace.com/jameskeelaghan

There's something undeniably affecting about the music of California's Port O'Brien. Somewhere deep beneath those delicate arrangements of windblown gypsy folk sits a melodicism that's so perfectly realised that you find yourself catching your breath after every intricate twist or turn. 'My Will Is Good' leads us into the release of 'Threadbare', the quintet's third album, and it's utterly sublime. File in the well-thumbed pile with J.Tillman et al. Stream and/ or download below.

The side-project of Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and Wisconsin's Collections of Collonies of Bees is an experimental, vocal-light affair. The lead taster track from forthcoming album 'Unmap' (Jagjaguwar, end of Sept) is 'Island, IS'. Vernon's backwood's folk intimacy remains but this time it's encased in loops and samples that give it some gnashing teeth and shift it musically towards the spectrum of Steve Reich. Stream and/ or download below.

Released via Conor Oberst's Team Love label in the US (and Domino off-shoot Double Six here in the UK), Joker's Daughter is a decidedly interesting proposition. A collaboration between multi-instrumentalist Helena Costa and producer du jour Danger Mouse, it's a lovingly-crafted fusion of ethereal, folk-dusted vocals and lush electronic orchestration. Strange, beautiful and absolutely engrossing, 'Under The Influence of Jaffa Cakes' is a splendid introduction into current album 'The Last Laugh'. Stream and/ or download below.

August 2009