The indie genre is one that adopts sounds from all over the spectrum: noise pop, experimental, garage rock and even folk. Although I don’t particularly enjoy the country music genre, folk takes away from the twang and general themes of loss and heart ache that we know as country music today and returns it to the foothills of Montana to focus it’s themes more on the spiritual nature of man and even tends to lean towards being hymnal at times. I can literally say that some folk music brings peace to my soul.

One of the musicians that has the ability to do this for me is Matt Bauer. Armed with just a banjo and an occasional guest musician Bauer gives me the urge to head to the woods and spend some time staring at the stars in reflection and self revelation. If you are looking for “get up and do a dance” folk then this is not for you. The music itself is rather simple and without flare and the vocals are hushed and reverent. If you need to lower your heart rate this is what you should listen to.

You can hear ten live tracks at hinah.com that are all fantastically done and even features a cover of Fiest’s Sea Lion Women.