Ocie Elliott - “Free”

photo by saraspectrum

Ever since we first discovered Jon Middleton and Sierra Lundy, aka Ocie Elliott, on Spotify’s Infinite Indie Folk playlist, we’ve been utilizing their vibe to fill those early morning commutes to work. And it is with great pleasure that we feature their latest single, “Free,” so that you might do the same.

If you’re already familiar with this duo’s sound, you might just want to skip yourself on down to the play button. But if you reside beneath a rock, prepare yourself for some of the most soothing acoustic guitar sounds that have ever entered your ears. “Free” is the kind of song that sounds as though Ocie Elliott cracked open a guitar case and sat down to perform for you in your living room. There’s no modern production wizardry here– just the raw and delightful sounds of natural talent.

Lundy’s vocal is first to appear, wonderfully melodic as her voice dances atop the sparse arrangement. Like the guitar, there appears to be nothing more than a bit of reverb, leaving the entire vocal performance honest and heartfelt. As Middleton’s voice joins on the second verse, some soft percussion enters the arrangement– nothing overbearing– just enough to move the song forward and keep us engaged. Like Lundy’s vocal, Middleton’s is unscathed by digital production tactics and we continuously marvel at how wonderfully they compliment each other.

A highlight here, for us, is the bridge, when the two of them offer up some of those delightful harmonies that made us such big fans of theirs in the first place. At this point, they’ve brought in a bit of bass and a tasteful, genre-appropriate guitar lead, letting the track rise in a soft and natural crescendo. “Free” is truly a glorious offering to the vastness of the indie folk genre and is bound to earn Ocie Elliott some new fans, as well as remind the old ones why they’ve stuck around.

Be sure to catch them on tour!

-HD