LOVING

Released in 2016, the self-titled debut from the Canadian trio Loving established a blueprint for the 'hazy folk' movement of the late 2010s. Comprising David Parry and brothers Lucas and Jesse Cassere, the group recorded the album using vintage tape machines, which became the defining characteristic of their sound. The record's brief runtime - just under 20 minutes - contributes to its ephemeral, dream-like quality. Critically, it was praised for its ability to blend the singer-songwriter traditions of the 1970s with a modern, lo-fi aesthetic. The track 'Sweet Fruit' became a viral sleeper hit, introducing listeners to their signature pitch-unstable guitar lines and breathy vocal delivery. While often categorized as 'indie folk,' the album's heavy use of atmosphere and texture aligns it closely with dream pop and neo-psychedelia. It remains a foundational text for the 'bedroom folk' subgenre, influencing a wave of artists seeking to capture a similar sense of analog nostalgia and quiet introspection.