B-Side Guys

Zan & the Winter Folk’s “Whenever I Can” bursts onto the scene with the exuberance of a summer anthem, channeling the spirit of Americana into a jubilant celebration of love and spontaneity. This Troy, NY-based band delivers a track that feels both timeless and urgently present, inviting listeners to embrace life’s fleeting moments of connection.

From the first note, “Whenever I Can” envelops you in a warm, rootsy sound that calls to mind the foot-stomping energy of Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. The arrangement is a rich tapestry of acoustic instruments – banjo, upright bass, guitars, cello, and fiddle – each adding depth and texture to the song’s irresistible groove.

Zan Strumfeld’s vocals lead the charge, her voice carrying both the warmth of a front porch sing-along and the power of a revival tent preacher. The chorus, with its simple yet profound message of seizing every opportunity for love, is designed for sing-alongs, its repetition embedding itself in your memory long after the song ends.

What sets “Whenever I Can” apart is its seamless blend of folksy intimacy and arena-ready energy. While rooted in traditional Americana, there’s a modern indie rock sensibility at play here, recalling the crossover appeal of bands like The Head and the Heart. This balance allows the song to feel equally at home on a summer festival stage or blasting from car speakers on a cross-country road trip.

As a taste of their upcoming debut album “New Morse Code,” “Whenever I Can” positions Zan & the Winter Folk as a band to watch in the Americana scene. It’s a promising indicator that their full-length release will be filled with the same infectious energy and heartfelt storytelling that makes this track so compelling. Roll down your windows, turn up the volume, and let Zan & the Winter Folk soundtrack your summer adventures.