2026 has been a pivotal year for Portland-based folk hero ROAMS. Releasing her first album since 2023’s ‘Aphelion’, the talented songwriter and musician pens ‘Cryptid’, a twelve-track wonder, a succession of tender folk episodes and otherworldly vocal harmonies that’s a joy to listen to. It’s almost hypnotic, showcasing the powerful artistry that lies behind creative Ana Ryden.
In true folk fashion, songwriting is where ROAMS and her new album truly shine, although we are big fans of the record’s aural textures and spacious, ethereal production. From a lyrical standpoint, the album transforms a collection of heartwarming songs into a cohesive look at the human experience, especially when it comes to the great danger of grief, and all of the emotional processing that comes with it. It’s of course a highly personal body of work for the American songstress.
Delving deeper into the album’s meaningful ethos, Ryden explains: “‘Cryptid’ delves into the process of learning how to continue moving forward through the changes that make your feet heavier with each step, and the ranges of sinking and floating that come along with it.” In a way, there’s a certain escapism in it, as well as a strong amount of honesty and vulnerability. Moreover, everything is shrouded in simplicity, with ROAMS delivering expansive, relatable wisdom on minimalist, raw arrangements.
Recommended! Discover ‘Cryptid’ now: