Chamber pop may not be the most well-known, or well-respected genre. Nonetheless, it holds some of the most intricate compositions and rides the line between progressive and radio-friendly. Here are our top 10 chamber pop groups you need to check out. Anything we missed? Add it in the comments. In no particular order…
This brother/sister duo (plus a couple friends) has truly manager to refine their sound, with their last two EPs showing incredible growth in songwriting and some fairly poetic lyrics to boot.
Besides Daniel is the first of several solo acts on the list the works with a folk base and builds up from there. Percussion is one of the driving factors of the chamber pop genre and he nails it.
While the band’s recent album has a stronger focus on electronic elements, VA boasted plenty of folk-based patterns coupled with auxiliary percussion and violin that makes it their strongest work.
4. Anathallo
The defunct Anathallo were quite certainly innovators when it comes to chamber pop; even though the band’s roster capped at eight members, additionally complexity was added with members swapping instruments mid-song.
Raleigh-based Songs of Water truly approach music as an artform, and each release showcases a deviation in sound. At their core, they blend elements of western pop with airy vocals and world-music instrumentation. It’s an eclectic combination that really pays off.
Sufjan Stevens is probably the most well-known artist on the list. His collaborations are famous; his albums are staples of the genre; his catalog is immense. What else needs to be said?
Aaron Strumpel’s orchestral take on worship is refreshing and unconventional. His new album features redone hymns and a few originals, but Bright Star is a safe entry point for new listeners.
The Anchor Collective melds intricate and complex rock elements with a fair dose of fun for a sound that is bright and upbeat.
9. John Lucas
I’m not sure why just so much good music is pouring out of North Carolina, but John Lucas earns a place on the list with his soothing, cinematic arrangements that put him in good company with the other North Carolina-based acts on this list.
10. Benjamin James
Benjamin James’ sound take the core elements of chamber pop and turns the energy up a few notches by adding in synths and electronic percussion that is rare for the genre.
greetings from Mexico 😊, very good recommendations, Josh Garrels is also good.
Great list, fascinating genre. I may not be the biggest fan of folk tinged music but the orchestrations on all make listening worth my while. Bone & Marrow really caught my ear
The Collection is another great group.
I thought about including them originally but recent interviews seem to indicate they’ve abandoned their faith. Some good music nonetheless, though I find the new album weaker than their others.
They have indeed. Also, theyre normal sized (well, 6 members) now, not that original 25 piece ensemble.
Awesome. I’m only familiar with a couple artists on here, so you’ve given me many more to check out!
Wow great list I will have to tell my friend Danny that he made this list. he and I are friends here in Georgia and we have some great singer-songwriters here
Benjamin James is pretty good, I got his album awhile ago. He reminds me a lot vocally of Sufjan Stevens.