Grapes of Grain - A Muted Hey (2026)

There’s something instantly appealing about the title A Muted Hey. Thankfully, it’s attached to a record that’s equally easy to like: Grapes of Grain deliver another finely crafted collection of bittersweet songs that comfortably mingle jangly indie pop with warm alt-country. On this fourth album (from their back catalogue, 2024’s Painted Windows stands out for me), the Dutch band embraces a more rustic palette than before, weaving banjo, mandolin, and lap steel through the arrangements.

The ten new, original tracks sound spacious and clear, leaving room for occasional offbeat flourishes, always centered around a heartfelt melody and engaging vocals. There Are Too Many Words in This World, states the opening tune from which the record derives its title, but I wouldn’t have wanted to miss any of it. This is an unhurried and rewarding listen full of detail.