Intricacy is often overlooked when accompanied by the sort of plain-spoken straight talk fashioned by Calgary singer-songwriter Carter Felker. Evoking the memory of such luminaries as Clark, Van Zandt, and Prine, Felker’s nimble self-accompaniment neatly underscores the raw, universal themes he brings to life with his reedy tenor.

Felker’s latest LP, 2025’s Loser expands on the ‘70s underground country sonics he began using on 2022’s Even The Happy Ones Are Sad, while embracing more electric guitar himself and adding straight ahead classic outlaw country tones. The result is a tight collection of folk country that’s uniquely suited to its era. Straddling a generational line between those entering middle age, and a younger one that’s just learning how affecting that genuine, natural country music can be, Felker’s tough luck stories and self-effacing humour make him a natural fit for the underground country and folk scenes of our era.

Felker possesses an innate ability to weave no-bullshit narratives that speak to the genuine travails of the hard done by. He’s got the common touch, introducing audiences to a litany of born losers who still have enough pride to stand their ground, to take care of themselves and their loves, and keep digging through the hard luck, always in the hope that good fortune might be found a little deeper down.

- Mike Dunn