Deblois - Cut and Run
Folk
Florida, U.S.
Overall Impression: In “Cut and Run,” Deblois distills the soul of folk music down to its rawest elements—voice, guitar, and truth—and lets them breathe together in a deeply authentic performance. It’s a song that doesn’t ask for your attention with bright colors or bold moves, but rather earns it through intimacy, restraint, and a kind of emotional stamina that’s rare in a world speeding toward the next big chorus. Deblois has crafted something deceptively simple but profoundly resonant. It honors the folk tradition not by mimicking it, but by embodying its core values—story, soul, and shared humanity. In a world where it’s easy to disengage, Deblois gives us a reason to stay in the room and listen.
Strongest Point(s): Vocally, Deblois carries a rare gift: a soft, unassuming presence that still manages to hold a sense of weight and gravity. There’s no posturing, no reaching—just a voice that sits with you, eye to eye. It’s as if she’s singing beside you in the dim yet warm light of a small room where every word counts and every breath is shared. Her delivery is hushed but resonant and the strength of her voice lies in its vulnerability—it’s not trying to prove anything. It simply is, and that's more than enough. This delicate vocal presence is complimented by an equally tender acoustic guitar backing and from the first strum, Deblois draws us in with a dynamic touch that allows the guitar to feel as if its more of an extension of herself than simply a means for a backdrop. Her acoustic playing is the spine of the track, flexing gently under the weight of the verses and subtly tightening with quiet urgency in the choruses. There’s a clear intention behind every nuance: a soft thumb-brushed bass note here, a delicate arpeggiated phrase there, giving the song a sense of movement that’s never hurried but always flowing. It’s folk music in the truest sense—organic, lived-in, and deeply connected to its own heartbeat. The lyrics are also a particular highlight of the track and serve as a gentle lament of financial hardship, fading dreams, and a loss of shared values. They hint at a time when life felt freer and more hopeful, something we can all relate to and feel. The repeated idea of wanting to “cut and run” symbolizes both escape and resignation, while warning that if everyone gives up, there will be nothing left worth preserving. It makes for a particularly poignant listening experience, one that allows the track to feel deeply grounded and perhaps most importantly, human.
Target Audience Appeal: "Cut and Run" is an engaging piece of folk songwriting and I can see it strongly resonating with lovers of the genre.
Artist target suggestions: Amble, Ben Howard, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Gregory Alan Isakov, Iron & Wine, The Paper Kites, Bright Eyes, Jose Gonzalez, Deb Talan, Simon & Garfunkel
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About the Reviewer:
Andre is a freelance session guitarist, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar as well as teaching it, helping students learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and become proficient in home recording.