Michael Suddes is an indie folk singer-songwriter originally from Connecticut. Last year, he recorded his debut full-length album, Out of My Hands, at the iconic Sonic Ranch in West Texas. The album, set for release on October 17, 2025, features 12 tracks that blend introspection, warmth, and subtle sophistication.
From the very first seconds of the opening track, Back of My Hand, it’s clear this is a deeply felt, beautifully produced folk record. Fans of artists like Iron & Wine, Angelo De Augustine, or Sufjan Stevens will feel right at home. Though it lasts just over a minute, Back of My Hand serves as a perfect introduction, setting the emotional tone for what follows.
Dragonfly recalls the intricate simplicity of José González or his band Junip — gentle acoustic guitar is paired with a soft beat that adds energy and a faintly danceable pulse, at least as far as folk music allows. Midway through, the song opens into an ambient space, with the main guitar riff holding everything together gracefully.
The third track, Foreign to Me, leans into a slightly jazzier, more relaxed vibe – no surprise, given Suddes’s background in jazz studies. The instrumental interlude midway through is a highlight, featuring melodic, expressive guitar work and dreamy background vocals. The song evokes the laid-back side of Sam Beam’s writing.
From the album’s midpoint, A Lost Art stands out as a clear centerpiece – a full-band arrangement that refreshes the pacing while keeping that reflective, slightly melancholic warmth intact.
Surprisingly, one of the shortest tracks, the one-minute When You Showed Up, is also among my favorites. Perhaps it’s my fondness for brief, understated songs, but its soft instrumentation and lovely melody make it a small yet perfectly formed pop gem.
In the second half, the final three tracks shine the brightest. New Path opens with perhaps the album’s most playful intro, yet thanks to Suddes’s hazy, soothing voice, it feels organic and inviting. The song carries a hint of Paul Simon, both in its breezy tone and catchy guitar lines. Should is deeply nostalgic, evoking long, quiet summer days by a lake – a tender, introspective mood that suits Suddes especially well.
The album closes with Secondhand Feeling, which seems to gather the best qualities of everything that came before – a gentle jazz-infused rhythm, crisp production, melodic clarity, and a quietly confident sense of groove. There’s even a faint echo of Fleetwood Mac in its understated elegance.
With Out of My Hands, Michael Suddes delivers a debut that’s intimate yet expansive – a record that invites stillness but rewards close listening.
This album was discovered via SubmitHub
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