She Returns From War and Blue Cactus

Blue Cactus, led by Steph Stewart and Mario Arnez, hails from North Carolina's honky-tonk scene, fusing folk, alt-country, and psychedelic rock. Known for supporting acts like The War And Treaty and Town Mountain, they craft introspective and lush music. Their third album, *Believer*, explores themes of illness, dreams, and hope with guest singers like Erin Rae. Praised by No Depression and compared to Gillian Welch, their rich sound remains deeply personal and adventurous.