Written by Samuel Kaplan
We’re closing out this week in new music with a standout release from one of the most compelling voices in the popular folk space — Cameron Whitcomb. His new single “Gasoline & Matches” arrives with an urgency that’s hard to ignore, powered by explosive vocals and a bold, up-tempo arrangement that pushes the genre’s boundaries. It’s an undeniable statement piece — and an early contender for song of the summer.
Whitcomb has quickly carved out a place as one of folk’s most promising stars, with a style that balances emotional depth and mass appeal. “Gasoline & Matches” reinforces that, fusing folk-rooted guitar work with rock-influenced percussion to create something both nostalgic and new. It’s a track that lives in the tension — sentimental but soaring, grounded but relentless.
What makes Whitcomb’s music so resonant is his ability to bring real-life reflection into a format that still feels fun and freeing. There’s a lived-in honesty to his lyricism, and on this track in particular, a vulnerability that sets him apart in a crowded field.
The result is a song that builds and breaks in all the right places — with ebbs and flows that keep listeners fully engaged, from the first line to the last hit of the drum. “Gasoline & Matches” doesn’t just expand Whitcomb’s sound — it affirms his role in the continued evolution of popular folk.
You can stream "Gasoline & Matches" here: