Todd Kessler – Here Is All We Have (2026)
Nine years on from his debut, About Memory, Midwestern folk act Todd Kessler is bringing pure folk with subtle rock sensibility with his sophomore record, Here Is All We Have. Originally from Chicago, Kessler has traversed the Atlantic to lay these tracks down in Ireland, and I think the Celtic influence can be heard throughout the record. I couldn’t help but draw similarities to the great Paul Brady due to both blending folk and rock perfectly.
From the outset, it was clear that Here Is All We Have was grounded in storytelling and is simply using music as the perfect vessel for Kessler to weave his tales as any great folk does. Opening with his first single, ‘Lost or Found’ – a track with all the heart of a great folk song but pop DNA that had me singing along almost instantly. I particularly enjoyed how Kessler was an open book and explored all his feelings about finding his place in the world. No sooner than ‘Lost or Found’ has ended, the next track, ‘Sweet Reunion’, thrusts you into a very different world, showcasing a rich, more vibrant sound, filled with horns and layered vocals. I love how it just oozes joy. This joyous feeling only continued with ‘Catching Smoke’, another rich and carefree song.
Following these two pop-infused tracks comes a more personal and heartfelt song with ‘Part of the Plan’, which showcases how Kessler can spin a narrative whilst being candid about his feelings of loss and grief. For me, ‘Part of the Plan’ just reinforces the talent this artist has for songwriting and storytelling and for that reason, it is one of my favourite songs on the album.
Following this was a bit of a lull with ‘New Year’s Eve’. I think this didn’t hit the same notes for me, simply because ‘Part of the Plan’ is such a hard act to follow.
As I knew it wouldn’t, the lull didn’t last long with the next track hitting me straight away and fast, becoming the song of the record for me. ‘A Love To Go After’ had all the heart of a great folk song, noting Kessler as the great lyricist he is and wrapping it all up in a perfect pop package.
Next came the title track, ‘Here Is All We Have’, another solid offering. I was interested to discover it was inspired by the view from Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick during the shadow of lockdown. Being a coastal native, I’m a firm believer that looking out to sea and embracing nature can be incredibly cathartic and produce some of the greatest ideas, and, for me, it only made me love ‘Here Is All We Have’ more.
The record then comes to a calm and tranquil ending with the final trio of tracks ‘Birdsong’, ‘Plea of St. Luke’, and ‘Find A Way’. Each one just proves again and again that this artist has musical intelligence and acumen for songwriting that cannot be denied.
With a tour on the horizon, 2026 looks to have no sign of slowing down for Todd Kessler and honestly deservingly so. Here Is All We Have is, to put simply, an exceptional folk record that should be enjoyed by all.
Find out more about Todd Kessler on his official website, X, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud and Spotify
This artist was sent to us by Jawdropper Music.
