Joan Shelley: Like The River Loves The Sea
Inviting you in to take shelter from the storm, Joan Shelley’s simple meditations strike at the heart of what really matters. There’s wisdom at play on Like The River Loves The Sea, which returns you once more to the peace of wild things.
Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings: Rose in June
Rose in June is an endlessly varied and accomplished album that sees the Remnant Kings at the top of their game and shows just why Jon Boden is one of the most lauded folk musicians this century.
Jonathan Day: A Spirit Library
…The effect is of being drawn into a light and calming sleep, as if a destination has been reached and the album has come full circle. It is the work of an artist who, whether through the experience of travel or through deep contemplation of his surroundings, has come to terms with his place in the world, and it is utterly beautiful.
Josienne Clarke: In All Weather
In All Weather feels like a high watermark with the promise of great, and greater things to come. It’s still undoubtedly folk but occupying the same landscape as Nick Drake, John Martyn and the aforementioned Sandy Denny – music that seeps through the cracks to reach fans that would dismiss ‘folk’ in other circumstances. A remarkable, impeccable collection.
Karine Polwart: Karine Polwart’s Scottish Songbook
In response to why she’s chosen to release a set of covers, Polwart has said they say something about where she’s from and that “it’s all about making the songs your own, and singing them with your own heart.” Consider the transfer of ownership complete.
Kate Rusby: Philosophers, Poets & Kings
Kate Rusby’s 17th studio album “Philosophers, Poets & Kings” is utterly delightful; she journeys into new territory while maintaining that unshakeable bond to her musical heritage. One of her finest albums to date.
Kathryn Tickell & The Darkening – Hollowbone
Kathryn Tickell’s music flows so naturally you could be forgiven for thinking it’s plucked from the air – distilled from birdsong, a light south-westerly, and sunlight (or often moonlight); as natural, and as compelling as a waterfall. Hollowbone belies that notion in magnificent style. The music is complex and animated, exploring the mists of millennia but singing in a clear, contemporary voice. Hollowbone is a wonderful, brave, and intoxicating album.
Writhing with the terror of our times one moment, then rising with indescribable heart and hunger the next; this is traditional song stretched and submerged. Radie recently claimed, “it’s the kind of album we’ve been trying to make for years, we haven’t compromised” and you can hear that as a listener. Direct and otherworldly, undoubtedly, it’s going to take more time to absorb, but right now to these ears, it sounds timeless.
This music has been honed and refined with intimate care and attention to detail. This is music in evolution – tempo and dynamics are in constant motion, in a state of flux that’s paused and re-started like a tape machine. Melody, poetry, emotion and memory weave in and out like stories. Midnight And Closedown is the next chapter in Lau’s fascinating story. As ever from Lau, it’s a unique and exceptional album.
“We invent new ways to be part of North America and be Québécois. I don’t know how we will need to fight, but we will fight anyway. But, the Québec way: with the violin, and the song.” This new album admirably succeeds in this regard. Territoires is an outstanding release, confirming their status as a pre-eminent force in their field.