David Kidman

Treading the Marches is an exceedingly recommendable disc for lovers of songs of Cumbria and Northumberland who like their material rendered with flair and imagination.

In terms of longevity, musical and cultural interest, Brothers Briggs goes way beyond that of its intended one-off Birthday gift. We need more of this kind of adventurous and keenly understanding music-making.

Old Crow medicine Show pay tribute to Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde, celebrating the truly seminal, cross-fertilising nature of the original record. I fully expect there to be claims that this set is destined to take its place amongst the great live sets of rock history.

The Ones You Keep Close is an entirely fitting companion to Brigid Mae Power’s earlier album – once you’ve fallen under her spell, it’s certainly one to keep close!

Isembard’s Wheel’s debut album ‘Common Ground’ offers more of the band’s wild, inventive, visionary “folk and then some”, which proves both highly infectious and highly irresistible.

Whether gentle and plaintive or upfront and thrusting, Harrow Fairs’ vocals have a feeling of being right there on the emotional edge… and that quality sure is tremendously exciting.

Signals is the second album from Dublin singer and song composer Sue Rynhart, an album that “really is one of the most exciting, rewarding and stimulating albums I’ve heard so far this year.”

Yorkston/Thorne/Khan return with ‘Neuk Wight Delhi All-Stars,’ building on the deep-seated natural bond between the three musicians and their total willingness to embrace each other’s artistic vision. They’re clearly not running short of ideas…one you should seek out.

London-based singer-songwriter Robert Sunday releases two mini-albums via Rif Mountain collective. The songs have a beguiling quality dealing with the central concepts of memory, love and time.

The musical idiom of The Straw Bear Band’s ‘Eccentric Heart’ is one of immediacy and power, bright and convivial garage-folk with pop-style hooks and melodies. This whole mini-album contains much that’s both appealing and memorable.

Taking inspiration from Arthur Miller’s landmark 50s play, Jason Steel’s Crucible Songs adopts a minimalist approach which produces a paradoxically rich musical tapestry. this is a limited-edition release so get it while you can.

Workin’s Too Hard is a warmly inclusive and rather special record, with a feeling of back porch intimacy. The distinctive and memorable music and songwriting will leave you wanting more. We hope they get together again soon.