Gavin McNamara

Robin Elliott’s ‘There is a Land is a wonderfully ambitious debut – gloriously eclectic yet firmly grounded, it is a kaleidoscopic offering of folk and pop, indie rock and psychedelia, jazz and poetic storytelling.

The songs and tunes on ‘When You’re Ready’ were recorded by Patakas (brothers Will and Joe Sartin) following the loss of their father. As well as capturing ‘strong bonds and incredible memories’, this debut also highlights what a skilful and innovative duo they are.

Following his 2006 Carolling & Crumpets, the English folk squeezebox maestro John Kirkpatrick delivers a midwinter treat with a new Christmas collection titled ‘Joy & Jubilation’. He is accompanied by members of the South Shropshire ‘Castle Carols’, and his son Benji also features.

Ballads of Seduction, Fertility And Ritual Slaughter is a wonderfully consistent, decidedly spooky re-imagining of The Wicker Man soundtrack. It is full of odd delights and is, almost certainly, best listened to sitting down. Shocks are, after all, so much better absorbed with knees bent.

‘It All Goes Up’, the sixth album by Missouri resident, Beth Bombara, is the perfect summer road trip album; the songs will carry on delivering long after the sun goes down and the miles will fly by.