Glenn Kimpton

Toby Hay’s New Music for the 6 String Guitar is a beautifully restrained work—just player and instrument—inspired by nature and the outdoors. It stands as a perfect sibling to his earlier 12-string album; while the instruments differ dramatically in timbre and character, both albums offer a deeply immersive, rewarding experience. The contrast between them highlights Hay’s versatility, yet a shared sense of purity, warmth, and meditative focus unites them.

Described by Hayden Pedigo as a ‘microdose psychedelic album’, the key word here is ‘micro’ because ‘I’ll be Waving as You Drive Away’ is a very subtly experimental instrumental acoustic guitar album, full of tiny flourishes and touches that see it stand out from the norm. It’s a record that feels meticulously thought out and handled. Without an ounce of fat, this is a sharp, elegant and subtly dynamic album.

The Gentle Good’s latest album, Elan, is a concept album of sorts, a study of the Elan Valley in Powys through music, recorded off-grid in the Cambrian mountains. An admirable creation, it’s a broad and generous soundscape for a beloved area of Wales, containing both music and singing that is diverse, adventurous and rich in character. Gareth Bonello’s most ambitious album so far, this bumper collection is a triumph.

Guitarist Eli Winter’s ace new Trick of the Light album sees him in full band leader mode. Glenn Kimpton met up with Winter to discuss the project in finer detail.

Eli Winter has never put out a bad record, but his music seems to grow in confidence and prowess with each release. A Trick of the Light is a barnstormer – sharp, vital and pretty damn thrilling. Oh yes.

Nashville guitar wizard William Tyler’s new album, Time Indefinite, is a pretty special effort; Glenn Kimpton met up with him to dig a little bit deeper…”It’s definitely the most personal record I’ve ever made”.

While short, Samantha Whates and M G Boulter’s ‘Flower Days’ wastes no notes. A deeply felt and humane work, full of quiet joy and love of life and nature, this fresh and evocative release is one to savour.

With Time Indefinite, William Tyler has hit a new creative peak, seamlessly blending excellent guitar work with a heavy dose of the strange, and it works really well. Dare I suggest it’s his strongest album? Yeah, I do.

Dancing the Line is such a confident collection of songs; you can feel the ideas brimming in every sweep of Ultan O’Brien’s bow. Nothing is overdone or superfluous here; it is music in its purest state. I love it.

‘no floor’ is more eaze & claire rousay’s most organic and free-flowing record to date. With not a wasted note to be heard, it’s full of ideas, using the collage form to its full potential; an impeccably crafted album and highly recommended.

Cameron Knowler’s “CRK” is a pivotal and adventurous album that feels both timeless and forward-looking. With its diverse and engaging character and mature and assured arrangements, he’s crafted a fine and highly recommended album.

Experimental, trippy, fiercely creative and quite mesmerising, Whitney Johnson & Lia Kohl’s ‘For Translucence’ is a tricky album to pin down, but you’ll be glad you gave it the time and space to reveal itself.