Mike Davies

Ida Wenøe’s ‘Undersea’ is like musical Reiki for the soul, offering a view of life that, like the ocean, can be often filled with mystery and darkness, but “when the light hits its surface, it can be the most golden thing existing”. Immerse yourself.

‘World Brand New’, the new album from Mouths of Babes, is a ridiculously infectious collection of Americana and an outstanding album that flies the flag for compassion, understanding and change, which we’d all do well to salute.

Unless you live in North America, particularly Rhode Island, the chances of experiencing Ed Sweeney and Clasper-Torch performing are remote. However, A Sunday Drive, a fine album in all its musical and emotional simplicity, is ample compensation.

Unanswered is an album born of serendipitous circumstances, and together, Ward Knutur Townes (ft. Derbyshire’s Lucy Ward, Iceland’s Svavar Knútur and Canadian Adyn Townes) cast an intoxicating spell, one which we hope they will repeat again.

All Sails to the Sun, the fourth full-length album by London-based contemporary folk singer-songwriter Alex Seel, presents a persuasive argument as to why he should have a far higher profile to match the critical acclaim he’s accrued.

More Than a Whisper is a fine and glowingly affectionate tribute to Nanci Griffith, a much-loved and much-missed singer and songwriter, whose loss will reverberate for years to come.

Avalanche is Jenny Owen Youngs’ first full-length studio album in ten years and her Yep Roc label debut. While it has been a long time coming, much like the phenomenon of its title, it will sweep you up in its path.

Not yet 40, but with a voice and a heart grained by lifetimes beyond his years, Mick Flannery has long been a superstar in Ireland; it’s about time the rest of the world caught up – his outstanding ‘Goodtime Charlie’ should do the trick.

The quality of Michele Stodart’s new album ‘Invitiation’ is perfect…a highly personal album that emerges as one of strength, acceptance, resilience and ultimately hope in those transformations.

Viv & Riley’s ‘Imaginary People’ is a more complex and emotionally profound work than their acclaimed debut which was a Folk Radio  UK  album of the year in 2021, there’s no reason to think this won’t be a repeat performance.

With her 2021 debut, Pohorylle, Margo Cilker set herself a high benchmark, but with ‘Valley of Heart’s Delight’, she’s cleared that with ease and guaranteed another set of Album of the Year votes.

Those ballrooms of romance are long gone, but as long as people like Ultan Conlon keep making music like this fabulous album, their souls, spirits, and the old songs will continue to live on.