Mike Davies

A celebration of life in both its highs and lows, memories of things lost and thankfulness for what is still held, these Two Days In Terlingua with Bard Edrington V will make your listening week.

Triage is played to perfection by Crowell and his assembled contributors, as he asks us to consider the priorities in a world that desperately needs healing.

Individually, The Flatlanders are a force to be reckoned with, each member has made their distinctive mark on the alt-country and Americana scene over the decades; as this welcome reunion shows, together they are indeed the musical living definition of a triple whammy.

With Blue World, Anna Tivel has crafted far more than simply some reimagined versions of her songs, this is a world with its own beauty and captivating intimacy.

Listening to the sharply directed words and empathetic sentiments on this unassumingly lovely album, there is little doubt that Murray McLauchlan is already wide awake, and his hourglass keeps perfect timing.

Their most accessible album yet, The Little Unsaid’s “Lick The Future’s Lips” is an album of variegated musical moods and songs that peer into the gloom but also spark a flicker of light in the potential to change both the world and ourselves.

In the Half-Light is a brief but assured, deeply enticing snapshot from Joshua Burnside and Laura Quirke of how their two talents intermingle to form a single cohesive vision. Hopefully, this is a prelude to further collaboration…one to be eagerly anticipated.

Dean Owens and his various collaborators have explored a variety of ideas, moods and sounds within the overall desert-Americana landscape, building eager anticipation for what the full album project will eventually encompass. It’s been a captivating journey.

London alt-folk septet Ringlefinch are definitely one of my favourite discoveries of the year. These are tall tales to be recounted over and over with a smile on the face and a glass of Peak District craft beer in your hand.

“Quietly Blowing It” is beautifully played with melodies and hooks that take up instant lodgings in the brain and lyrics that cut to the heart and soul, this may be Hiss Golden Messenger’s best yet.

Dylan LeBlanc’s “Pastimes” EP is an eclectic set of cover songs with personal associations and a homage to those who inspired his sound – from the Rolling Stones to Glen Campbell.

An impressive step up from her debut, Rachel Baiman’s “Cycles” is bristling with confidence. Open and honest in its feelings, the album offers an insight into the dynamic of reconciling ambitions with the needs of a personal life.