Mike Davies

“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.

Go By Feel is the much-anticipated debut by The Hello Darlins. With their mix of Canadian and American influences, they call their sound North Americana; you might just settle for spellbinding.

Justin Sullivan’s “Surrounded” is an album you need to spend time with…there’s a depth of emotion, despair and hope, darkness and light that captures both the isolation of lockdown but also the sense of a universal bond that it has awoken.

An album about salvation, about awakenings and about the warmth of strangers in troubled times that serves as a reminder of a shared humanity in an America torn by divisions, it is both personal and universal and Keating’s finest hour yet.

A hugely accomplished album drawing on influences that include Plant, Welch and This Mortal Coil, but transforming them into their own unique sound. An impressive calling card that can only hint at what they might produce when given access to the full scope of a studio.

It slips down easy, sounding as simple, unassuming and effortless as only true songwriting and consummate musicianship can do. Turner Cody may indeed have friends in high places because there’s a divine spark at work here.

“The Lost Mystique of Being in the Know” is a surprise release from Rising Appalachia that finds them at their most improvisational – one of the most intoxicating musical experiences you’ll have this year.

Open and honest, When We Wander finds light and steadfastness in the new responsibilities in Jesse Terry’s life, channelling his influences but always imprinting them with his own signature. Both tender and triumphant, it’s his finest hour yet.

Old Sea Brigade’s “Motivational Speaking” is a gentle, wistful meditation on the instinctive tendency to cling to the past rather than move forward. Both poignantly sad, yet ultimately hopeful, seeking to embrace motivation rather than be imprisoned by resignation.

With three studio albums already under their belt, Time Out further underscores their rising star as musicians, singers and songwriters, The Accidentals are most definitely going to happen.