Mike Davies

Expanding contributions and embracing The Jayhawks’ broader influences, XOXO’s wide-ranging musical moods reaches out to a wider audience while never disappointing the faithful.

Sofia Talvik revisits Paws of a Bear for a stripped-back rework featuring just voice and guitar, all one take re-recordings that bring an added intimacy to the pervasive melancholia.

Born in Tribes is an auspicious debut and Lisa Marini has the potential to be one of the most significant voices of the next decade and beyond.

While all of her previous releases have been outstanding, this is in another league entirely, unquestionably one of the finest albums of the year and her personal Sirius.

George Sansome proves that addressing folk songs in their bare-bones, as they would have been sung back in the day, can be no less an inspiring and exhilarating experience.

A contemplative work, these are the sort of nights and dreams you want to lose yourself in, offering calm and catharsis, and the awakening to a brighter tomorrow.

While not as political as his previous work perhaps, in addressing love and relationships, these little movies still have a firm grasp of the big picture.

Ben de la Cour’s writing has been strengthened by his journey and while a little light at the end of the tunnel might have been welcomed, there’s darkness here you will want to immerse yourself in.

Open and heartfelt, personal yet universal, Julian Taylor makes a strong bid to expand his audience as he returns to his solo acoustic roots with this eight-track collection.

The Tango Bar features some of the finest songs of Copeland’s career, imbued with the experience and wisdom of age, it’s a terrific comeback and a tantalising portent for its sequel.

Diving into the retro sounds of both sixties surf and country classics, Bad news Darlin’ rides the waves and cruises the honky-tonks with consummate style and unbridled energy.

A tribute to Mickey Newbury’s work has been long overdue and you could ask for no finer one than this from Gretchen Peters who has been a lifelong devotee of his work.