Mike Davies

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.

For his third album ‘The Big Wind’, Luke Elliot delivers another collection of brooding grandeur. While not the most uplifting of albums, he manages to create beauty out of the darkness.

He’s no contender, he’s no pretender, he’s someone who’s been on the canvas and got up to win the fight. And as this album once again proves, he has the heart and soul of a champion who stares truth in the eye and doesn’t flinch.

The Mammals return with a world-class album expanding their lineup to embrace bandmates old and recent as well as special guests.

Celticana is the second collection from the Aberdeen duo Steve Crawford & Spider MacKenzie. While its roots are firmly embedded in American traditions, the lyrics and narratives hail from Scotland.

London-based Hannah White joins forces with four Bergen musicians – The Nordic Connections – for an album that is anything but ordinary. Recorded live, she plunges fully into the 70s country sounds she’s only previously flirted with.