Mike Davies

Ross says how he loves listening to music that has the artist’s fingerprints all over it.  If you feel the same, then you should get your grubby hands on this one – Unpolished and consciously reflecting what’s going on inside his head.

Minnesota sextet Trampled by Turtles return with ‘Life is Good on the Open Road, their first album in four years and one that finds them on top form. A welcome return.

An album to listen to in the same stillness and hush in which it’s delivered, soaking up the sadness, the hope, the sense of a life lived, it’s a quiet resolution.

Powerfully sung in clear, distinctive tones,  it’s at moments like this that Browne soars above the comparisons and influences with a voice that’s very much her own.

On Matchstick Men, a mingling of Celtic rock and quiet introspection shades much of the album, the songs steeped in reflection and a sense of unease with the present and who or what we are. Despite the self-doubts implicit in the title and many of the lyrics, there’s nothing rudimentary about this.

Castle has long had a fascination with the notion of death and transformation, here, inspired by Joan Didion’s book about grieving – On Grim Reaper, she talks of how her songs hold “the colours of my life.”  They are iridescent.

Part of the Light finds Ray LaMontagne back on the more familiar territory of hooks and choruses, folkier offerings and psychedelic hues that let the sunshine in.

There’s no faulting this impressive and career-making debut from Kashena Sampson which finally gets a UK release in time for a string of UK dates.

On his 11th album, Michael McDermott’s confidence and talent have finally aligned. Both personally and musically, he’s become the person he was always meant to be. His best yet.

The Poozies new album ‘Punch’ is the first to feature new recruits Tia Files and Sarah McFadyen. Like the title, the album possesses an underlying sense of drive and energy, of vim, verve and sheer pizzaz.

The Magic Numbers return following a four-year hiatus with the release of Outsiders. “You ain’t got that magic anymore”, sings Romeo. Don’t believe a word of it.

An album best heard in those tranquil twilight or early dawn moments when the consciousness floats free and the air takes on a beguiling luminescence, it seeps over you like warm water opening your pores.