Mike Davies

Thunder and Rain are a four-piece from Colorado who draw on roots in traditional bluegrass and folk spliced with elements of pop and rock. Start Believing is their second album and one that should go a long way to getting their name known on the Americana circuit.

It’s not unusual for artists plying an Americana trade to be likened to Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and Bob Dylan – it’s rare for a female singer to attract such comparisons. Vancouver’s Steph Cameron is both an exception and exceptional. This is just the start of what promises to be a brilliant career.

Subtitled Songs of the Sea, Coast, Fishing, Rivers, Lovers and Banishment, The Turn of the Tide is Pete McClelland’s second album within a few months. We recommend you should put the boat out and shore up the collection with this too.

Massachusetts folk-country quartet, The Novel Ideas offer up a hugely rewarding listen on their self-titled third album which has a highly attractive Americana sound dealing with themes of love and loss.

As If In A Dream I Drifted At Sea is a hugely impressive debut from Daniel Gadd that calls to mind late 60s folk troubadours and shades of Dylan and Cohen. This UK release is sure to bring the acclaim and exposure he so deserves.

In her thematic approach, Kirsty Merryn’s album is following in the path of Tori Amos and Carol Ann Duffy, who have, respectively, written songs or poems about or in the persona of famous women. She deserves to reap similar rewards. Also, watch the video premiere for Forfarshire featuring Steve Knightley.

Featuring members of Jez Lowe’s band, The Mile Roses are Edwina Hayes, Kate Bramley and Simon Haworth. Their self-titled debut album features a fine array of folk and roots numbers which is sure to set them on a good roll.

Forest Fire is Toronto-based artist-turned singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi’s fourth album. Highlights include a Lynn Miles cover written and delivered firmly in the mode of Janis Ian.

Jeff Crosby’s latest alt-country collection ‘Postcards from Magdalena’ is his fourth – born of both experiences and travelling the roads, places and miles in-between. The more reflective tracks stand out – none more so than the ’60s protest folk troubadour strum, Hotel Bibles.

Adrian Nation’s previous albums have all been first rate but this is unquestionably his masterpiece. Anarchy and Love deserves to be championed as such.

Farewell to My Old Days is an undeniably impressive debut from Sam Brothers, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Canterbury who was discovered whilst busking in Brighton.

Captured over two consecutive nights at The Sofa Sessions and home base in King’s Cliffe Jez Hellard’s upbeat D’rect from The Shire is sure to please fans and find plenty of new ones along the way.