Mike Davies

Joe Newberry and April Verch clearly had a great time recording ‘Going Home’ together and their enthusiasm for the material springs from the speakers, you just can’t help but be swept along on the tide.

Now based in New York, Ron Pope has released a dozen albums in the past ten years, ‘Work’, his thirteenth, was a conscious decision to recreate the music of any bar band worth their beer money, drawing on the experiences and people in his life from the age of thirteen.

Those who reach out and discover Steve Adey’s latest offering – Do Me A Kindness – will find themselves richly rewarded by its sonic inventiveness and exploration and Adey’s cathedral vault vocals.

Merry Hell’s ‘Come On, England!’ EP offers a rallying cry against the rising tide of nationalism and fascism and a call for tolerance and equality. Plus, watch their video for the title track.

The Spirit Moves is the fifth album from the Nashville-based Sean Scolnick aka Langhorne Slim, originally released in 2015 the album is getting a UK reissue to coincide with his August tour.

After four albums under the band name The Honeycutters, Amanda Anne Platt steps into the spotlight on their latest release. An often laid back mix of country, Americana and roots. On tour in the UK now.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Rachel Baiman’s ‘Shame’ is a defiant album full of riches, a departure from her previously stripped down offerings, there’s plenty of groove-based offerings here despite the weight of the subject matter.

Alan & the Big Hand’s unusually titled album ‘Yellow Car No Return’ offers a diverse listening experience as his rural lyrical offerings get re-cast by his Hull-based collective.

Melbourne’s The Mae Trio return with their strongest album to date ‘Take Care, Take Cover’ featuring a host of guest musicians it underscores the ever growing potential these girls have to capture a truly international stage. Don’t miss their UK & Ireland tour which kicks off in September.

Juanita Stein, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in indie rock band Howling Bells, releases solo album ‘America’, one that finds her in search of hope as she travels through America’s dark heart.

Little Mammoths is the project of former Noah & the Whale bassist Matt Owens. Cargo for the Road is a solid addition to the year’s Americana stockpile and albums about musicians balancing romance and the road.

Reg Meuross’s Faraway People goes the distance in turning the spotlight on issues that should not be left in the shadows. There’s anger and indignation, but, all too rare in a protest album, there’s also a deep well of compassion and insight into the human heart and spirit.