Mike Davies

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.

On Turned Over to Dreams, Daniel Martin Moore offers a collection of lullabies – meditative, calming and cleansing, the perfect way to slip into the arms of Morpheus.

A swift follow-up to Copenhagen released earlier back in March, Acoustic Classics captures Swedish singer-songwriter Benjamin Folke Thomas live with just an acoustic guitar – and lengthy repartee.

Most songs on Felony Blues deal with reckless life choices, something that Los Angeles-based Jamie Wyatt knows a thing or two about. This is a fine debut, a must have for any contemporary country fan.

Moonshine Freeze, the latest album from This is the Kit, finds John Parish on production duties. The more you listen, the more you hear on this image rich alt-folk offering. Watch her new live session for Hotter Colder.

Josienne Clarke partners with jazz pianist Kit Downes for ‘Such a Sky’. Whether this is a one-off or a prelude to further collaborations remains to be seen, but, for now, just enjoy the propagated fruit from two different but entwined musical orchards.