Mike Davies

On Stereoptican Gary Lucas and Jann Klose provide dazzling guitar playing and a strong, versatile and vibrant vocal in the service of urban Americana.

Following on from her recent EP, singer-songwriter Kelley McRae returns with ‘The Wayside’, an album shaped by a decision to forsake her NY apartment for a life on the road.

Hero & The Sage is a hugely impressive debut from Vancouver-born, LA-based singer-songwriter Tara Beier – a new arrival on the Americana scene that deserves a wider audience.

While ‘South, West, North, East’ works on its own terms, the quality is such that you really would be doing yourself a disservice were you not to seek out the original EPs and the full 20 tracks.

Symphonic re-workings can be bloated and bombastic affairs but in sympathetic hands and with complementary rather than competitive arrangements, they can be quite magnificent. This is one such.

A simple, but deeply touching and, ultimately, optimistic contemplation of life, recollected in quiet moments…this is a superb and sublime album from a voice that deserves to be shouted from the highest rooftops. Long may her heart burn this bright.

Banjo playing Americana duo The Lowest Pair that we introduced back in 2014 make a double album UK release…Music for sunshine and mint juleps, the albums, like the duo, make a fine pair.

Whilst not a landmark Colvin & Earle does capture the feel of two artists kicking loose and having a good time, and that’s infectious. They will perform two nights at London’s Union Chapel this month.

Filtering in aspects of punk and folk, Scorch wields his clawhammer banjo like Woody slung a guitar and, while it might not kill fascists, it certainly assists him in giving a bloody nose to those wearing the boots of oppression.

Sam Beam’s collaboration with Jesca Hoop is easily his best work in a while, and, on top of being a fine album, keeping his company will hopefully create a wider awareness of her charms too.

Whilst ‘Long Road Home’ probably won’t find the exposure or the audience it deserves, with its heartfelt emotional lyrics and Simon Allen’s softly yearning vocals, it is assuredly worth seeking out.

Dark Desert Night is a hugely atmospheric album that pulls you into the stark world conjured by the title with a compelling intensity. Released on May 1st via Okehdokee Record.