Mike Davies

Matt Andersen’s latest offering serves up a healthy dose of country soul on which he balances political comment with personal confession. One that’s sure to bring a broader appeal.

Whilst the band’s name, and indeed the album title, are inspired by Plato’s Allegory you don’t need a degree in philosophy to recognise the substantial beauty at play here.

Excellent Day is one for those albums for late summer nights filled with the smell of woodsmoke, the taste of a good bourbon and the glow of fireflies. Seek it out.

Henry Wagons may come from Australia, but his musical soul is clearly embedded in Nashville, which is precisely where he recorded After What I Did Last Night, working with producer Skylar Wilson.

Formed in 1979, And Also The Trees return with their latest album and like the tendrils, vines and roots of the earth upon which they draw ‘Born Into The Waves’ wraps itself around your mind and germinates.

For their latest offering Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons heads towards the rockier side of Americana roots for an album that’s sure to add to their already solid reputation.

The Narrows is Grant-Lee Phillips first recording in Music City which makes previous offerings sound like warm-ups…One of the best albums of his career.

For Reg Meuross’ 11th album he marks a return to the one man and a guitar format that initially inspired him and which is the template for his live shows. It’s one you should seek out.

Winter Wilson’s superbly crafted musicianship and heartfelt songs and performance are the bedrock which this country’s folk circuit rests and both it and the world would be a poorer place without them.

Having been through turbulent times, Palomino marks the triumphant return of Treetop Flyers. Just like the distinctive colouring of the horse that the album takes its title from, this one definitely stands out in the show ring.

A definitive musical portrait of one of the finest voices Scotland has produced, whether that be in folk, pop or any other genre.

Written in Rouen and recorded in Minneapolis, Rachel tells us that the songs on her EP are a key; a direction; a red-blooded essential for living – be it bravery, belief in one’s path or the bonds of family and blood.