Phil Vanderyken

The Brickwork Lizards combine a slew of instruments and influences from all over the world into a musical hybrid that doesn’t take itself too seriously and manages to dazzle, intrigue and entertain. Multi-cultural pop for the world of tomorrow.

Communion is an excellent solo debut by an artist who is bringing the rich tradition of Korean folk music into the modern age. Stark, hypnotic, minimalist, full of rich hidden beauty.

The Turbans create a highly danceable stew of different musical styles from all over the world-“manywhere” as the band call it – played with fire and conviction, and first-rate musicianship.

Go Dig my Grave is an unsettling album of almost painful beauty and an impressive exercise in restraint and understatement. Dark, moody, eclectic: a small masterpiece of sombre beauty.

On Wolf of the Cosmos, Bonnie “Prince” Billy pays tribute to a fellow minimalist – Norweigan vocalist Susanna Wallumrød. This is a touching homage and another worthy addition to Bonny “Prince” Billy’s already vast body of work.

We talk to David Harrington about the Kronos Quartet project Fifty for the Future: The Kronos Learning Repertoire, a string quartet commissioning, performance, education, and legacy project of unprecedented scope and potential impact.

Black Light Theatre is a guitar-driven, neo-psychedelic smorgasbord of sound and texture showcasing Jack Cheshire’s introspective songwriting, his solid Television-inspired guitar work and his band’s mastery of dynamics and tight musicianship.

On Laissez Passer, TootArd, a young, trailblazing band from the Golan Heights, show that the direst of circumstances can produce inspiring and uplifting music that will open up your mind and make you move your feet.

Comprised of folk/bluegrass musicians Paddy Kiernan and Niall Hughes together with Iranian born brothers Shahab and Shayan Coohe, Navá explores the ancient musical cultures of Ireland and Persia.

Jeremy Tuplin may be the missing link between Nick Drake and ‘Space Oddity”-era Bowie. “I dreamt I was an Astronaut” is an engaging piece of work, blending excellent folk-based songwriting with creative and gently overarching production that fittingly frames Tuplin’s songs.

Ladilikan is a bold fusion of the musical traditions from the West courtesy of Kronos Quartet and those of Africa, via Trio Da Kali on which Western tempered scale instruments blend seamlessly with traditional African instruments, creating a wonderful musical hybrid that is engaging, fascinating and irresistible.

Roselit Bone are a band with a dark and beautiful vision all their own, and judging from the yellow school bus that serves as their touring vehicle, they have the determination to pursue their dreams and ambitions. Good things are in store for them.