Richard Hollingum

This is an album that is unashamedly political and whilst it contains stories back from across history, these serve to remind us of how we got to where we are now, and that we should think before we are led down the same route again. An album of protest and of warning but also of hope and of aspiration.

On Bring Us In, the clarity, the harmony and the arrangements offer a good picture of what Marisa, Jack and Davy have to offer – full of style and, yes, quirky but good quirky. Now we can hopefully look forward to the full long-player.

This is an excellent album in so many ways. Nick and Becki’s own compositions fit well with the traditional pieces and whole works together in such a way that is rare to find. If you don’t listen to this, you will be missing out on a great album.

Fire Under the Bridge is almost relentless in its energy. This is joyful music and you just know that Pons Aelius are having fun making it. Lots of talent, lots of dynamism.

Timeless; exquisite production; great selection of tunes; social commentary. What’s not to dislike? Nothing. But what has lifted it even higher for me is that my partner says that she really likes it. Now that kind of praise is extremely rare.

We take a look at Richard King’s latest book The Lark Ascending which is said to explore how Britain’s history and identity has been shaped by the mysterious relationship between music and nature.

As an album, Silent Spring may be built on and around the folk-infused music of fifty years ago but its message is very much for today. Henry Parker is clearly an excellent guitarist and writer, but he has also not lost sight of the message. He has found his path.

Whilst some may have stopped listening to words in songs, the strength of ‘The Reckoning’ lies in John Tams’ skill in building a strong connection between the words and music, it’s as good a demonstration as you’re likely to find.

Silver Pin is an excellent first release with a great selection of songs. Sophie Crawford has a lot to offer in both her voice and her rendition. This has gently but firmly fallen into my consciousness and I hope she finds time in her busy schedule to record a follow-up.

What a great way to celebrate 80 years as Topic Records take over Barbican Hall for a celebration of its past and a milestone event setting the stage for the current and the new to come on board.

Thom Ashworth is in the vanguard of a new generation of protest singers. His songwriting is political, intelligent and full of impact. Outstanding.

On Nick Hart latest offering, his effortless phrasing, the clarity and simplicity of the song, the voice, the guitar, entrap the listener and pull us into the timeless – then and now – world of the folk song. Excellent again.