Seuras Og

Dublin-duo Elgin’s “Weightless / Still” is an accomplished and serious body of songs; an immersive and rewarding album that carries a deep and intelligent thoughtfulness throughout. More, please.

Maim, the latest offering from Gaelictronica duo WHYTE is an album for late-night reflection. It’s one of the most affecting pieces of music you will hear this year. But mind also the message. And the warning.

Leftover Salmon, bastions of the jam band community, take us on a timeless breeze through the annals of cross-connecting American musical styles. It may have taken me 30 years to catch up with this band, I certainly hope they have some more wind in their hair.

Land of Heroes is Ray Cooper’s fourth solo album. An engaging listen from the outset that beckons you back for repeated listens. He really has excelled here.

Faeland’s second full-length outing builds on the promise of their 2018 debut, a FRUK album of that year. Chock full of joy, with abundant melodic hooks, coupled with the purity of Rebecca Nelson’s vocal, bedded within the sophisticated arrangements and backing of Jacob Morrison.

Maverick Thinker is an uplifting and unrelenting joy that, melodically and lyrically, displays the coming of age of Ruarri Joseph. It deserves your attention.

An intriguingly powerful set and a welcome return from Firefay and Alison O’Donnell with a striking use of instrumentation. Embrace the noir.

Are Tindersticks getting better and better? On the evidence of ‘Distractions’, the answer is yes. A mesmerising listen that demands repeated immersion.

Sun June’s ‘Somewhere’ is a charmer, deceptively slight, each listen uncovering a nuance of sound or sense unnoticed previously. Capable both of bringing thoughts to life or extinguishing them completely.

Jack Cade’s latest offering is a relentless and glorious wallow in imperfect contrition. Very much a lockdown record, one for dark nights, short days and a hope in your heart. A red sky at night record and an astonishing one.

Hadrian’s Union return with a rousing set of songs on their new EP Permission. Founder, Stew Simpson, has done well to expand his vision into a fuller band setting.

Hopefully, they can and will deliver this live next year at more than just their planned headliner at 2021’s Orkney Folk Festival, I for one am willing to travel some distance to experience the Orkney Monster.