Albums

Our Blood Is Red is outstanding…Luke James Williams is a writer of rare talent, a singer with the ability to rivet your attention, ready to break out and claim his rightful place at a time when new voices are needed more than ever.

Populated with some delightful, quirky and perky lyrical wordplay, with ‘Field Notes’, Gina Davis’ hard work and deliberation have yielded one of 2022’s loveliest albums.

Dave Miller’s ‘Daughter of Experience’ is incredibly intimate; it’s the kind of work that uses the most basic of tools to do something new, in this case, challenge many solo instrumental guitar music tropes while delivering beautiful, quietly powerful music.

Just back from the cooler climes of Norway, Robin Denselow shares some of his highlights from this year’s Førde Festival, the largest festival for trad and world music in Scandinavia.

On Thieves, Alex Dupree reveals tales worthy of a novelist. It’s a riveting listen if you’re willing to commit to it. One that takes you on transformational journeys to locales around the globe.

With Night Drives, Kathryn Williams continues to evolve her craft, finding ways to intrigue and find touchstones outside the commonplace.

The Local Honeys say this album is their first on which they express who they are and where they’re from. It’s about finding themselves, and you’re highly advised to find them too.

Kingmaker is Tami Neilson’s fifth studio album, “Ain’t you heard me sing?” she asks; if you have, you know she well deserves that crown.

You need to look no further than Peculiar, Missouri, for proof of Willi Carlisle’s brilliance as a songwriter and performer. An outstanding collection of songs channelled through his punk background and his current folk stylings, influenced by the music of the Ozarks.

Sometimes art floats close to the surface of real life. It isn’t always comfortable, and it must take a certain amount of courage to create. But when it comes off, as it does on Myles O’Reilly’s Cocooning Heart, the results can be singularly fulfilling.

Windjammer’s ‘Awaken’, sounds whole yet is markedly diverse within its grooves. There are nods to an Albion/Psych-folk past which they take ownership of. They have succeeded in capturing their essence on record, I now hope this leads to many more awakening to their rich tapestry.

Ciderhouse Rebellion and Jessie Summerhayes return with Ironstone Tales – immersive, fine music and terrific storytelling. You would need a heart of stone not to enjoy this. We also, have the pleasure of premiering their new video for ‘Be What?’