Albums

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?’

Fern Maddie is a name we will hear much of in the future, and Ghost Story is a spell-binding, beautifully captivating and genuinely haunting release – an immediate favourite of 2022.

Lossan, the duo debut from Manx Gaelic singer Ruth Keggin and Scottish Harpist Rachel Hair is one of the most beautiful albums I’ve heard this year. If anything makes you fall in love with the Manx culture and language, this will.

Rory Matheson & Graham Rorie celebrate the success of The Assynt Crofters on We Have Won The Land, a gem of an album capturing the ups and the downs of that journey.

‘What I Wanted’ is a strikingly confident leap into new musical and stylistic territory for Maz O’Connor, but never losing sight of her established core strengths – her voice and lyrics…I suspect this is just the start of many wonders to come.

Josh Geffin’s Hold On To The Light is a soothing and masterfully crafted EP, a beacon of hope that gives expression both to where we’ve been and where we are headed.

48 Hours With David Ford And Annie Dressner is an unassuming but rather lovely collection of songs. If they can do this in two days, imagine what wonders a week might produce.

With an extended lineup and marking a significant leap forward, Son of John return with Each Second Footstep. Throughout this winning album, the band’s love of their craft shines through…an essential release.

David Weir reports back from a weekend spent at Black Deer Festival where he caught great sets from Yasmin Williams, Seafoam Green, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Waterboys, The London African Gospel Choir, Courtney Marie Andrews, Simeon Hammond Dallas and more.

There is an undefinable excellence to be found in the sibling vocals of The Brothers Gillespie. When combined with their gentle and varied instrumental arrangements found on ‘The Merciful Road’, their music becomes the complete gold standard package.