Albums

After several years of silence, LA marks the return of Kathryn Locke, a strongly recommended set. For music to be the true voice of a performer is almost a cliché. Here it is a fact. Welcome back, Kathryn.

The Owl Service return with ‘Rise Up Rise Up’ a veritable treasure trove. There are more ideas and influences packed into these six tracks than many artists manage in a whole album.

Cameron Knowler’s first full-length solo album features fourteen unhurried yet concise vignettes that are quietly adventurous and unusual. It’s an assured album with Cameron’s playing giving the music a certain charm and undeniable power.

London alt-folk septet Ringlefinch are definitely one of my favourite discoveries of the year. These are tall tales to be recounted over and over with a smile on the face and a glass of Peak District craft beer in your hand.

What Jesse Marchant has done with Antelope Running is nothing short of extraordinary. The soul of a poet, in the guise of a songwriter, creating music that is timeless. This is his moment. Do not miss it.

Allowing yourself to get lost in the magic of Rose City Band’s “Earth Trip” you come out in a most unexpected place, refreshed and revived. These are moments that we need to hold on to…take a moment just to breathe.

‘Notes for a Maiden Warrior’ is an exciting and confident debut from Dani Larkin. The album has a vitality and irresistible energy which is impossible not to be swept up in. A striking debut, effortlessly succeeding in captivating the heart, as well as the ear.

“Quietly Blowing It” is beautifully played with melodies and hooks that take up instant lodgings in the brain and lyrics that cut to the heart and soul, this may be Hiss Golden Messenger’s best yet.

Joe Danks’ Seaspeak is a sumptuous and adroitly crafted collection. Equally comfortable and adept at creating original work and providing fascinating nuances and arrangements to traditional fare, the album is a very welcome addition to this year’s list of fine releases.

Reaching from ancient traditions, BLK JKS’ ‘Abantu’ stops at every notable point in popular music history; a rock ‘n roll spirit is here, a 60s soul feel, a post-punk vitality and a post-rock ambition. It’s as strong and enervating a set as you could wish for.

Amythyst Kiah is an artist who goes her own way, which is what gives “Wary + Strange” the qualities that make it a truly great album from an artist who refuses to dwell in a world of limitations.

Adrian Freedman’s “Kindred Souls” is steeped in musical diversity and cultures…like nothing I have heard before. It is an immensely rich and engaging listening experience. One to savour and enjoy multiple times and the delivery of such powerful and therapeutic music is beautifully timed.