Albums

‘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.

On Fruitful Fells, Jez Hellard reminds us “…that it’s the world rather than you that’s been going mad”. Mad the world may be, but it’s immeasurably improved by having music such as this brought into it, imaginative, thought-provoking and, above all, entertaining.

Thanks to the musicians and poets of the Khasi Hills and Gareth Bonello, we learn of the little-known history between Wales and this area of India. While ‘Sai-thaiñ ki Sur is diverse and broad, it is also a remarkably cohesive and excellent album.

Dylan LeBlanc’s “Pastimes” EP is an eclectic set of cover songs with personal associations and a homage to those who inspired his sound – from the Rolling Stones to Glen Campbell.

The Electric Muse Revisited is a collection that will stay with you and promises to be a seminal document of folk music in these very exciting times. It’s guaranteed to get you thinking, hunting out but – above all – revelling in brilliant music.

Marry Waterson & Oliver Knight’s “The Days That Shaped Me” 10th Anniversary re-issue is a beautifully evocative record…a celebration of family history, romances, memories, and the sheer joy of life. It’s been a poignant, and thoroughly heart-warming, pleasure to revisit.

Saint Sister’s “Where I Should End” amazes. The blending of the acoustic and electronic has seldom come together so seamlessly as it does here. I guarantee it will stick fast in your consciousness.