Albums

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.

It’s rare to hear a band creating genuinely new music with a basis in traditional forms, but Erlend Apneseth Trio have managed it on more than one occasion. Lokk is their most vivid and satisfying reinvention yet.

Chloe Foy’s long-awaited debut album “Where Shall We Begin” is an introspective and nuanced work, touching on themes of life and loss, love and fear – a heartbreaking journey that ends in love and light.

An impressive step up from her debut, Rachel Baiman’s “Cycles” is bristling with confidence. Open and honest in its feelings, the album offers an insight into the dynamic of reconciling ambitions with the needs of a personal life.