Albums

Evan Cheadle’s ‘Fault Line Serenade’ is a sorely needed auricular salve for these crazy, cacophonous times. Downbeat, reflective, embedded in sweet melodies, the overall effect is one of solace and campfire cosiness.

An album about salvation, about awakenings and about the warmth of strangers in troubled times that serves as a reminder of a shared humanity in an America torn by divisions, it is both personal and universal and Keating’s finest hour yet.

A hugely accomplished album drawing on influences that include Plant, Welch and This Mortal Coil, but transforming them into their own unique sound. An impressive calling card that can only hint at what they might produce when given access to the full scope of a studio.

To listen to The Eternal Rocks Beneath is to sink into a reverie. Katherine Priddy puts a contemporary spin on the mythological and with a balletic vocal ability and bent for tender, lush arrangements, this much-anticipated debut is like stumbling upon a diamond mine.

Fishclaw’s latest EP, Feil, is part of their wider Ash project which brings listeners closer to the natural world…it’s like the musical equivalent of shinrin-yoku – forest bathing, even listening to it in the comfort of one’s own home is a transportive, strangely moving experience.

Watch part two of a short film on the making of Ulster trio TRÚ’s debut album ‘No Fixed Abode’. It revolves around the Irish traditional folk song Bonny Portmore and features a lovable character they meet called Joe.

It slips down easy, sounding as simple, unassuming and effortless as only true songwriting and consummate musicianship can do. Turner Cody may indeed have friends in high places because there’s a divine spark at work here.

On Some Heavy Hand, Cath and Phil Tyler’s subtly intricate performances, as on all their releases, enrich the material even further. This compilation of obscurities is a beautifully weighted insight into a splendid catalogue of music.

Comprising 17 songs in 45 minutes, Reason to Live is a thesis in what it means to be Lou Barlow at the age of 54. As Barlow finally gets comfortable in his skin, it’s his call to look around and find the inspiration to keep going.

Adrian Crowley has a voice that insists you listen and hang on to every word of The Watchful Eye of the Stars. It’s an album that stays with you long after the end, a testament to the vision of its author.

Dublin-duo Elgin’s “Weightless / Still” is an accomplished and serious body of songs; an immersive and rewarding album that carries a deep and intelligent thoughtfulness throughout. More, please.

Released on the award-winning Finnish independent record label Bafe’s Factory, PERTTULA follows his own path on Pajavasara where accordion meets primal rhythmic blacksmith percussion. There is much to enjoy here; prepare for a few surprises.