Albums

The London-based UK Americana close harmony outfit return with a self-titled album that is sure to see them following in the commercial breakout footsteps of The Shires and Ward Thomas.

There’s a grand tradition of folk and Americana artists recording albums for children, from Pete Seeger and Lead Belly to Jerry Garcia and Laura Veirs, all of which transcend the demographic to appeal to all ages. This is a worthy addition to the list.

Are Tindersticks getting better and better? On the evidence of ‘Distractions’, the answer is yes. A mesmerising listen that demands repeated immersion.

While it’s not unusual to make use of a synthesizer in folk-rock nowadays, the degree of imagination shown by Mec Lir in bringing those imaginings to fruition set them apart.

American musician and producer Myles Cochran talks us through his latest album Unsung – “Dense without being heavy, intelligent without being esoteric, this is elegant, nuanced music that has been finely crafted and richly woven.”

That Merlynn Belle at first sounds strange is a testament to their unwillingness to bend to rules enforced from the outside world. Once their spell is cast you find them impossible to resist.

The record defies genre with roots in Indian classical music, electronic influences, and exploratory production techniques – it’s traditional yet experimental, meditative yet unsettling. Matthew James Noone’s compositions push and pull, bringing peace while challenging the mind.

While Ignorance is supposed to be an album filled with planetary concerns, there is much that can also be taken on a personal level. It is an album with heart and soul, two commodities that seem to be in short supply these days.

Like Manna from the heavens, this superb collection heralds in the New Year and has to be one of the most significant compilations for many a decade. The fact that this album is advertised as Vol.1 merely adds to the delight.

By any reckoning, Jim Causley’s “Devonshire Roses” has a sweet bouquet of evocative songs. All Devonshire life is here: meat pies, witches, cider, smugglers, ghosts, Old Uncle Tom Cobley and all.

In an era strangely bereft of socially and politically conscious music, it’s a pleasure to hear Sean Taylor at work, and a great reminder of how vital art can be in pursuit of a better, fairer society. Lockdown is a terrific album which deserves to be heard.

Norfolk-based Mari Joyce has produced a richly rewarding, dark and soulful album of complex songs with a spiritual. Great songs and a chance to drift away but not get caught up in the way life is at the moment. A valuable and enjoyable experience.