Albums

Nothing really prepares you for David Grubb’s new album, Nano. While it is an instrumental commentary on the dark side of modern society, there are also moments of great beauty and potentially a message of hope.

Like Animals is arguably her finest work to date, there are creature comforts to be had here and a certainty that, in fashion or note, the name Charlie Dore shows no sign of fading.

Country Darkness Vol 2 is the second EP in the My Darling Clementine collaboration with Elvis Costello’s longtime keyboardist Steve Nieve which again illuminates the musical genius of both parties.

This latest release from Smithsonian Folkways is enough to make old-time American music enthusiasts think all their Christmases have come at once. Doc Watson & Gaither Carlton should be an essential part of any old-time music aficionado’s collection.

Flew the Nest, the latest offering from Indie-Folk singer-songwriter Hayley Sabella, is an album of widescreen arrangements and intimate vocals, suffused with a sense of calm and tranquillity despite the sometimes turbulent nature of the feelings it charts.

The images Ben Kunder lays out on Searching For The Stranger establish a songwriter who is not afraid to expose himself. The raw emotion that he displays gives us a glimpse of what it is like to be alive in a word that swings wildly from one direction to the next.

While this unapologetically no-frills and sounding true to the originals album will appeal to old-time and Black string music fans, banjo and fiddle player Jake Blount offers plenty here to engage the casual listener too.

This line sums up ‘Placebound Spirits’ perfectly – “I have found myself going back to this splendid little EP time and again, becoming utterly mesmerised by its subtle charms, strange nuances and, vitally, the gorgeous music.”

Tompkins Square’s most recent obscure delight comes in the shape of Wall Matthews, a composer, guitarist and pianist with an unusual, diverse album of music from a significantly talented musician.

Never Work is by far Kom’s most impassioned and political lyrical statement to date. Augmented by Sharratt’s superb, understated singing and musicianship, it shows just how relevant protest music is, and how much fun it can be.

City Of Love is another important forward step in Ma Polaine’s Great Decline’s musical journey and confirms their continuing upward trajectory, an album to be cherished, replete with enchanting musical treats around every corner.

Composer, musician, luthier and curator Buck Curran is a man of many talents, as No Love is Sorrow further testifies. A bewitching album that pulls the listener in many directions and exposes them to many emotions.