Honest, in-depth album reviews by KLOF Mag – championing and curating intelligent, uncompromising voices in contemporary and experimental music since 2004.
Albums
by Thomas Blake
Recorded at home during the lockdown, Howling at the Sun feels like the much-needed companion to a season of uncertainty and isolation: it is by turns sad, cheering and reflective, and full of the melodic inventiveness, the freshness and, ultimately, the positivity we have come to expect from Randolph’s Leap.
by Mike Davies
Steve Earle’s Ghosts of West Virginia draws on 2010’s Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion which, killing 29 miners, was one of the worst mining disasters in American history…The echoes of these ghosts haunt long after the album ends.
by Mike Davies
While Look Long reflects on the many changes in the world, Indigo Girls are still the bar-band they claim to be at heart, you really should grab a beer and celebrate their return to the saloon.
by Bob Fish
Long after the scent of patchouli has faded, Ripley Johnson’s Rose City Band is still able to provide the soundtrack for both old and new generations of cosmic travellers. With Summerlong he has proved that even in the dark days there is always hope for rebirth close at hand.
by Peter Shaw
Released on Joe Boyd’s legendary Hannibal label, this reissue features a brilliant bonus LP of the “the 2nd album that never was”. The Eighteenth Day of May evoked a legendary era, and now they are a justifiably legendary band too.
by Bob Fish
On Stormweere, the new album from new Belgian band Spilar, they revel in their diversity sharing songs from their Flanders homeland alongside contemporary and self-written gems.
by Sam Carter
This month saw the release of Sam Carter’s new album ‘Home Waters’, in this special guest feature, Sam talks us through the story behind his song ‘Surprise View’ which is accompanied by a live performance filmed by Thom Atkinson.
by Bob Fish
There’s a sense of subtlety and grace to The Weight Of The Sun that only comes from a band that is confident in their ability to find the power in the music…a psychological camaraderie binds the band together.
by Bob Fish
Taking the road less travelled doesn’t mask the pain, it just makes the journey more real. For Lesley Barth, the learning process has begun. And that makes all the difference in the world.
by Mike Davies
Joe Nolan’s already achieved considerable acclaim and following in Canada, Drifters suggests he’s about to step up to an international level.
by Mike Davies
Reassure Me There’s A Window marks the solo debut of Glenn Thomas of Rhode Island rock outfit Wild Sun. At a time when doors are shut, Thomas has thrown open a window to the world of the heart, and the view is wonderful.
by Matt McGinn
Mainly inspired by songs first heard at the Sailortown Folk Club in Belfast. Matt McGinn declares the EP a firm favourite and the most impressive Joshua Burnside performance yet.