Albums

Distinguished by Emma Morton’s cool, controlled vibrato, Brighton-based Sairie return with five-track-EP Scarlet And Blue, a very persuasive blend of voice and instrumental that bodes well for their future.

True Hand True Heart is the follow-up to The Remedy Club’s well-received 2017 debut on which they ably consolidate their rising star trajectory with this Nashville-recorded collection produced by Ray Kennedy.

On the track “Move”, Hiatt sings about getting your shit together, facing up to your issues and dealing with things, something she has clearly accomplished to formidable effect as this confident, assured and hugely accessible album shows.

Five years on from the last album, Clem Snide is resurrected with Eef Barzelay and Scott Avett working in collaboration – “That this record even exists, as far as I’m concerned, is a genuine miracle”, says Barzeley. Listening, you can only agree.

Extended Play creeps up on you revealing a wealth of sounds despite the fact that all the sounds you get come from just Jo’s vocals and Dan’s guitar. Subtly, Sky Barkers cast their spell. Resistance is futile.

LaVere has a musical grain worthy of a household name and ‘Painting Blue’ is a piece of audio medicine for the difficult times we are living in and an album that will enrich any music collection, get on it now folks.

Unearth Repeat is a significant leap forward for Sam Sweeney in terms of his solo work. It is a highly creative work that brings something new to the mix, while also celebrating the simple joys of instrumental folk music. Mesmerising and irresistible stuff.

Earth and its Contents is a rich, intelligent and resilient album from Sarah Louise, one of the most hard-working, aware and important composers and performers we have. Relish this music at this time and let it help you consider things in different ways.

All in all a great album – a great collection of tunes, not limited in style or type, and full of invention, excitement and tradition. It will be interesting to see where Skipper’s Alley take us next. Excellent.

Honest, stark, intimate and open, listening takes you back to the time when names like Tim Hardin, Bob Lind, Eric Anderson, the young Paul Simon and Walker were singing in the coffee bars to mesmerised audiences.

On their self-titled album, Westward The Light seems to have captured the majesty of the landscape as well as the heritage of the land. Four Scottish musicians provide a glorious glimpse of their talent.

Rather than being defined in by African music, or protest music, Tamikrest is a band that expands those vocabularies. Tamotaït not only enlarges the world we know, it also pushes us closer, illustrating a path to what music can become.