Albums

Jacken Elswyth returns with the sixth in her series of Betwixt & Between releases. Her guest for this latest tape release is Berlin-based drummer Ryan Eyers whose creative (and unshowy) drumming, turns out to be a strangely complementary foil for Jacken’s own contributions.

Well-polished but never sterile, it may take a few plays to seep in,  but its smooth mix of mellow warmth sharp observation has a lingering taste.

It’s good to welcome Georgia back, and her third album is an unobtrusive delight where the alternately lush and sparse conjured textures beguile the attentive listener in their careful response to Georgia’s ever-intriguing lyrical vision.

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.