Albums

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.

Featuring guests such as Kris Delmhorst, Pieta Brown, Tift Merritt and Kenneth Pattengale, Blood Brothers finds Foucault returning to his earlier folksier realms.

This is Brian Fallon’s third solo album since The Gaslight Anthem went on an indefinite hiatus. While the songs here are slow and reflective, Local Honey hits the sweet spot.

Taylor Ashton, lead vocalist/banjoist with the acclaimed Canadian indie-folk outfit, Fish & Bird, makes his solo debut with The Romantic. Outstanding songwriting and an unforgettable voice imbued with emotional weight.

With its electro textures, Basia Bulat’s latest offering is probably her poppiest release to date. Are you in love? She asks. You will be – with this album.