Honest, in-depth album reviews by KLOF Mag – championing and curating intelligent, uncompromising voices in contemporary and experimental music since 2004.
Albums
by Mike Davies
Described as lost dispatches from a forgotten America, The Family Songbook brilliantly captures the sibling kinship, vocally and emotionally, conjuring long-gone days when families would gather around the kitchen table to sing their favourite songs. Wonderful.
by Peter Shaw
Seth Lakeman’s “A Pilgrim’s Tale” condenses the story of the Mayflower with purpose and vigour. But it also tantalizes, leaving stories unresolved and details to uncover. It will be a history primer for many and there’s no better place to start your voyage than here.
by David Pratt
What is immediately apparent on The Pine Hearts fourth studio album ‘Back To Sustain’ is the immediacy and vitality of these new recordings which showcases the very best in contemporary American roots music.
by Bob Fish
Whether it’s a full choir or just a man and his guitar, the passion of Lessons of War cannot be denied. Matt McGinn’s collection of songs deserves to be heard again and again, until we finally learn the lesson and begin to find new ways to resolve the problems that confront us.
by Dave McNally
That Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley, Zoë Conway and John Mc Intyre are on a bill alongside Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn says a lot about the riches that this winter Festival has to offer. A wondrous evening in the charming surroundings of Glasgow City Halls.
by David Pratt
Passing In The Night, Thunder and Rain’s third and latest release, would, for me, epitomise the best of the current Americana scene, music of the highest calibre, guaranteed to brighten up your life.
by Mike Davies
Whether it proves to be a one-off project or they hopefully remain in the collective saddle to ride together again, for now, this understated affair works a quiet magic.
by Bob Fish
With Early Bright, Seamus Egan has produced a master class in capturing the attention by playing to his strengths as a writer and performer, while never overplaying his hand.
by Mike Davies
A witty, insightful and musically infectious album with songs that more than stand comparison with his early greats, at 76 Allen proves you’re never too old to lead from the front.
by Mike Davies
An impressive opus in its soundscape scope, one that requires full immersion as it unfolds, you really should show ‘Love’ some considerable affection.
by Mike Davies
El Dorado finds Marcus King shifting from his high octane blues-rock to a more country soul style, marrying rowdy electric guitar with keening pedal steel…Roll it and turn it on up.