Albums

Philly-based Friendship’s ‘Caveman Wakes Up’ dwells in the conscious and subconscious mind; both devastating and hilarious, there are also moments of fragile beauty.

Glasgow-based singer Quinie’s ‘Forefowk, Mind Me’ may have been several years in the making, and it may draw heavily on the songs of the past, but it feels like the perfect snapshot of a type of folk music that is unapologetically and gloriously present.

Eli Winter has never put out a bad record, but his music seems to grow in confidence and prowess with each release. A Trick of the Light is a barnstormer – sharp, vital and pretty damn thrilling. Oh yes.

For their latest project, Remscéla, Milkweed engage in vibrant and vital ways with the Táin Bó Cúailnge, a foundational myth of Irish literary and historical tradition. They remain the most exciting band in folk music.

Some 54 years after his 1971 debut, Steve Tilston releases his final album, Last Call. As valuable and worthy as any of his previous recordings, it secures his place as a stellar member of the folk music elite.

With Altogether Stranger, Lael Neale has cooked up a concoction of her own that will be ripe for inspiration to many: an exquisitely crafted masterclass in retro minimalism and free expression.

Iona Lane’s Swilkie is a masterful album full of heartfelt emotion and breathtaking songwriting, and the additional disc of live recordings casts the whole album as a journey from solo endeavour to collaboration, from the bud of an idea to a fully-realised work of art.

On Annie A’s ‘The Wind That Had Not Touched Land’, the boundaries between song, sound art and poetry disappear in a flicker or a haze, and the results are quietly mesmerising.

‘From Newman Street’ is further evidence of Kassi Valazza’s ability to vividly convey emotion through her melodic sensibilities, with its strong musical accompaniment standing in marked contrast to her crystal clear vocal – pleasantly wrong-footing the listener throughout.

Thematically and musically, Between The Covers is unlike anything Paul Armfield’s done before; it’s a literary and literally gorgeous listen that deserves the musical equivalent of a Booker prize.

With Taba, Satomimagae has created a work of art full of wonder and mystery that builds upon itself in the most surprising ways. It speaks a different musical language, but learning that language is a joy and a reward in itself.

Compositions for Guitar Vol. 1 & 2 reveal Will Graefe as an artist not limited to a single form. He creates music that moves the mind and soul, whether using strings and steel or synthesis.