Albums

Curve of Earth is an amazing album of emotional depth, scolding honesty amidst self-reflection but above all, a sharp focus on the basic truth that where there’s life there’s hope. Ohtis scoops up buckets of hope as it sails doggedly through these real-life troubled waters.

On this “difficult third album”, then, Dallahan have not only proved themselves again but have also demonstrated a thirst for musical adventure that ventures even further beyond the tried-and-tested of their earlier album experiments.

Inni-K, one of Ireland’s most exciting young musicians, delivers a boundary-pushing enigmatic and multi-faceted indie-folk record which unfolds with heartfelt songs, elements of traditional Irish music and an echo of the folk/pop heard on her acclaimed first album.

Two exceptional bands, Calexico and Iron and Wine reunite for a new album “Years to Burn”. This 8-song release is more of a collaboration than their previous effort “In the Reins,” with layers of music and stories worthy of these musical explorers.

Whether you just want to drift away in the soothing vocals and musical ambience or dig into her lyrical concerns, the album offers many rewards and, while it may confront death, it also embraces life.

The journey taken to create Daughter of Swords’ (Alexandra Sauser-Monnig of Mountain Man) ‘Dawnbreaker’ dazzles in its simplicity.  And it surprises in the ability to put a positive spin onto some of life’s heartbreaking moments.

Featuring a number of special guests including Laura-Beth Salter, Innes Watson, Mike Vass, Rosie Hood and Paul Carrack, ‘The Way is Clear’ unequivocally confirms Morris’s own must visit place on the contemporary folk scene. 

75 Dollar Bill have stitched their diverse influences together into a powerful, hypnotic sound that is as unique as it is mesmerizing. I Was Real showcases the band’s scope, imagination and raw power.

On Water, Sadgirl’s first album after five years of EPs and singles, they throw all their influences into a pot and come up with a cross-cultural blending that sounds unlike anyone else.

Ben Walker has said that “Making this album has felt a bit like a treasure hunt”.  On the evidence presented here, there is no question that the treasure has well and truly been found. Ben’s reputation for melding tradition with ground-breaking, innovative, indeed passionate, music, is truly enhanced with this exceptional release.

David heads to Black Deer Festival at Kent’s Eridge Park and shares some his personal highlights including Kris Kristofferson and The Strangers, John Butler Trio, The Staves, Band of Horses, Trials of Cato, John Smith, Jerron ‘Blind Boy’ Paxton and more.

Whilst some may have stopped listening to words in songs, the strength of ‘The Reckoning’ lies in John Tams’ skill in building a strong connection between the words and music, it’s as good a demonstration as you’re likely to find.