Albums

Philos, the new album from Park Jiha, creates a world not quite at ease with itself, calling for pauses and spaces to be moments of reflection, not for inaction. In this sense, it possesses a more substantial spirituality and timelessness, creating a distinct soundworld that is both heavy with memory and possibility.

The Askew Sisters return with an album that very few other musicians could have made. ‘Enclosure’ is both intimate and universal, steeped in history of place and society yet looking to the future, an album about captivity that revels in its own musical freedom.

Despite Dick Gaughan’s ‘Handful of Earth’ being released 38 years ago, these songs still reflect the times, still call out the oppressors and still support the oppressed.

We join Lucy Farrell, Rachel Newton, Emily Portman and Alasdair Roberts, otherwise known as The Furrow Collective, at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room for an evening of hushed appreciation and a homecoming of sorts, in Portman’s case.

Singing It All Back Home has all the passion and history of the characters that populate these stories; Naomi Bedford & Paul Simmonds paint them in a fascinating new light, while holding fast to their enduring heritage in an outstanding album.

Jo Mango & Friends offer a lament that simultaneously stirs action and offers a balm for the trauma of separation with her latest release, System Hold.

Wonderful Fairytale sees Bill Jones return in excellent form, with an exceptional album that fulfils the promise of her early career, and confirms that this gifted performer still has so much to offer.

Roseanne Reid has quietly taken her place in the Scottish music scene and by no accident finds herself sitting at the top table with “Trails”, an exceptional and brilliant record, produced by Teddy Thompson and a guest appearance from Steve Earle.

Josh Ritter’s Fever Breaks easily ranks among his very best, not to mention his most political. This is the kind of album people have been waiting for from Springsteen in response to Trump’s America. Ritter has saved him the time.

The Mountain Goats remain something of a cult with a devoted following which will rightly see this as one of their greatest triumphs. Any collateral fallout in terms of reaching new ears will be a deserved bonus.

A nomadic spirit, Carrie Tree has spoken about finding time for journeys and the importance of  “turning off the computer, returning to simplicity and re-centering.” Grab a paddle, get in the boat and sail with her.

It is a rare album that can make traditional music sound truly modern, but The Drystones have managed it here. Apparitions is the kind of album that could change the very meaning of contemporary folk music.