Albums

Down Among the Dead Men is the sound of a band cementing their sound and having a blast playing these wonderful songs with exciting and enviable energy. An album to relish and then savour, a confident set that brings great playing together with splendid tunes to create something rather special.

Crossings represents the first offering from violinist Faith Brackenbury and pianist John Neilson. It is a superb album that shows off the synergy of their different but complementary musical voices. Music for the head and heart that comes highly recommended.

The sense of pure joy and unpretentious confidence in their music-making is tremendously powerful. With fine song notes, an insightful booklet essay and archive photos, Free Dirt’s presentation of this exceptional disc is impeccable.

Let The Cards Fall surpasses its predecessor in its power to take you along with it. Once again, The Breath have the power to ensnare you, and you’ll be able to think of nothing else. You have been warned.

It’s one thing to be able to witness a folk legend in action at close quarters these days. It’s quite another to see one in a cosy pub venue the size of your front room, with about 50 others. One of the best gigs I’ve experienced this century. Really.

‘10,000 Days Like This’ is the full-length debut from the Vermont-based trio Low Lily. Aided by a number of guest musicians including Dirk Powell and Crooked Still’s Corey DiMario, it’s a cocktail of originals, traditional numbers and covers that they can feel justifiably proud of.

Robin Bacior’s third album Light It Moved Me is at once timeless but also transitory. There is a hint of Laurel Canyon, a scent of jazz, a taste of West-coast folk, all a mixture that becomes just right at a certain time of the day.

There’s a cinematic sweep to the new album from Kris Gruen with a screenplay built around love, family, dreams and hope.  Explore its shores and escape.

Where this collection succeeds is in bringing together a fine platter of masterclass high points from a 50+ year career that, for the first time in some cases, finally gives Norma the kudos she deserves.

While it’s an interesting collection of choices, it’s a stunning piece of work from an artist who may be putting his travelling shows away but, at 76, remains at the peak of his creative and musical powers.

With captivating music and song, fascinating snatches of interview, and immersive soundscapes, Northern Flyway takes us on a journey through our own relationship with birds…to the hopes and dreams that have defined humanity since we first looked to the skies.

An album of personal and political power, passion and perception, it is hugely persuasive proof that Petrie most deservedly earns her place at the table.