Albums

Solo | Duo | Trio is the next best thing to actually having been there and a persuasive reminder that, whatever format he works in, Luke Jackson is one of the most dynamic and exciting live performers of his generation.

Go Dig my Grave is an unsettling album of almost painful beauty and an impressive exercise in restraint and understatement. Dark, moody, eclectic: a small masterpiece of sombre beauty.

Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Texas by Yorkshire parents and now resident in Sheffield, Ash Gray trades in Texan alt-country. The catchy hooks, Gray’s soft-toned cosmic cowboy vocals and the infectious tunes are a treat for the ears.

On Wolf of the Cosmos, Bonnie “Prince” Billy pays tribute to a fellow minimalist – Norweigan vocalist Susanna Wallumrød. This is a touching homage and another worthy addition to Bonny “Prince” Billy’s already vast body of work.

John Oates began his career as a folk/blues musician in Philadelphia in the 1960’s, before turning to the “blue-eyed soul” sound that defined Hall and Oates. Arkansas finds him returning to his roots with a special focus on his hero, Mississippi John Hurt.

Canadian fiddler (and guitarist) Quin Etheridge-Pedden is just 15 years-old, and on the evidence of his first album, Embark, the young musician is heading for a sparkling career.

Broken Stay Open Sky is the fourth album from the now London-based Cornish 60s psych-folk styled six-piece Red River Dialect. Released on Paradise of Bachelors it’s sure to bring them the extra attention they deserve.

Del Day shares his personal highlights from this year’s UK Americana Awards at the Hackney Emire which included a stunning showcase, a Tom Petty tribute and wins for Robert Vincent, Robert Plant, Yola Carter, Emily Barker, Sam Outlaw, Thomas Collison and more.

It may not all be wholly autobiographical in a literal sense, but the emotional authenticity is clear, another terrific example of how exposing and exorcising personal pain can produce an artist’s best work while touching universal chords and perhaps giving voice to those less articulate in seeking catharsis.

Truly, the most remarkable thing about I’m With Her is not the individual command, but the dedicated effort towards a cohesive artistic vision. The beauty of the album is the synchronicity, the careful listening on the part of each band member that creates a simply stunning album.

While Will Varley may have produced his darkest album to date, with the extra dimensions afforded by the fuller instrumentation, it’s also arguably also his strongest.

It’s often said that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and this album applies salve to the wound and sets about the healing. Just like the medical box of their name, every home should have one.