Albums

The press notes for Spades and Roses talk about the power of songs to help find peace, clarity and hope amidst the emotional wreckage of our everyday lives. Caroline Spence  is a testament to that.

One-third of The Sweet Water Warblers, Mother Lion is the latest offering from Michigan-born May Erlewine, a further nugget in a goldmine of soulful folksy Americana. A tour with her own band is planned for the UK which is sure to widen her fanbase here.

On Langhorne Slim’s latest album ‘Lost At Last Vol 1 he sets out to challenge the idea of social rigidity and encourages us all to reconnect and fall in love with our phones off – getting lost is the cost of being free. Throw away the map and grab yourself a copy.

With Midnight Milk, Adam Holmes demonstrates his willingness to mine the rich creativity behind his work and bring to the surface previously unimagined gems. Adam Holmes and the Embers have created an album that digs deep into the soul and finds it a place of calm comfort.

Vancouver duo Hannah Walker and Jamie Elliott, better known as Twin Bandit, deliver harmonies that are uncannily tight and melodies that are just as warm. Their second album Full Circle, is a collection of songs that radiate energy and hope, make sure they appear on your radar, you won’t be sorry.

Thunder and Rain are a four-piece from Colorado who draw on roots in traditional bluegrass and folk spliced with elements of pop and rock. Start Believing is their second album and one that should go a long way to getting their name known on the Americana circuit.

Throughout the whole album, there is a sense of Hart enjoying himself, little glints of a wry smile here and there, a little joke held to himself. And, importantly, here is another generation learning from the previous generations, moulding it in some cases but still presenting the tradition. Absolutely excellent.

It’s not unusual for artists plying an Americana trade to be likened to Townes Van Zandt, John Prine and Bob Dylan – it’s rare for a female singer to attract such comparisons. Vancouver’s Steph Cameron is both an exception and exceptional. This is just the start of what promises to be a brilliant career.

Subtitled Songs of the Sea, Coast, Fishing, Rivers, Lovers and Banishment, The Turn of the Tide is Pete McClelland’s second album within a few months. We recommend you should put the boat out and shore up the collection with this too.

Massachusetts folk-country quartet, The Novel Ideas offer up a hugely rewarding listen on their self-titled third album which has a highly attractive Americana sound dealing with themes of love and loss.

As If In A Dream I Drifted At Sea is a hugely impressive debut from Daniel Gadd that calls to mind late 60s folk troubadours and shades of Dylan and Cohen. This UK release is sure to bring the acclaim and exposure he so deserves.

Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, Richie and Rosie release their second album this month. Nowhere in Time features songs and tunes of variety and clarity with elements of reflection and introspective lyrics. Give it a go.