Albums

Unlike Lisa Knapp’s previous releases, Till April Is Dead: A Garland Of May is an entirely different beast, not only because of the unity of its concept but because it seeks to understand old songs and traditions in modern and often highly original ways. It is a real step forward from a genuinely groundbreaking artist.

The Medlars’ eponymous album is as intricate as it is diverse; as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. They have produced a triumphant debut that time and again rewards repeated listening with delightful voyages of discovery. An album to treasure and a band to watch out for.

Signals is the second album from Dublin singer and song composer Sue Rynhart, an album that “really is one of the most exciting, rewarding and stimulating albums I’ve heard so far this year.”

Watershed is Amelia Curran’s eighth album and one that digs deeply into her work as an activist for mental health issues in the arts. An album that calls to build a breakwater against the often self-inflicted attrition of the heart and human spirit.

A Delicate Game is a confident debut album from the Top Floor Taivers, four talented musicians with voices to match from Scotland, Ireland and England. The album will be toured nationwide in May/June 2017.

In addition to proving herself a versatile and accomplished songwriter; in Siren Serenade Emily Mae Winters also confirms her ability, and willingness, to revisit traditional sources. Enthralling evidence of the breadth of talent she has to offer.

Show of Hands, joined by special guests, celebrated their 25th Anniversary in front of a 5000-strong audience at the Royal Albert Hall. It was a performance to remember with many of the most heart-stopping moments coming from the core trio of Steve Knightley, Phil Beer and Miranda Sykes.

Jenn Butterworth and Laura-Beth Salter showcase their perfectly blended voices and tasteful and harmonious arrangements of the guitar and mandolin on their latest album Bound.

Formed around husband and wife vocalists Enion Pelta-Tiller and David Tiller, Taarka’s music is a rootsy masala – the band’s name apparently comes from a term for the Indian spices roasted until they pop. The flavours are decidedly moreish.

Rain Dries Your Eyes is a sizeable and well-chosen anthology from Jason McNiff. A timely reminder of the talents of one of our most underappreciated musicians and singers – there is a clarity of purpose here that is rarely found, let alone maintained throughout a decade or so of music making.

Despite many of the songs being cloaked in darkness and despair, The Harmed Brothers self-titled release on Fluff and Gravy is a rewarding listen. As they say, “sometimes the rotten truth makes for a real good time.”

Yorkston/Thorne/Khan return with ‘Neuk Wight Delhi All-Stars,’ building on the deep-seated natural bond between the three musicians and their total willingness to embrace each other’s artistic vision. They’re clearly not running short of ideas…one you should seek out.