Albums

Hard Ground is the highly anticipated debut album from The Rachel Hamer Band. Both Rachel’s voice, which has a rich depth and maturity, and band’s fine musicianship are given ample opportunity to shine throughout.

On Bare Along the Branches, Norrie McCulloch opens a window into innermost thoughts and feelings. Despite its exploration of loss and disappointment, it is a fulfilling album, with its soul seemingly firmly planted in small town/rural Scotland.

Ivan Drever and Friends was Recorded at Stromness Town hall and features a host of Orcadian musicians of note and guest appearances by Hazel and Jennifer Wrigley and more.

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.