Albums

New Lore, is Sean Rowe’s fifth album, a fine showcase for his throaty, rumbling baritone and moodily affecting songs of loneliness and longing, augmented throughout by piano and strings. An album that infuses itself into your heart and soul.

After a tantalising introduction to Curse of Lono last year, their debut album ‘Severed’ is finally here. It plays like an album from a band who have been developing their performance for many years and it’s one they can be immensely proud of.

Rodney Crowell’s ‘Close Ties’ is open and honest, apologetic and self-recriminatory, poignant and rich in the wisdom of hindsight and the years. Also featuring Roseanne Cash, Sheryl Crow and John Paul White, it’s not to be missed.

Donegal sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin return as The Henry Girls for their sixth album ‘Far Beyond The Stars.’ Recorded and produced by Calum Malcolm in Donegal, it’s a truly stellar album.

Future Melancholy Pop Music is a record to be savoured, slowly and patiently, and gently allow yourself to get drawn into Johnno Casson’s unique lyrical and musical universe.

Cracks in the Room makes the most impressive use yet of Twelfth Day’s winning way with a lyrical hook and their quite exceptional instrumental skills. It is one of the most rewarding listening experiences to be placed before an audience this year.

The long wait for Shadowlands, the fourth album from Romantica, has paid dividends – 14 songs bear testament to their understated and introspective brand of Americana.

Having formerly fronted Danish trio Boho Dancer, Ida Wenøe now makes her solo debut with Time of Ghosts, an album that leans more towards their ethereal acid folk, blending Nordic and English folk influences.

Based on the west coast of Scotland, The Quiggs (husband and wife Pernille and Stephen) return with Seeds I Didn’t Sow – songs and memorable melodies worth revisiting again and again. Unquestionably one of the best folk albums of the year.

Usher’s Island self-titled debut doesn’t disappoint, a first-rate album of Irish traditional music and one that is more than fit to take its place in the ranks of classic group albums in the field.

Ritual Land, Uncommon Ground is a quietly huge endeavour, a labour of love, full of valuable knowledge, surprising stylistic breadth and exquisite songwriting.

Sillion is a strange, affecting and beautifully realised album, one with many hidden (and manifest) depths. Johnny Flynn has made a captivating, exhilarating and sometimes unsettling album. Go and listen.