Albums

The eloquence of both George Monbiot and Ewan McLennan in raising these issues says far more than any music critic can. Breaking the Spell of Loneliness doesn’t merely tackle the issues raised, it offers solutions, it offers hope. It’s a moving, thought-provoking work that has relevance for all of us.

Set in the beautiful scenery of the Purbeck Hills, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival pulled off another great year with a superb line-up including Eliza Carthy and the Wayward Band, The Goat Roper Rodeo Band, Rory McLeod, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Villagers, Boo Hewerdine and more.

Whilst attending to his other creative outlets like a plate spinner, Never More Together is the second solo album proper from Oliver Swain, one of the most respected, hardworking and brilliant roots musicians in Canada.

Canadian twins Lucas and Madeleine Roger make their debut as Roger Roger on Fairweather, an album of harmony-drenched folk-roots which reached the No. 1 spot on Canada’s National Folk/Roots/Blues chart.

Steeped in the folk traditions of Wales yet fully attuned to the present day, Ruins/Adfeilion is an absorbing, thoughtful and ultimately forward-looking collection of songs which perfectly showcase Gareth’s flawless musicianship and creative vision.

The Goat Roper Rodeo Band released Cosmic Country Blue this Friday, hailing from North Wales they sound like ‘young guys with old souls’ – rockabilly, folk and two four country blues that owe a debt of influence to the likes of Hank Williams.

LA-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Kayla Cohen has been recording as Itasca since 2010 but Open to Chance is her first album to feature the full band with whom she currently records and tours. Despite this, the album is beautifully characterised by her inventive guitar playing and dreamy vocals.

Along with Wildwood Kin, Seth Lakeman delivers an all-around winner with his latest album Ballad of The Broken Few. Produced by Ethan Johns it is stacked with winning ingredients that are impossible to resist.

The term ‘Singer-songwriter’ barely scratches the surface of Ruth Theodore’s music, quirky would be an understatement – beyond the considerable instant appeal that Cactacus wields, there’s a wealth of poetry, satire and pure, natural artistry. Cactacus is a wonderful, captivating album.

With a shared appreciation of Bert Jansch and John Renbourn, Emma Tricca and Jason McNiff have created a hugely enjoyable and relaxed album. At under 25 minutes, it’s all too short, so here’s hoping for a full-length follow-up.

Recorded during Pentangle’s twelve-date 2008 reunion tour, Finale is a magnificent record in all respects. Treasure this set, for we’ll not see the like of Pentangle again. Out this week on Topic Records.

Anyone seeking the kind of feelgood experience that a straight-up album of good honest Irish traditional music can bring, need look no further than this charming disc, for it delivers nothing less than “the reel thing” with The Reel Note.