Albums

A terrific and highly accomplished piece of work, but its worth far transcends the album to stand as a landmark in the fight to not only illuminate the overlooked role women played in the Great War, but also to serve as a reminder that conflict in the name of right is not the monopoly of the patriarchy.

Richard’s three-years-in-the-making new album, anything but “careless”ly configured and managed, has sure been worth the wait, and contains several individual songs that are, I’m convinced, likely to be regarded as among his best creations.

Recorded in Oxford, Mississippi, known as “the cultural mecca of the South,” this album merges folk, blues and Americana to create a layered soundscape of America. Every song on this album tells a story. Longtime fans and those who are unfamiliar with Tyler’s work should definitely check out this release.

Light On Our Limbs is the latest offering from 18 Year old Daisy Vaughan whose home is a caravan in a field in Suffolk. The songs on offer will draw you irrevocably into her world leaving you wanting more.

After a three-year hiatus, Heidi Talbot steps back into the light with her fifth solo album. It’s an album that sees her re-kindle familiar musical friendships, forge new productive collaborations and develop her own serene and assured songwriting.

Shoulder to Shoulder is the latest offering from Chris While and Julie Matthews, a potent reminder that they remain one of the finest duos on the acoustic scene, there is strength in this union.

Cillian Vallely, one of the the foremost pipers of his generation releases his first solo album, The Raven’s Rock. He wears his virtuosity very lightly yet still manages to set the hairs prickling at the back of the neck with superbly expressive playing.

M. Lockwood Porter fits comfortably into the tradition of American folk troubadour protest singers while also mining the more musically aggressive territory of punk-country and roots-rock. His latest offers strong examples of both

Skeleton Tree tackles death, loss, grief and religion couched in a musical meld of noir and Biblical atmospherics. Between times, darkness hangs heavy, even when songs have an edge of hope and celebration.

So Long City is a stripped down solo debut from Pat Kearns – while there are musically uptempo tracks it’s the softer, slower introspective balladry that provides the album’s heart and backbone. Repeat plays will reveal its immense charms.

Don’t expect wistful nostalgia, Joe and Billy perform these robust songs because they love them and that passion is persuasive. If you don’t already, you’ll end up loving them too. And it’s a journey well worth taking, particularly alongside these two travelling companions.

Combining a mix of original compositions and their arrangements of traditional music and song, NEWiD is as fine a showcase as you’ll find of their unique vision of “Celtic music for the 21st century” and is sure to become a firm favourite of long-term fans and newcomers alike.