Albums

Harrington’s music packs a considerable, and quite heady, emotional charge. The Diver’s Curse certainly repays your very closest attention, and its meditative, insightful poetic inventions are destined to haunt you for a long time.

Every song stands on its own two feet and the playing, recording and production are all confident and robust. From the Stillhouse may not be a groundbreaking record, but its inventive combination of bluegrass and outlaw country makes it a welcome addition to the world of modern-day traditionalist musicians.

In addition to an impressive natural talent as a singer, musician and song writer, Emily Mae Winters is so steeped in the worlds of literature and music, it’s hard to imagine anyone could be more suited to a career in the arts. Her EP is an arresting, enthralling tantalising introduction to her work that leaves us hungry for more.

Anthony Joseph – the poet, novelist, musician and lecturer described as “the leader of the black avant-garde in Britain” – returns with his sixth album, Caribbean Roots, whose 11 tracks present a fearless and thoughtful exploration of his Trinadadian roots and his own Caribbean identity.

It is the exploratory feel of Mjelva and Rydvall’s playing that makes Vårdroppar something special, something transcends musical fashion. It has an almost jazzy quality to it, seemingly at odds with the traditional nature of the material.

JD Edwards and Cara Luft may have been thrown together entirely by accident but it’s a partnership that, in Wondrous Traveler, has produced beautiful, moving, energetic music. I have a feeling ‘The Small Glories’ will continue to do that for some time to come. Don’t miss their UK Tour later this year.

With a second album promised for November, Daoirí Farrell is a voice that’s going to be hard to avoid during the rest of this year. Give The First Turn a listen now, it should convince you avoiding him is the last thing you’d want to do.

A typically bold, distinctive and refreshing album from Alasdair that also proves he has an unerring ear for a successful collaboration. The importance of the unorthodox sounds added by Green cannot be overstated – they are further evidence that folk can and must adapt to – even embody – change.

With a new digital single release, The Hawk Moth, classical/folk crossover specialists Mishaped Pearls have, yet again, proven their remarkable versatility. With this release it’s clear that in addition to the ethereal splendour of their 2014 album, Thamesis.

Seattle-based outfit Massy Ferguson return with ‘Run it Right Into The Wall’ – straight-ahead punch the sky southern roots rock with a side order of beer swilling choruses.

Johnny shares his further highlight from Gate to Southwell featuring Eddi Reader, The Teacups, Kíla, False Lights, The Jeremiahs, Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys, Ange Hardy, Jackie Oates Trio, Mawkin, The Moulettes and more.

With a poignant reminder that it’s not only the future of humanity that’s at risk, Neil Young delivers fiery, apocalyptic visions, tempered with hope for a better world. Some people want to hear songs of love, some want to hear about “the corporations hijacking all your rights”: either way, Earth has everything you need.