Albums

‘The Things That We Are Made Of’ presents the listener with new songs that remind us of exactly why Carpenter is such a universally admired singer/song writer; just why again and again, we fall in love with her music.

This new EP clearly finds Said The Maiden coming of age, proudly displaying their great taste in covers and their uncanny aptitude for getting the deepest and best out of their chosen material.

Whilst ‘Long Road Home’ probably won’t find the exposure or the audience it deserves, with its heartfelt emotional lyrics and Simon Allen’s softly yearning vocals, it is assuredly worth seeking out.

Adam has gained confidence in his own ability and taken his music forward on Brighter Still. Not in a new direction, but off on a gentle tangent that explores what else can be achieved when the quality of the song writing leaves ample space for adventure.

Dark Desert Night is a hugely atmospheric album that pulls you into the stark world conjured by the title with a compelling intensity. Released on May 1st via Okehdokee Record.

Rant’s début album introduced a band that could shed new light on the Scottish fiddle tradition. Reverie sees them expand on those initial discoveries and take the music to new horizons with peerless elegance.

The Wood Brothers return with their sixth, longing-themed album ‘Paradise’ which turns up the heat somewhat for a rockier, more electric sound…and a little funkier too.

This is music with an edge: tough and palpably volatile…Terse in approach, but richly contoured musically and with a scale that feels cinematic – Bloodline goes after an atmosphere and realizes it vividly.

Penny & Sparrow are Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke, an Austin-based close harmony duo who, on their latest release, are joined by Alabama Shakes keyboardist Ben Tanner and with John Paul White of the now defunct Civil Wars on production and co-writing duties.

This is a compilation that will be welcomed by anyone who’s ever thought, to quote Linda Thompson, “I so wish she had recorded a solo album”. Bringing together some of the best material available from such a wide range of sources, it presents Sandy Denny’s towering legacy in a way which is both respectful yet revealing.

Described as a musical reflection on ‘the past and the way places and people resonate in our lives’ – Fleeting is an extraordinarily beautiful album. Glenn Jones is currently on tour in the UK & Europe.

‘Bellowhead Live’ is a sumptuously packaged reminder of what a band they are, Andy Bell manages to capture subtleties and textures of the band live…one to keep coming back to to relive those memories.