Albums

Much of Jesse Thom’s album is straight from the Sufjan Stevens school of Arcadian acoustic charm. Stevens’ Seven Swans or Carrie & Lowell-style material represents the perfect touchstone for Thom’s gentle, melodious compositions, which in my book can never be a bad thing.

The Valley of Yessiree is the debut release of A. Dyjecinski, a spectacularly assured debut album that, for all its minimal aesthetic, is brimming with ideas.

Bristol based singer songwriter Phil King already has two albums to his name and The Wreckage is certain to expand his profile considerably. He’s on tour now so try and catch him.

An understated gem from Gill Sandell whose quiet introspection is tempered with an abiding optimism; it’s a rare blend and something to be treasured.

Hello, Goodbye sees John McCusker in what’s sure to be a very welcome return to solo projects. Joined by a host of friends this is bound to please fans and traditional folk music lovers.

Harty’s songs rise above the comparison game, delivering strong melodies, catchy hooks and choruses and lyrics that, drawing on personal experience, have much to do with a life in motion and the shortness of the road.

Claire can cite a personal connection to each song on the album – those connections, above anything else, make this album so enjoyable. It’s those ties, that make Between River and Railway an album that touches the soul, and lifts the heart.

Every Bird That Flies exists in a liminal space, at the edges of music, art, social comment, beyond categories – but one thing is sure: when all’s said and done, you really should hear this record for yourself.

Stand up, the debut album from Nathan Ball, will thrill those who love good songwriting. It’s a slow burn, and slightly sombre at times, but deeply satisfying and filled with depths of humanity.

Kate Rusby and her band led by Damien O’Kane provided an evening of top entertainment at Oxford’s Playhouse Theatre – surreal, hypnotic and wondrous…they did not disappoint.

The Railsplitters are currently touring the UK, a tour which culminates in appearances at the Shetland Folk Festival. We caught up with them at a concert in Huddersfield where they impressed a sell-out audience.

Reflective but accessible, thoughtful yet soulful, Anian is an altogether stunning and engrossing album of depth and diversity which touches the listener’s head, heart and soul.