Albums

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.

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.