Albums

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.

From the quiet, understated splendour of Carry Your Kin, to the sonic majesty of For You; The Breath have achieved a harmonious alliance between contrasting elements that rolls across the senses like clouds caress low hills – always moving, changing, evolving; and utterly fascinating.

Seamus Cater’s latest record, ‘The Three Things You Can Hear’, introduces a unique and singular sound, a truly original record with a cosmopolitan and at times improvisational feel.

The stories contained here might well refer to a well-known period of history, but the angles at which they come at that familiar narrative, the microcosms they create, are truly individual and at times unprecedented. War Stories is a courageous, often demanding and ultimately satisfying project.

Light Up has the multi-faceted appeal of songs that have grown from the Irish folk tradition and reference the life and history of Belfast itself, in an approach that’s refreshing while still retaining an appealing familiarity.