Albums

Having established a strong sense of identity with his London centric last album, Sean Taylor now turns his gaze inward to the mystical terrain of the heart and soul and proof that The Only Good Addiction Is Love.

Megan Henwood’s debut announced her as a promising new voice on the contemporary English folk scene; Head Heart Hand confirms her as one of its finest exponents.

The latest travellers down the Appalachian path are The Honeycutters who hail from Asheville in North Carolina. Fronted by Amanda Platt, Me Oh My, their third album, is likely to be the one that brings them mainstream attention. There’s not a track here that doesn’t stand hearing again and again.

There’s a confidence surging through Della Mae expressed in the eponymous title of their new album. Produced by Jacquire King in Nashville, it’s everything the band do well and so much more. Don’t miss their UK Tour Dates.

Richard Thompson is on something of a roll, with Jeff Tweedy as producer and with his trusted rhythm section in tow, ‘Still’ is proof that he’s making some of the best music of his life. Richard is Folk Radio UK’s Artist of the Month for July.

Trembling Bells’ vivid cacophony rules benignly, combining volume, substance and intoxicating, druggy lyrical beauty in a darkly satisfying, curiously celebratory and often epic aural challenge. Don’t expect an easy ride, and don’t for a moment think of compromise – instead give this literally-stunning music your full attention, and stick it on repeat.

On ‘A Tale of Sound and Fury’ The Drystones demonstrate a sophisticated musical maturity that is far beyond their ages, full of the electrifying energy of their debut and showing a growing confidence in their playing and singing.  A thrilling, must-hear collection.

Plans to re-release La Candella Viva the album that made Totó La Momposina a global star took on a life of their own when the master tapes opened up a treasure chest of unheard material. The result is Tambolero – effectively a whole new album.

The End of the Golden Age is the third album from Scotland’s The Wynntown Marshals. Whilst better known north of the border this latest release looks set to rectify that.

The Sparrow and The Thief is a solid and enjoyable record, which benefits from a high standard of production values without the band losing sight of the reasons why they make music in the first place. It’s an album which is instantly accessible but with enough maturity and depth to bring out new aspects on repeated listening.

Shirley Inspired is nothing less than a vitally important set, very likely the most important one you’ll consider buying this year. And the best possible tribute to a remarkable, and highly inspirational and influential, lady.

Darrell Scott takes a step back from song-writing with a haunting compilation of songs written by the late Ben Bullington. Ten embraces the simplicity of a man, his guitar and the songs and stories of a friend.