Albums

Daire Ó Breacáin and Lorcán Mac Mathúna have created far more than a recording; it’s a contemporary window on the work of the earliest bards, on the origins of poetry itself.

Home is where the heart is and Scott Matthews pours his into what is unquestionably his best record yet as he opens the door and invites you into his world of glorious melody and lyricism.

Emily and Graham, after just two years playing together, have found a characteristic sound, writing songs that effortlessly incorporate so many elements. Their sound is fresh, personal and well worth a listen.

Work and Love is an album about taking the next, sometimes scary step into a grown up world. On this evidence, Elliott Brood have their feet planted on solid ground.

“I’m grinning from ear to ear at the sheer exuberance of what I’m hearing and seeing…funked up, punked up, pumped up and blissed out” – Simon takes in the Treacherous Orchestra live.

‘Acoustic Dust’ is a body of work, bristling with the gracefulness, rawness is replaced with warmth which includes a mellow cover of Sandy Denny’s ‘Bushes and Briars’.

Cheltenham-based trio The Hawthornes make an impression on Mike who reviews their DIY debut EP – songs based around themes of relationships, insecurity and being mixed up.

Fraser Anderson has followed his own musical path for 20 years and Little Glass Box almost slipped through the net. Thankfully German label Membran stepped in and rescued a classic.

Burn & Glow is a great introduction to the repertoire of Amy Goddard, one on which she isn’t afraid to write about contemporary social justice concerns along with more personal matters.

Kristina Jung’s latest EP has an eerie appeal all of its own that, rather than being explained by geography, is simply the result of a wonderful voice and some timeless songwriting.

With an impressive array of Canadian guest artists including Ron Sexsmith and a voice that can straddle Harris and Welch with ease, Suzie Ungerleider remains, as always, an engaging listen.

Triumvirate is a lyrically challenging album that has been recorded in such a way to sound lush at times but yet still retains a minimalist sound, one that perfectly suits Rogai’s serene vocals.