Albums

This year has been a busy one for Emily Smith with the wonderful Echoes and her Ten Years compilation. Emily took some time out for an FRUK exclusive, filling in the story so far.

Silt is full of sounds and timbres from a region of Africa too often overlooked by many and it effortlessly dissolves the restrictive boundaries imposed by the all-consuming Eurocentric mainstream.

Paul witnesses an unforgettable gig from one of his favourite bands The Jayhawks at Shepherds Bush Empire with the added bonus of a support slot from the UK’s The Rockingbirds. Read his live review.

Paul heads to The Islington to catch Canadian based band The Barr Brothers and manages to catch 5 minutes with Brad Barr to talk about their music. One to watch for!

Paul Creane and The Changing Man Band’s second album ‘The Clock’ reminds us that life should be filled to the brim with experiences, even when they’re not all Lottery wins.

If not his best then ‘Souvenirs of a Misspent Youth’ is certainly Otis Giobbs’ most immediate, An album that should finally bring long overdue wider acclaim.

The Hillary Reynolds Band are an extremely talented Boston based quintet formed around Berklee Music College and The Miles Before Us is the departure point for a boundless musical journey.

Thomas explores the new offering from Spitdust, an album whose essence is one of prettiness which is at once supported and undermined by something darker.

Broken Boat have created an impressive debut album – upbeat, country and folk-inspired indie accompanied by intimate, revealing lyrics. Perfect grounding to break through to a wider audience this year.

Slow Wolf’s debut is an interesting listen and promises more good things to come from the London-based band. Download it for free on Bandcamp.

Johnny heads to Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens to catch the Show of Hands Summer Family Concert with guests Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, Sheelanagig and more.

Whispering Hills,Tangled Hair is the debut album from West Country duo Crow Puppets, an evocative, contemporary folk sound which is both assured and confident.