Albums

Paul heads to London’s Bush Hall to catch Kentucky native Sturgill Simpson. Backed by Daniel Meade and Lloyd Reid he re-stakes the claim ‘saviour of Country music’.

Undimmed by age, which naturally enough he has in his withering gaze, I Haven’t Got The Blues (Yet) finds Loudon in tip-top form as he documents the injustices and irritations of life and love.

Helen reviews Polly Paulusma latest release ‘The Small Feat of My Reverie’, in many ways a precursor to her 2012 release ‘Leaves From The Family Tree’.

Stick In The Wheel embody the paradox of making great, vital and unashamedly new music from influences that are ancient, highly personal and brimming with local individuality. They are London at its dirty, inspired best.

Santa Cruz brother-sister duo, The Native Sibling release their full-length debut ‘Letters Kept To Ourselves’. A rare and invaluable combination of talent and potential in equal measures.

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.