Albums

They are a young six-piece band based in Newcastle upon Tyne and are the UK’s answer to Pokey LaFarge. They are Rob Heron & The Teapad Orchestra and they will keep any joint jumping!

Devon troubadour John Smith has rubbed shoulders with some of the best folk artists on the scene and his latest release ‘Great Lakes’ makes it clear that he now deserves his place alongside them.

Simon Holland attends ‘The Mariner’s Children’ Sycamore EP launch at The Lexington which leaves him pondering and revisiting their dark and troubled romanticism way after the gig is over.

On Billy Bragg’s latest release ‘Tooth & Nail’ he got off the train to take stock and came up with a winner. He continues to embrace struggle, he just brings it down to a micro-level and shoots straight for the heart!

Muchacho is Phosphorescent’s redemption offering, a step into new sonic territory. Melancholic but tinged by the welcoming sun of a new day. Houck is at the peak of his creativity, simply brilliant!

Bella Hardy releases her new single ‘Three Pieces Of My Heart’ the first taster of her forthcoming studio album ‘Battleplan’. If this is anything to go by we are in for a treat, possibly her best yet!

There’s the sense as I leave, that without the curfew, Foy Vance would just have carried on. He’s not merely comfortable with what he’s doing, he’s damn well enjoying it and in that, he’s not alone.

Folk Radio UK heads to Band on the Wall in Manchester to catch Stornoway performing live who recently released their second album ‘Tales From Terra Firma’. It was a fantastic performance!

Northern Ireland’s ‘Farriers’ come up trumps on their full length debut release ‘Years Ago In Our Backyard’, an album that matches the warmth of their live performances which will beckon you back for more.

Folk Radio UK had the pleasure of catching Richard Thompson performing live at The Lowry as part f his current UK ‘Electric’ Tour…the audiences for the forthcoming US shows have a treat in store.

It has taken the Edinburgh post folk band eagleowl eight years to grow their debut album. This Silent Year is a thoughtful progression of summers past and hangs about the house like insomnia waiting for the morning.

Caitlin Rose’s latest release ‘The Stand-In’ is a more straight-up country album, with less of the residual indie sensibilities of ‘Own Side Now’. A great second album from an artist with a big future.