Albums

★★★★★ Whilst Lambchops latest release ‘Mr. M’ is a low-key elegiac affair the emotion is revealed in the music. It may be understated but it’s far from underwhelming.

★★★★★ Aye, with its excellent sleeve notes, is an invaluable release for those keen to learn more about, or introduce others to, Martyn Bennett’s work.

★★★★★ On Peter Broderick‘s latest album ‘It Starts Hear’ the “living liner notes” shed light on the genesis of each song, many of which are borne out of events in his personal life.

★★★★★ The subtle experimental idiosyncrasies on Damien Jurado latest album ‘Maraqopa’ turn it into something more unique.

★★★★★ Phantom Limb have released their second album The Pines. Heartfelt and Country-Soul tinged Yolanda Quartey sounds effortless in her delivery.

St Vincent’s appearance at Shepherds Bush will be a night to remember as she threw herself into the audience lying on her back, legs flailing she continued to play!

We get a sneak live preview of Patrick Watson’s new album ‘Adventures in Your Own Backyard’ and he reveals a source of inspiration.

Featherbrain is a risky album. Both dissonant and lyrical, it is music for headphones and notebooks.

★★★★★ Portico Quartet’s latest album is as engaging as it is experimental and sure to bring them more acclaim and a widening audience.

★★★★★ Sharon Van Etten’s tird studio album Tramp sees a whole host guest collaborators including Zach Condon of Beirut.

★★★★★ The Dirty Three return with a masterpice from their seven year hiatus with Towards the Low Sun. A well deserved 5 stars!

Michael Farrant reflects on Ewan McLennan’s performance at Colchester Arts Centre…you certainly don’t meet a guitarist, singer and songwriter of this quality every day.