Honest, in-depth album reviews by KLOF Mag – championing and curating intelligent, uncompromising voices in contemporary and experimental music since 2004.
Albums
Erland and The Carnival come out trumps with their new release Nightingale. Gone are the acid folk beats, replaced with deeper re-inventions and new architecture seeking inspiration from one of the oldest poems in written form and the Egyptian Book Of The Dead. Listen to the opening track and watch the new video.
The Bony King of Nowhere enters the playlists of Folk Radio UK this week with his new album Eleonore. He is going to be big this year, just listen below to his distinctive voice and lyrics!
A Rookery hail from Calder Valley, West Yorkshire. Their new EP: Nabby Nook has a breadth of influences ranging from dark folk rock with a gothic twist to more subtle swaying charms reminiscent of early psych-folk.
Tess’s debut album Magpie, has the making of a classic, and it grows on you still further after each listen. A beautiful and lovingly crafted album from a humble soul. Fans of Alexi Murdoch and Ray lamontagne will love it!
Conor Oberst has, after a three year break, decided to resurrect Bright Eyes for what is likely to be the finale album of this moniker. The People’s Key will be sending Bright Eyes out with a bang if that is the case. Despite some shallow press reviews, I think this is an exceptional album!
Ewan Robertson, part-time fire fighter and guitarist/vocalist with rising Scottish folk band Breabach, has delivered a debut solo album which demonstrates his fine playing and eclectic mix of musical interests.
Smart Flesh is The Low Anthem’s much anticipated new album release and our Album of the Week. Ever since they took up occupancy in an old dis-used pasta sauce factory to record this album the anticipation has grown with every mention, video or photograph they have released.
CW Stoneking and band are looking a little more dapper than usual with immaculately Bryllcremed hair and striped boating blazers. In truth he’s more of a preacher than a performer but certainly entirely authentic in his recreation of the downtrodden hobo blues from almost a century ago.
Tony Reidy’s latest release, Hayshed Days, shines even brighter than his last. He is again in the company of fellow musician Seamie O’Dowd creating a contemporary sounding album through which he weaves his memories. Ten out of Ten!
On All this Longing, Reg Meuross brings to life the commonplace and the extraordinary in his poignant tales whose level of detail I’m always amazed by. The image of a typewritter on the album is a perfect symbol of his masterful storytelling.
The Long Hard Road is Tom McElvogue’s debut album and our album of the week! Tom’s attention to detail and perfectionism has resulted in a perfectly recorded legacy for the future which will finally introduce him to Irish music lovers worldwide!
Emily Smith’s latest album release, Traiveller’s Joy, continues to mark the ascent of this young Scottish artist on the UK folk scene. The album’s focus is on the rich song heritage left by the Scottish travelling community. Her refreshing re-interpretations as well as new self-penned songs make this a milestone album in her singing career.
