Albums

Luluc plumb unspoken depths on ‘Diamonds’. They somehow manage to create a sense of lushness while using sonic simplicity. Their glorious visions deliver a magic that reaffirms what we are and what we can be.

Once again, Analog Africa are to be congratulated on having unearthed another gem. Leon Keïta (Analog Africa Limited Dance Edition No.16) is an irresistible riot of rhythm, its dazzling virtuosity a feast for the ears.

All Sails to the Sun, the fourth full-length album by London-based contemporary folk singer-songwriter Alex Seel, presents a persuasive argument as to why he should have a far higher profile to match the critical acclaim he’s accrued.

Clear Purling Stream is an album which further enhances Na-Mara’s reputation for composing, interpreting and delivering folk music of the highest standard. Rob’s musicianship and Paul’s rich, resonant vocals represent what is best in contemporary folk/roots music.

More Than a Whisper is a fine and glowingly affectionate tribute to Nanci Griffith, a much-loved and much-missed singer and songwriter, whose loss will reverberate for years to come.

Avalanche is Jenny Owen Youngs’ first full-length studio album in ten years and her Yep Roc label debut. While it has been a long time coming, much like the phenomenon of its title, it will sweep you up in its path.

Not yet 40, but with a voice and a heart grained by lifetimes beyond his years, Mick Flannery has long been a superstar in Ireland; it’s about time the rest of the world caught up – his outstanding ‘Goodtime Charlie’ should do the trick.

Adele H’s voice is dripping with passion and personality, and the transition to piano-based songs on Impermanence has allowed that voice to flourish. It is a wonderful work of art, brimming with confidence and bursting with important questions about womanhood, metaphysics and music.

The quality of Michele Stodart’s new album ‘Invitiation’ is perfect…a highly personal album that emerges as one of strength, acceptance, resilience and ultimately hope in those transformations.

On ‘Our Roots Run Deep‘, Dominique Fils-Aimé offers a humanist side to healing where mind, soul and body connect to word, rhythm and imagery. It’s an album that dreams in lush colours, a stunning work of folk-magic and fellowship.

‘So Far We Have Come’ has breathtaking and memorable moments, making it such a thoroughly intriguing and enjoyable album. In exploring the possibilities of melding English and Arabic folk traditions, Tamsin Elliott  & Tarek Elazhary have created a worthy addition to the musical canons of both cultures.

Viv & Riley’s ‘Imaginary People’ is a more complex and emotionally profound work than their acclaimed debut which was a Folk Radio  UK  album of the year in 2021, there’s no reason to think this won’t be a repeat performance.