Albums

D.C Cross’s Wizrad: Adventures into Ecstatic Guitar is a must for fans of the more experimental and adventurous side of the solo acoustic genre, as well as those who enjoy serious acoustic guitar flexing.

Sad Lady Songs Vol 1 is further evidence of Amy Hollinrake’s burgeoning craft and growing reputation on the contemporary folk circuit. Vol 2 is eagerly anticipated.

An introspective journey through anxieties, fears, loss, need, loneliness and love; while Donland’s is not always the most uplifting of listens, it’s assuredly one of Jerry Leger’s finest works.

Grained with both aching and joy, ‘Behind Every Door’ is a heady, quietly intoxicating work that may well stand as Matt McGinn’s finest album to date.

‘Just a Second’ showcases the exceptional talent of the young Scottish fiddler Ryan Young. He brings out the true essence of every tune, taking the listener on a journey from blissful tranquillity to foot-tapping stomps. It’s a delightful musical experience from start to finish.

Cormac O Caoimh’s ‘Where The World Begins’ covers themes of parenthood, autism and love. It’s a deeply personal and quite wonderful album.

With Mango, Mo’ Horizons have channelled 25 years’ worth of varied listening and absorption into an album of progressive, enlightening music which is both exciting and dynamic in its scope.

On Selva, Marta del Grandi’s celestial world carves out space for astute pop, experimental electronica, and driving modern folk ballads. It’s a mesmerising place.

While he’s long proven himself a master wordsmith, Louis de Bernières’ ‘Delicate Lies’ adds further fuel to the claim he’s a master musician too.

With Coyote, Dylan LeBlanc’s first self-produced album, he creates a Southern Gothic mood piece, a sparse, cinematic vision of an American dystopia, drawing on such antecedents as the writings of Cormac McCarthy.

Honey & the Bear’s “Away Beyond the Fret” is a remarkable album, especially for capturing profound personal moments alongside folklore, history, nature, superstition, and awe-inspiring tales. They live it like they sing it, with open minds, ears and hearts.

With Caribe and its mix of Latin American/Afro-Cuban styles, underscored by a classical background, Ana Carla Maza has produced a polished, effervescent and thoroughly entertaining listen that sits well alongside the most illustrious Cuban artists.