Featured Albums of the Month

Regardless of any societal constraints Molly Drake may have felt in her life, regardless of her unwillingness to publish her own material, she was a consummately gifted songwriter. And in The Unthanks, those songs have found their perfect outlet.

Breda Mayock has the same ability to wrap her vocal around her own poetry that makes listening to Joni Mitchell such a compelling experience. A collection of intimate, absorbing vocal performances perfectly framed in compelling arrangements.

Solomon, the fifth album from Welsh group Calan, is an amazing album, it sounds wonderful, fresh and exciting from the very first listen and continues to enthral on every subsequent visit. Don’t hesitate in buying a copy.

Ross Couper and Tom Oakes offer an honest, accomplished, and, above all, thoroughly enjoyable 46 minutes of music on Fiddle & Guitar. The duo’s close empathy is in evidence throughout as they deliver the very best of live, contemporary trad music, perfectly adapted for the studio.

There is no-one quite like Avital Raz in the world of music right now, and she should be applauded for the intelligence and singularity of her artistic vision. The Fallen Angel’s Unravelling Descent is a genuinely original musical statement, full of wise, exotic and gleefully mordant songs that manage to be simultaneously challenging and melodic.

Inver, the debut album by three-piece ambient folk band HAV, has been slowly brewing for three years. Accordingly, the music they make together proves to be a slow-burning pleasure. A profoundly moving and expressive album that is the perfect antidote to quick fixes and empty gestures.

A Little Bit of Everything sees Lowri Evans and Lee Mason forge ahead as a duo with seemingly renewed confidence as evidenced by their exceptional live performances which also sheds new light on some highly accomplished songwriting.

Unlike Lisa Knapp’s previous releases, Till April Is Dead: A Garland Of May is an entirely different beast, not only because of the unity of its concept but because it seeks to understand old songs and traditions in modern and often highly original ways. It is a real step forward from a genuinely groundbreaking artist.

The Medlars’ eponymous album is as intricate as it is diverse; as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. They have produced a triumphant debut that time and again rewards repeated listening with delightful voyages of discovery. An album to treasure and a band to watch out for.

In addition to proving herself a versatile and accomplished songwriter; in Siren Serenade Emily Mae Winters also confirms her ability, and willingness, to revisit traditional sources. Enthralling evidence of the breadth of talent she has to offer.

Rain Dries Your Eyes is a sizeable and well-chosen anthology from Jason McNiff. A timely reminder of the talents of one of our most underappreciated musicians and singers – there is a clarity of purpose here that is rarely found, let alone maintained throughout a decade or so of music making.

Dan Walsh’s latest offering, Verging On The Perpendicular, is the perfect balance of authenticity and flair. Without ever ignoring the past, it points the way to an exciting future for banjo music.