Saltlines is a massive, ambitious and highly unusual project; the fact that it feels perfectly judged at every moment is down to the sheer excellence of Gigspanner Big Band’s musicianship and the touching, clear-eyed nature of everything Raynor Winn writes or speaks. It is a constant delight.
‘The Space Between’ is the sound of a band that are cooking on heat; anyone who comes into the Bonfire Radicals’ orbit is going to be hard pushed not to be swept up by this blazing folk comet.
Jake Blount’s The New Faith is an album rich with themes of hope, resilience and salvation. With a keen sense of tradition, Blount has cleverly delivered a bold, thought-provoking and judicious album…one which is also a thoroughly, staggeringly thrilling listen. Glorious.
Featuring Colm O’Connell and Rory McDaid, Rezo’s latest album ‘Sew Change’, shows that this duo are still at the forefront of presenting fresh and creative collages of sound. This is what great music is capable of being.
Featuring Sarah-Jane Summers, Juhani Silvola, Leif Ottosson and Bridget Marsden, the Siskin Quartet’s ‘Flight Paths’ is an exceptional album. Broad-reaching yet balanced, daring and compelling; I can’t recommend it highly enough.
With LAS, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Ross Ainslie and Steven Byrnes have delivered a highly accomplished album that, probably more than any other you’ll hear this year, unifies innovation and tradition.
With music that is gloriously varied, Fara’s Energy Islands is a brave, wildly original almost-concept album from one of the finest folk bands in Scotland. It’s an exquisite album.
The Wilderness Yet’s ‘What Holds The World Together’, shows them to be a band steeped in both the English and Irish folk traditions, but with a fresh, confident edge and a clear idea of what they want to achieve. This is surely one of the folk albums of the year.
Touchingly poetic, Fritillaries is an enthrallingly scenic, tranquil and fruitful debut. Gorgeously produced, Pawson’s redolent and crystalline voice, accompanied by roots-inspired banjo and Wynne’s earthy mandolin, proves to be an intoxicating mix. A delightful listen.
Josh Geffin’s Hold On To The Light is a soothing and masterfully crafted EP, a beacon of hope that gives expression both to where we’ve been and where we are headed.
With an extended lineup and marking a significant leap forward, Son of John return with Each Second Footstep. Throughout this winning album, the band’s love of their craft shines through…an essential release.
Featuring a number of special guests including Sierra Hull and Kate Rusby, Damien O’Kane and Ron Block reunite once more on Banjophonics, a rich and rewarding album filled with energy, emotion and a huge heart.
