Life-long friendship; the rich historical, literary, and musical heritage of the Orkney Islands for inspiration; and a quartet of gifted, imaginative musicians. Fara have all the ingredients for a perfect album, and Times from Times Fall is the proof.
Songs have power, and Karine Polwart has a gift for harnessing that power. Her 2018 return to the studio to record Laws of Motion is a perfect reminder of her talent as a performing singer song writer and a worthy addition to her work; an exceptional album, from an exceptional performer.
This beautiful, spiritual journey of an album finds Phillip Henry fully living up to the accolades that have and will continue to be thrown his way. True North is a passion project and a lesson in minimalism and focus through music…unique and utterly spellbinding throughout.
Hummingbird is Smith’s most impressive album yet. A work of mature and subtle beauty, celebrating songs that are still being sang and ones that will carry on being sang; this album should be heard by everyone.
Always driven to broaden their horizons, each successive album from Breabach has brought something new and innovative to their music, and Frenzy of the Meeting is no exception. Listeners are sure to enjoy the results with an ever increasing sense of wonder.
Recorded in the comparative solitude of Wester Ross, Rachel Newton’s ‘West’ never sounds sparse or minimalist, it’s almost as if the setting has helped pour more of herself into this album than ever before. It is a significant accomplishment; a rich, deeply moving, and immensely enjoyable album.
Hannah Rarity’s early promise comes to fruit in this superb album. With her crystal clear voice, sparkling production and thoroughly engaging arrangements, Neath the Gloaming Star is a must-have album for anyone with a love for Scots traditional and contemporary song.
Down Among the Dead Men is the sound of a band cementing their sound and having a blast playing these wonderful songs with exciting and enviable energy. An album to relish and then savour, a confident set that brings great playing together with splendid tunes to create something rather special.
Let The Cards Fall surpasses its predecessor in its power to take you along with it. Once again, The Breath have the power to ensnare you, and you’ll be able to think of nothing else. You have been warned.
A surge of creativity has resulted in 13 Rivers (out today), Thompson’s first self-produced record in over a decade and one to live with. He talked to us about recording the album simply, hanging onto analogue warmth and the dreaded ‘F’ word.
With captivating music and song, fascinating snatches of interview, and immersive soundscapes, Northern Flyway takes us on a journey through our own relationship with birds…to the hopes and dreams that have defined humanity since we first looked to the skies.
Kitty Macfarlane’s Namer Of Clouds sets her apart as a singular songwriting talent. It is an album to savour, a debut full of old wisdom and bubbling over with new ideas.
