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In addition to an impressive natural talent as a singer, musician and song writer, Emily Mae Winters is so steeped in the worlds of literature and music, it’s hard to imagine anyone could be more suited to a career in the arts. Her EP is an arresting, enthralling tantalising introduction to her work that leaves us hungry for more.

JD Edwards and Cara Luft may have been thrown together entirely by accident but it’s a partnership that, in Wondrous Traveler, has produced beautiful, moving, energetic music. I have a feeling ‘The Small Glories’ will continue to do that for some time to come. Don’t miss their UK Tour later this year.

From the quiet, understated splendour of Carry Your Kin, to the sonic majesty of For You; The Breath have achieved a harmonious alliance between contrasting elements that rolls across the senses like clouds caress low hills – always moving, changing, evolving; and utterly fascinating.

The stories contained here might well refer to a well-known period of history, but the angles at which they come at that familiar narrative, the microcosms they create, are truly individual and at times unprecedented. War Stories is a courageous, often demanding and ultimately satisfying project.

Light Up has the multi-faceted appeal of songs that have grown from the Irish folk tradition and reference the life and history of Belfast itself, in an approach that’s refreshing while still retaining an appealing familiarity.

Best known as a member of The Magic Numbers, Michele Stodart’s second solo album ‘Pieces’ is a far more rootsier offering and is, both individually and in sum, a thing of perfection.

You just know, that when you listen to Robert Doyle play and sing, you’re hearing exactly what you would in a live setting. There’s no need for adornments – the guitar, vocal, melodies, words all speak for themselves. Robert has an approach to music that’s all his own, and this is what shines through on ‘Lig Amach’.

As Toronto-based Sultans of String prepare for their first extensive tour of Ireland and the UK this month, we catch up with founding band member, Chris McKhool who tells us about the ethos behind the uplifting music presented on Subcontinental Drift and his own musical background.

Eyeland is like nothing else you are likely to hear, unless you have direct access to the future, but beneath the impressive and immersive layers of meaning and narrative, beneath the squall, the surprise and the silence, exists a spirited set of songs that are clearly the work of one of the best and most confident bands in America.

Subcontinental Drift is an enthralling, adventurous celebration of the power music has to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, and Sultans of String wield that power with grace, eloquence and spirit.

‘This House Will Stand: The Best of Oysterband 1998-2015’ is a comprehensive and essential overview of one of the folk scene’s finest bands and is recommended to established fans and newcomers alike.

With ‘From the Skein’ Jenny Sturgeon has pushed her music far beyond the realms of singer/songwriter, to a wider sphere where words, music and creativity combine in an inspired and thoroughly engaging work.