Albums

On their second in a proposed trilogy of EPs, India Electric Co demonstrate that they are out there on the cutting edge of reinterpreting traditional folk music for the modern era while never losing sight of the past.

Created with the aid of a successful Kickstarter campaign, Bella Hardy’s new album is filled with a new-found freedom. If this gets anywhere the amount of airplay it deserves it could well win Hardy a host of new fans.

Bring Back Home is the fifth studio album from Ange Hardy. It is one that is yet further testament that she’s a shining beacon illuminating the byways of traditional folk for today’s landscape, you should be beating a  path to its door.

On ‘Singing Ways to Feel More Junior’, Luke Daniels delivers yet another highly innovative collection. An album that is full of fascinating and meticulously crafted song from an artist with his finger on the pulse. Out Now on Gael Music.

The latest release from The Wailin’ Jennys is a beautiful new collection of covers. An album of great tunes, re-arranged by a seasoned trio who know how to bring out the best in a song. It grows on you, song by song. We wholly recommend a listen!

Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy make a masterful pair and blend the perfect concoction of protest and memory. Like living history, If All I Was Was Black is a sweet sojourn towards a collective truth and an earthy ode to the rhythm of rebellion.

Laura Cortese & the Dance Cards are a class act and a musical force of nature. California Calling is an atmospheric album packed with gems, a splendid showcase for a close-knit group of creative musicians in their prime.

Topette!!’s debut album C’est Le Pompon is one that should be on all your radars. It’s all here, beautifully whipped up and raring to go – a wonderful melange of French, English, and all points East, West, North and South.

The beauty and importance of this album lies partly in the fact that O’Hooley and Tidow recognise that an appreciation of this time of year – whether you want to call it Christmastime or not – is based on both personal and universal factors. This is an album of frosted beauty with a heart as warm as a coal fire.

The Burning Hell’s ‘Revival Beach’ is about the end of everything. But it is no less wise, funny or musically assured than its predecessor Public Library (easily one of the best records of 2016). Kom’s writing is a breath of fresh air, and I can think of few songwriters I’d rather spend the apocalypse with.

Some outstanding young musicians have emerged from the Dublin folk scene over the last couple of years and this second album from The Jeremiahs shows they’ve earned their place alongside the likes of Lankum and Daoiri Farrell.

On Laissez Passer, TootArd, a young, trailblazing band from the Golan Heights, show that the direst of circumstances can produce inspiring and uplifting music that will open up your mind and make you move your feet.