Albums

Jack Francis’ Early Retirement is a ‘stupendous’ concept album about endings and new beginnings, riding out fallen dreams, and trying to navigate modern society as an old soul in a new world.

Bring The Tide In is a rather lovely ebb-and-flow quartet of poignancy-tinged songs that serve as a reminder of Iona Lane’s luminescent talent and is hopefully an early signpost of a new album in the not-too-distant future.

Molecules, the fourth full-length release from Ma Polaine’s Great Decline, seems to have been sprinkled with fairy dust and, while still mingling their jazz, blues, Americana and folk influences, glows with something special.

SAICOBAB are a four-headed beast birthed from the fertile soup of Japan’s underground music scene. There is a winning immediacy to everything the band does on NRTYA, making a glorious spectacle of the unexpected while leading you down a melodic garden path of twists and turns.

David Murphy’s ‘Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar’ is an incredibly confident debut album. Balanced against its elegance and the dreamlike sound of his pedal steel is a quietly adventurous spirit that is beautifully judged and unpretentious—an extraordinarily great album.

With Sister Moon, Andrea von Kampen illustrates, with style and grace, her concern for humanity and our connection to nature while also illuminating a way forward.

Ac Sapphire is an artist ready and able to express herself through music in a wholly free and unbounded way, and December 32nd is a sensational album. Without a hint of hyperbole, something seriously good is going on here.

Cuckoo Storm is a deep dive into the farthest reaches of the minds and souls of Marry Waterson and Adrian Crowley – there is little doubt that this musical marriage has been a rich and bountiful success.

‘Little Sun’ is the first Charlie Parr album on which the hand of a producer is clearly evident. “A very welcome evolution… instantly classic-sounding songs”

The unbridled creativity on show throughout Vou Ficar Neste Quadrado looks set to be Ana Lua Caiano’s calling card. It’s a remarkably assured and highly individual debut.

‘Coming Home’ is Cara Dillon’s bravest and most personal record to date. Featuring entirely original material, including spoken poetry, it’s a serene, ethereal, and lyrical landscape in which to spend time.

Rosali’s Bite Down is an album that rocks a little harder and feels a little bolder. Reflecting her drive, determination and perseverance, she’s living each moment as fully as possible. This is one to savour, an album that you’ll keep returning to.