Albums

Catrin Finch & Aoife Ní Bhriain’s ‘Double You’ goes beyond virtuosic; it’s also layered with emotion, appreciation for style and tradition and the freedom of just playing. You are left feeling that this partnership was inevitable and absolutely necessary…an essential release.

Unless you live in North America, particularly Rhode Island, the chances of experiencing Ed Sweeney and Clasper-Torch performing are remote. However, A Sunday Drive, a fine album in all its musical and emotional simplicity, is ample compensation.

Unanswered is an album born of serendipitous circumstances, and together, Ward Knutur Townes (ft. Derbyshire’s Lucy Ward, Iceland’s Svavar Knútur and Canadian Adyn Townes) cast an intoxicating spell, one which we hope they will repeat again.

Make The World Anew attempts in a small but determined way to achieve the edict set out in its title, and it succeeds resoundingly. It is the Melrose Quartet’s most upbeat and accomplished album to date.

Delivered with freshness and vigour, Track Dogs’ latest release finds their musical smörgåsbord as varied as ever. While sounding joyous, the lyrics and music of Blind Summits and Hidden Dips also reveal depth and complexity on repeat listens.

Jerry Joseph cares about two things: music and truth, and the nine tunes on Baby, You’re the Man Who Would Be King take no prisoners, they burn with an intensity lacking in much of what passes for music these days.

Luluc plumb unspoken depths on ‘Diamonds’. They somehow manage to create a sense of lushness while using sonic simplicity. Their glorious visions deliver a magic that reaffirms what we are and what we can be.

Once again, Analog Africa are to be congratulated on having unearthed another gem. Leon Keïta (Analog Africa Limited Dance Edition No.16) is an irresistible riot of rhythm, its dazzling virtuosity a feast for the ears.

All Sails to the Sun, the fourth full-length album by London-based contemporary folk singer-songwriter Alex Seel, presents a persuasive argument as to why he should have a far higher profile to match the critical acclaim he’s accrued.

Clear Purling Stream is an album which further enhances Na-Mara’s reputation for composing, interpreting and delivering folk music of the highest standard. Rob’s musicianship and Paul’s rich, resonant vocals represent what is best in contemporary folk/roots music.

More Than a Whisper is a fine and glowingly affectionate tribute to Nanci Griffith, a much-loved and much-missed singer and songwriter, whose loss will reverberate for years to come.

Avalanche is Jenny Owen Youngs’ first full-length studio album in ten years and her Yep Roc label debut. While it has been a long time coming, much like the phenomenon of its title, it will sweep you up in its path.