Albums

Talking about “Carrying”, Sally Anne Morgan says: “So much of what we accumulate and carry around with us burdens us, but we also can’t or don’t know how to let go.” Through her music, she leaves you feeling that, in a world full of perils, love can surely overcome all.

Unfolding at its own pace, Spirit Fest finds the mystical core of their music on Bear in Town. Not a moment is truly rushed, unfolding precisely, forging musical connections that touch the soul of what makes us human.

Hollow is one of The Handsome Family’s more musically complex albums, exploring new sonic textures, yet still reassuringly sounding familiar, it marks a welcome return and an interesting suggestion as to where the road ahead might lead them.

Were it not for their accents, you would have thought Wayward Jane were raised in Appalachia. On ‘The Flood’, their music glows with authenticity in sound and spirit as it traverses different genres while never losing sight of their own roots.

Letle Telt, the debut album of Glasgow-based folk singer Lainey Dempsey is magic! A humble and honest endeavour, shot through with truth and integrity, great singing and writing. Her ability to communicate the messages and essence of her songs and stories is a true gift.

On Galargan, The Gentle Good’s wisdom of Welsh folksong and histories is both reverential and contemporary. Combined with his sensitive arrangements and deep, rich, haunting vocals, it is a beautifully accomplished and irresistibly engaging album.

While Rupert Wates doesn’t greatly depart from a basic framework on “Elegies’, the way he dances the notes within that are testament to his consummate skills…a hypnotic listening experience.

Aptly described as ‘Ancient Northumbrian Futurism’, Kathryn Tickell and The Darkening’s ‘Cloud Horizons’ is an electrifying and incredibly captivating album. In capturing a sound that effortlessly conjures the past whilst simultaneously referencing the present and future, they have created a rather unique and striking soundscape.

By creating a new palette of sounds, Dot Allison merges musical worlds, finding ways to not just colour outside the lines but obliterate them altogether. “Consciousology” reinvents musical frameworks, merging sounds and worlds in ways that expand our musical vocabulary.

The songs and tunes on ‘When You’re Ready’ were recorded by Patakas (brothers Will and Joe Sartin) following the loss of their father. As well as capturing ‘strong bonds and incredible memories’, this debut also highlights what a skilful and innovative duo they are.

Joshua Burnell’s music has always thrived on the blurring of boundaries. However, with Glass Knight, his most daring and deeply rewarding album to date, he’s written music that simply refuses to recognise their existence.

Ten years and five albums into their career, with ‘The Colour of Night, folk duo Ninebarrow have crafted their finest album to date. With immaculate arrangements of beautiful songs to delight the ears and stir the soul, this is one to treasure.