Albums

On ‘Edyf,’ Cerys Hafana’s sound is simultaneously ancient in feel yet intriguingly modern with a vital 21st-century edginess. On each listen, new layers reveal themselves…it doesn’t follow any recognisable path or template, but then aren’t these the records that endure the longest?

On ‘Time Was Away’, the perfectly matched Emily Portman and Rob Harbron have delivered an elegant and understated gem that’s beautifully atmospheric and gently beguiling. Take time to savour this treat; you’ll be much rewarded.

On The Cinder Sheet, the delicate psych-folk sound of Sairie is delightfully unpredictable. They steadfastly avoid well-trodden routes with remarkable results. Anticipation grows for where they can take their open-eared psych-folk vision next.

As a songwriter, part of what makes Robyn Hitchcock so unique is that he doesn’t write songs like anyone else – ‘Shufflemania’ is no exception as it teases, turns and twirls to its own muse – we are all the richer for it.

Janice Burns and Jon Doran’s debut album ‘No More the Green Hills’ exceeds all expectations – few will have the voices, musicianship or imagination to pull it off at this level.

VRÏ’s ‘islais a genir’ is an album that honours variety and positively revels in its own complex, colourful identity, by turns thoughtful and celebratory. A formidable artistic and cultural statement.

With ‘His Last Letter’, Geoff Muldaur has curated a behemoth of a project with packaging that befits the ambition; this is undoubtedly the most annotated and sympathetically presented new music release of 2022 – it’s a deep joy on every level.

Rachael Dadd’s ‘Kaleidoscope’ really does live up to its title; there is so much nuance in those deep grooves, it’s a potential career-best for an artist with an admirably understated excellence.

With Streams of Forms, Marlais stitches together traditional folk and ambient electronica in ways that are ground-breaking. Bold and hypnotizing, it will be worth keeping an ear out for a taste of whatever this outside-the-box sonic chef cooks up next.

For her latest EP ‘Now & Then’, Josienne Clarke presents a surprising yet stunning collection of covers that include folk classics as well as songs by Sandy Denny, Radiohead, Sharon Van Etten and Nick Drake; it’s a masterpiece of the moment.

Wyld Love Songs is more of a companion piece than a follow-up to David John Morris’s solo debut. It displays a sense of fun and freedom and the songs, show the generosity of the human spirit in all its humour, wisdom and sadness.

Veined with sadness and joy, anguish and hope, ‘Beyond the Reservoir’ confirms Julian Taylor as one of the finest voices in contemporary Canadian folk music.