Albums

One might assume the lyrics alone would be the highlight on this release, and they are indeed touching. However, the performances are equally impressive – each contributor clearly understood the gravity of these words and put forward a special effort.

Recorded against the backdrop of division brought out about by the Trump election Birds of Chicago deliver an album of positivity: “We want to give people some good news, and we want them to be able to dance when they hear it.” Consider both boxes duly ticked.

Senyawa take on the role of outsiders. Their music is a constant series of volte-faces against what is predictable or what is considered normal. Or rather, they distill the weirdness, the wonderful crookedness, inherent in what passes for normality in a fast-moving and hugely diverse culture.

On this new collection, The Broken Heart of Everything, the gorgeous, rustic folk melodies and Francey’s lyrical prowess remain as reliably solid as they have been since his 1999 debut, Torn Screen Door.

Sarah Louise’s Deeper Woods offers a broader sonic palette and the textures are more intricate and ambitious. The result is at once beautiful and beguiling; a hugely listenable spiritual abstract journey through deep and ancient landscapes, where there is always much to find and delight.

Two years on from their critically adored duo debut, Before The Sun, Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage return with an even more accomplished collection. A new phase in their music and the perfect match.

A glorious album. Daniel Meade really deserves to be far better known than he is, this album makes you want to go up and down the nation’s streets, knocking on doors and playing it to whoever answers.

Stripped back to just herself on guitar and vocals and an accompanying guitarist, the HC McEntire we get on stage here is more raw and yet also more pure. Her voice is impeccable and the emotions of her lyrics feel more immediate and defined without the whole band setup.

A hypnotic, imaginative and unique approach to contemporary urban folk that marks them out as one of the most distinctive names to have emerged in the past few years.

Featuring assorted members of Son Volt, Sera Cahoone and Rose Windows, and fronted by singer-songwriter Mike Giacolino, Hyways are a hirsute Seattle quartet trading in psychedelic-coloured cosmic country rock.

Shorebound is the sound of Ben Glover planting one foot firmly in his hometown of Glenarm, Northern Ireland and the other just as firmly in Nashville, Tennessee. It oozes confidence and skill. The production is assured, the playing excellent and the singing very beautiful. This is a worthy piece of work from a class act.

The Mammals latest album Sunshiner opens to a glorious upbeat track and ends on an epic ten-minute song. An album with attitude that promises to make you ‘think, dance, feel’. What more could you ask for?