Albums

Solid song writing and one of this year’s finest vocal performances have combined with Steven Polwart’s engaging arrangements and Mattie Foulds’ atmospheric production to create an album that showcases Mairi Orr’s vibrant love of acoustic music, story-telling gift and ability as a performer.

The Ties that Bind finds Mawkin at their brilliantly inventive best, displaying plenty of the uninhibited energy that they have become known for. They produce a full sound that might usually be associated with larger ensembles – and it sounds like they are having a lot of fun too!

Go to Hell, Chris Thompson is a beautifully realised concept album, one that could well be the breakthrough those who have followed this fine songwriter’s fortunes for a decade have long predicted.

At Cambridge Folk Festival this year The Lone Bellow arrived on the back of some decent press and left having stolen the hearts of everyone who watched them. Paul talks to the band back-stage and takes us through some of those magical moments.

Sisters Vikki Thorn and Donna Simpson met Josh Cunningham when touring Australia’s West coast. Forming an instant bond they became The Waifs. That bond is stronger than ever on ‘Beautiful You’, their best album yet.

Ana Egge’s latest album, Bright Shadow, is an understated, but terrific body of work that should do much to reinvigorate Egge’s career and exposure.

Pop Songs For Elk is the latest offering from Idaho trio Hillfolk Noir. An offbeat but highly rewarding addition to the roots revival that plants its feet in the past while keeping a playful eye on today.

Less Argue is a catchy, promising debut and Young Benjamins have just enough about them to stand out from an increasingly crowded field. One band we expect to be hearing and seeing a lot more of.

Two years in the making, this impeccable new Heirloom offering sees the band further fine tune a sound that pretty much arrived fully formed with the debut EP. Subtle sonic evolution since its release has brought Heirloom to a special place, from where their star should surely rise from hereon in.

Blood Moon Boulder is the latest album from Chuck Johnson. If you love to listen to, or play acoustic guitar then buy this album it will reward you for a lifetime.

One of the most celebrated of maverick cult roots outfits, Groanbox release their sixth album in celebration of ten years of making music together, a strange but intoxicating brew.

There is something older even than music at the heart of Cannell’s compositions. It is something inexplicable but profoundly beautiful, and it has resulted in another triumphant album.