Albums

Whilst Varda remains as much an enigma as he did with his 1989 debut, preferring the music to provide his biography this is very much an album to cherish.

These tribute albums can often be a hit and miss affair but between the quality of the source material and the calibre of the interpreters, there’s no weak link in this chain.

Getting their timing spot on, The Once arrive in the UK on the European leg of their global tour supporting Passenger and also have wonderful Departures just released by Nettwerk Records.

A late night phone call to LA and it’s Lucinda Williams on the line, happy to give FRUK an exclusive insight into her latest and greatest album Down Where The Spirits Hits The Bone.

Daire Ó Breacáin and Lorcán Mac Mathúna have created far more than a recording; it’s a contemporary window on the work of the earliest bards, on the origins of poetry itself.

Home is where the heart is and Scott Matthews pours his into what is unquestionably his best record yet as he opens the door and invites you into his world of glorious melody and lyricism.

Emily and Graham, after just two years playing together, have found a characteristic sound, writing songs that effortlessly incorporate so many elements. Their sound is fresh, personal and well worth a listen.

Work and Love is an album about taking the next, sometimes scary step into a grown up world. On this evidence, Elliott Brood have their feet planted on solid ground.

“I’m grinning from ear to ear at the sheer exuberance of what I’m hearing and seeing…funked up, punked up, pumped up and blissed out” – Simon takes in the Treacherous Orchestra live.

‘Acoustic Dust’ is a body of work, bristling with the gracefulness, rawness is replaced with warmth which includes a mellow cover of Sandy Denny’s ‘Bushes and Briars’.

Cheltenham-based trio The Hawthornes make an impression on Mike who reviews their DIY debut EP – songs based around themes of relationships, insecurity and being mixed up.

Fraser Anderson has followed his own musical path for 20 years and Little Glass Box almost slipped through the net. Thankfully German label Membran stepped in and rescued a classic.