Okraina Records

On their self-titled debut “Amarante-Cerisier”, Marine Debilly Cerisier and Mauricio Amarante deliver a fitting addition to the canon of Francophone double-acts, with Fontaine and Areski as closest antecedent. Their free-form folk thrives on paradox and fruitful mystery, weaving insistent bone-dry strums, half-whispered vocals and the odd psychedelic keyboard swirl into a deceptive, refractive collection of sweet, sharp songs.

Compter Les Dents strengthens the notion that Tartine de Clous’ music is something shared, something that exists in the world with lasting meaning. It’s so refreshing to hear music that is not overtly performative and not intended primarily as a product to be consumed.

On Au Cube is a buoyant rebuke of musical conservatism on which Alasdair Roberts is joined by Glasgow-based instrumentalist Neil McDermott and French traditional group Tartine de Clous.

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.

The beauty of ‘An Idea in Everything’ lies in its unhurried and profoundly mundane messages. Challenging art this album may be, but it is high and beautiful and superb, unlike anything I’ve ever heard. A very impressive achievement.