Gemma Ray returns with another delightful pop gem in Island Fire. Released at a time when many other artists are bringing out melancholy records, it is refreshing to hear such a bright and breezy effort from the London-based songstress. The…
Category: Records
Album | Rusty Bear – Source To Sea
There is nothing like a great new record to herald the start of spring. The chill of winter is fading away, the sun is starting to poke its head through the clouds and music somehow starts to sounds better. Rusty…
Album | Hospitality – Hospitality
For an album that is about the trials of young adulthood – struggles in love, dead-end jobs, and finding yourself a long way form home – Hospitality’s self-titled debut is remarkably cheery. Fantastically cheery in fact. We defy you not…
Album | Keaton Henson – Dear…
“Keaton Henson spends his time alone, writing songs and sometimes drawing, he doesn’t like to talk about himself,” so says his website. Anxiety can eat away at the soul, burning the eyes into hollow caverns and leaving one nailed into…
Album | Jess Morgan – Aye Me
Though I have never seen Jess Morgan live, I hope to do so in the near future. Her second album, Aye Me, conveys a feeling similar to that of a fastidious student waiting through the last few hours of school…
Album | Tigercats – Isle of Dogs
Folk music: let’s riff a little on its definition. Sorry Tigercats, just hang in there. At folk’s core, let’s assume, must be storytelling. Scholars – yes, certain scholars have little better to do than consider your listening predilections – have…
Album | Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
Chances are you’ve probably heard of Alabama Shakes on every music website/blog on the internet. Their southern rock, infusing elements of soul and blues, has put a spell on everyone who’s listened to them or seen them live. Boys &…
Album | Great Lake Swimmers – New Wild Everywhere
I had hopes for this album from Great Lake Swimmers, mostly due to this song, which is magical when played in velvety darkness. They’re a perfect lullaby band, beautiful, lush, soothing, though sometimes in danger of being a bit vanilla…
Bumper Singles Round-up | Richard Hawley, Smoke Fairies, Tom Williams & The Boat, Quickbeam, Skinny Lister, and many more
Oh my, oh my. A new Richard Hawley album is always something to get excited about, but Sheffield’s most restless talent has really excelled himself this time. Whereas each of his solo records to date have delivered a stark beauty,…
Album | Seth Lakeman – Tales From The Barrel House
Tales From The Barrel House is much as you would expect from a Seth Lakeman album. His old folks tales and traditional themes are punctuated by frequent fiddle breaks and often punchy drums. Often minimalist instrumentation allows Lakeman’s strong vocals…