An artful, intimate and sympathetic channelling of Sandy Denny’s lost lyrics by German singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Carla Fuchs.  Recorded in collaboration with Sandy’s daughter, Georgia, who came across a batch of lyrics for yet-to-be-completed songs whilst browsing her mother’s notebooks, Songbird is the best possible celebration of Sandy’s massive legacy.  It’s hard to believe that Songbird isn’t a genuine, lost Sandy Denny album, such is the passion and respect that Carla brings to these songs.

Full review here.

Green Lung singer, Tom Templar, talked of the ambition to “create the definitive soundtrack to the folk horror film in our heads.”  This Heathen Land is another chance to welcome the Devil into your hearts, down at the forest church naturally. Grab it with both hands. This is also one of the best LP packs of the year – with map, booklet and a coloured variant of vinyl, wrapped in a Penguin Book’s mock-up.

Full review here.

Monsters Exist, Orbital’s previous album, contained no guests. The diversity in Optical Delusion, due to the guests, make it a more instantly accessible and enjoyable album, musically. Orbital have been on/off for a while but right now; they are on…and firing. Optical Delusion is easily their best effort since the late nineties. This is one not to be missed.

Full review here.

We also caught Orbital live in 2023…review here.

Skye’s emperors of groove up the ante and leave the youngsters gasping. This could be their best record yet, and is certainly amongst their most exciting, displaying that the last thing on their collective mind is to be coasting or just playing more of the same. 28 years in and still evolving. Can’t wait for their 30th, bring it on!

Full review here.

Jo Quail continues to amaze on her latest album. Unfettered, flowing, sometimes otherworldly, symphonic, shooting off on different tangents, vibrant and magical, Jo describes her music as earthy, primal and spiritual in the widest sense. We can’t disagree.

Full review here.

We also saw Jo live in 2023; full review here.

A debut album, that both vocally and instrumentally is utterly superb, and evidences the continuing creative potential within folk and its alternative forms.

Full review here.

Having released his first studio album at the age of 19, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram chose The Garage in London to record a live album in 2023.“I’ve long had an interest in recording a live album and I finally felt the timing was right,” says Kingfish. Not only was the time right but feeling at home in London, the vibe was also right also to record this amazing album.

Full review here.

Reign Of The Reaper is a shorter affair than previous Sorcerer albums, however, the album benefits from this. There is very little fat around the edges on this lean and mean album from the Swedish heavy metal group.

Full review here.

Petrichor was the follow up to the incredibly successful The Bird, The Book And The Barrel (which spent a long time on the folk charts). Petrichor was a wonderful autumnal album that really hit the spot in March and beyond. This three piece offer the tightest of harmonies – be sure to check it out.

Full review here.

The Fierce & The Dead remain a thoroughly modern beat combo, with no fixed genre by which to live and die. In love with the future and in love with the past – their own words, mind. Not often you can say that these days.

Full review here.

Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated follow up to 2021’s Sour, GUTS, shows that she is going to be around for a very long time. 2023 also saw Rodrigo appear at Glastonbury Festival to critical acclaim. Not a bad year really! Plus, there is the GUTS World Tour in 2024.

Full review here.

Sometimes, when adversity strikes, the recovery can produce outstanding results. This is exactly what happens with Matt McGinn and his latest release; Behind Every Door.

Full review here.

Mae Muller showcases her talent to the world in her debut album Sorry I’m Late after her incredible Eurovision performance.

Full review here.

A burgeoning British talent whose song writing and music and leadership of an array of young talent in his band is beyond his years. It was a privilege to be present when Fairport’s Dave Pegg personally congratulated him on his performance and recognised the future he had in store. Glass Knight reveals an artist who has delivered irresistible and sublime songs that offer thought-provoking pathways.

Full review here.

Live review here.

Snow Angel was the eagerly-awaited debut album from Renée Rapp. This followed the success from her acting career and the release of her debut single and EP: Everything to Everyone in 2022. 

Full review here.

Inhaler returned with their second album. Clearly, the second album curse passed the Irish indie rockers by as Cuts & Bruises only continued to build their rapidly rising reputation as one of the best young rock groups around.

Full review here.

An extraordinary noise, this record takes the expression of folk music as deep into the forest as you have ever dared to go, or even ever should, but is a triumph. Band name, ØXN, refers to the massive castrated bulls that took the place of workhorses in ancient Ireland, powerful beasts of burden, both worshipped and abused. CRYM translates, amongst other meanings, as shout. Experimental doom folk is what they call the sound. They ain’t joking. Be careful out there.

Full review here.

Avenged Sevenfold return with their first new album since 2017. Life Is But A Dream… saw the California metallers step back into the limelight with aplomb. The styles varied throughout the album, and there were some very cool music videos for the lead tracks for the album. A7X will also rightly headline 2024’s Download Festival.

Full review here.

We love it when a bunch of old blokes show the youngsters how it’s done, or when success beckons late in the day for seasoned grafters. We’ve seen that recently with Track Dogs, who are mere boys compared with this lot, but they share the same devil-may-care laxity around genre limitation avoidance, playing just what feels and sounds good. And they certainly manage that, on this, their debut recording.

Full review here.

Album number four from experimental electronic trio Snow Ghosts hits so many spots in its tales of folk songs never written.

Filmmakers, if you need a score for your new folk horror then look no further than Snow Ghosts. They have the acumen to evoke so many feelings in their music. There is beauty, gloom, despair, light, dark and desolation throughout. The Fell is an audible treat which will ensnare and mesmerise you with its grandeur.

Full review here.

The first album in 39 years from the legendary WITCH – originators and prime exponents of Zamrock, the heady Zambian fusion of Western rock, soul and funk, with a distinctly African twist.  It all adds up to a distinctive brand of no-holds-barred rock, infused with percussive African rhythms and fuelled by an attitude that screams “Anything goes!”

Full review here.

Does everything they touch seem to turn to gold? There’s certainly a case for them having a magic touch. Holy Moly & The Crackers deliver a sophisticated blend of cool grooves and smooth soul on Solid Gold.

Full review here.

A high quality dose of heavy prog at its finest, in the fervent North European scene. Like many of their contemporaries this musical journey around the Nordic landscape transports you to an unfamiliar landscape.

Full review here.

A hefty dose of sunny, summery Americana from the undisputed Kings of Des Moins, The Nadas.  If you like Country Honk-era Stones, Tom Petty, Springsteen or REM, then this is an album for you and songs like Other Side of the 45, One Thing At A Time, This Mess Is My Masterpiece and the free-wheeling title track are amongst the best songs heard all year.

Full review here.

Once more unto the breach go Skinny Lister. Shanty Punk is their concept album – and the concept is…Skinny Lister. “A pure distillation of what makes Skinny Lister tick, and perhaps a collection of songs that leans further into our folky routes than we’ve ventured in some years,” they say. All good and grand by us, after following the Skinnies ever since Forge & Flagon appeared back in 2012.

Full review here.

An album that movingly brings together jazz and traditional Scottish folk songs, with very fine vocal and piano performances by two very talented artists, Louise Dodds and Elchin Shirinov.

Full review here.

The Coral returned with another beautifully lush album full of all the hallmarks of their signature sound. With The Coral and their cinematic vision, it feels like Sea Of Mirrors and their recent recordings deserve some sort of special performance with an orchestra, such is the grandeur. It would be a treat to see them playing concert halls with a full hand of musical aces to reckon with.

Full review here.

L.A.-based Neriah Fisher, better known as ‘Neriah’, made her debut in the music industry in 2020 with her breakthrough single Loner. Since then she has gone on to release 3 EPs, and has collaborated with the likes of Trevor Daniel and JC Stewart. Neriah began the Cause Of Death era in January 2023 when she released the phenomenal lead single, Falling 4 Somebody. The album followed in superb fashion.

Full review here.

Over the course of their musical journey, Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (Pigs x7) have been unequivocally consistent. With each passing release the band get tighter and more focussed. Land Of Sleeper is the fourth album from the Newcastle based group. There are darker undertones in amongst their gloriously murky music this time round.

Full review here.

Gracie Abrams returned in 2023 with her debut album Good Riddance, following the release of 2021’s This Is What It Feels Like EP. Good Riddance was already charting in 27 countries with only three singles being released at the time. A brilliant and successful album.

Full review here.

A collection of eight stunning compositions, imagining sound in relation to the precious metals, delivered by a very gifted jazz ensemble led by pianist and composer Rebecca Nash.

Full review here.

Rita Braga is unique.  Nobody blends early jazz and post-punk electronica with quite the same ease and impact as the Portuguese chanteuse, and her unpredictable quirkiness never fails to shock, surprise and delight.  Rita’s music knows no frontier and her ability to combine convention and experimentation delivers a sound that manages to sound traditional and and futuristic at the same time.

Full review here.

A masterful ménage of roots-based, jazz and blues-infused songs and tunes from Canadian Gàidhl, Ewan MacIntyre.  Written during lockdown and recorded in Montreal and on the Isle of Skye, Twenty First Century Fool is a gloriously rich blast of deeply-layered sound.  Ewan returns to his Celtic roots with a pair of Gàidhlig compositions that lie comfortably alongside his jazzier explorations.

Full review here.

Unplugged neo-trad that could still power the national grid. The ensemble play is intricate and beguiling, it is sometimes hard, to discern who is playing what and when. It is a thrilling ride that is incredibly enjoyable.

Full review here.

This stunning Brit-nominated showcase confirms this Irish band are way more than just dronetastic as they expand and extend their mastery of upending the tradition. On False Lankum they go further into the full doomcore.

Full review here.

Smouldering on throughout the year, this leftfield outsider still gooses all the bump. Smoky poteen from the swamplands, enticing gothic noir of merit, De La Cour offers a vice-like grip on your senses.

Full review here.

Hellripper is the brainchild of James McBain. Hailing from Scotland and using their homeland as inspiration, Hellripper deliver an absolute masterclass in speed/thrash metal on Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags.

Full review here.

Measured assessments of mental ill-health and its many causes. Songs From The Campfire is a work of great beauty, and it deserves to be heard.

Full review here.

A really late, but absolutely great entry into our round up here. Tales and Golden Histories from Lily Neill and Vesa Norilo contains breath taking arrangements of the music of Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Brittany and beyond from harpist Lily Neill and cellist Vesa Norilo.  This is a truly beautiful album.

Full review here.

Following their highly acclaimed concept EP, The Thing With Feathers, the unique Exploring Birdsong release Dancing In The Face Of Danger. Another wonderfully crafted collection of pieces of music from this gifted trio. They also wowed us at RADAR Festival in 2023.

Full review here.

A band that effortlessly and successfully combine, doom metal, black metal and post-metal, creating here two thrilling fully integrated musical compositions.

Full review here.

Nieve Ella made a powerful comeback with her incredible second EP, Lifetime Of Wanting’  It represented a brand-new mindset following that of her debut EP, Young And Naive, released in January 2023. The Wolverhampton-born artist has captured the hearts of so many with her unbelievable talent.

Full review here.

When Indolore released the After The Rain album in 2021 we loved the bright and summery feel that it brought. This new EP takes country music away from the dusky bar room, prison cell and dismal ‘my dogs died’ days and gives Nashville music a light breezy flavour that you could enjoy on a sultry sunny beach.

Full review here.

Two close family bereavements in the space of a year, plus the enforced solitude of lockdown set Hannah on a path of reflection, during which she rediscovered some of her oldest songs.  Deciding that the songs were worthy of reappraisal, she dusted them down and started to play them to live audiences once more.  Ancient Lights is the culmination of that journey of rediscovery.

Full review here.

Never So Red is a singular bunch of songs, of that there’s no doubt.  Frankie has clearly chosen her material with great care to ensure that the traditional songs cover such unpalatable subject matter as murder, rape and unwanted male attention.  She’s an accomplished singer and fiddler and uses these talents to anchor the songs firmly in the folk idiom, but she’s not afraid to push the boundaries by adding layers of lavish electronics, and the result – which will, no doubt, shock some of the more staid traditionalists – is startling.

Full review here.

A vinyl reissue of a solo album that is a classic of progressive rock, underlining the many talents of the much missed Chris Squire. This still sounds fantastic in 2023.

Full review here.

Cherry Red Records are champions in the world of reissues. This one takes you back to the time and place back in the late seventies and early eighties where Rory loved to be the most…live and onstage.

Full review here.

A superb up-levelling of SFA’s already brilliant 2003 album. This 2LP / 3CD set is choc full of demos, rarities, B-sides and the immortal live version of The Man Don’t Give A Fuck.

Full review here.

September 1988 – Marillion part company with Fish – this is what happened next.

So reads the subtitle of the documentary, Seasons Change, which accompanies the final part of a frankly excellent series of reissues of the Marillion catalogue

From black clouds to Cloud Nine as Marillion’s Seasons End gets the full deluxe treatment.

Full review here.

1982 proved another whirlwind year for Sheena – beginning with her Best New Artist win at the Grammies, followed by her first national US tour, the recording of her first TV special; Live At The Palace, Hollywood; and was capped with the release of her third album – the aptly-titled Madness, Money and Music. This set is a brilliant collection of songs from an artist that was riding the crest of a wave at the time. It showcases what a fine singer Sheena Easton is; you can see why many artists wanted to be involved with her. Her versatility, tone and range were distinctly appealing.

Full review here.

Classic live album from Hawkwind sees the source archives raided for a comprehensive reimagining. Turning electric dreams into reality.

We’ve had a similar job done with Motorhead’s No Sleep ‘Til Hammersmith, UFO’s Strangers In The Night and Thin Lizzy’s Live And Dangerous. Space Ritual is another fine example of how to curate a back catalogue and enhance what’s already an iconic piece of work.

Full review here.

2023 will go down as the year that Cherry Red revisited and reissued all five albums from the original incarnation of Stackridge in remastered and expanded form. First off the blocks and – just maybe – pick of the whole deluxe bunch were the band’s first two albums, the eponymous Stackridge and the majestic Friendliness. Stackridge was expanded to include four bonus tracks and Friendliness was expanded to include an additional CD which features four tracks issued as singles and the band’s previously unreleased BBC Radio One In Concert performance from June 1972.

Full review here.

It is clear that Sleep Token are bound for huge things. For those in attendance, they were treated to a truly mesmeric performance that they will never forget. It was one of those moments that will live on in the memory, and a real ‘I was there’ moment.

In all honesty, all of RADAR Festival was a proper moment in 2023.

Full review here.

This show is amazing. The exciting thing to think about is where Self Esteem go next. Larger venues are probably a must; which will bring a bigger show. Rebecca Taylor has a wild talent for delivering thought provoking music, but the way she wraps the sentiments in lush pop is masterful.

Full review here.

Barely a word spoken during the set, wall-to-wall music and choc full of the best that Numan has to offer. The 999th show was a resounding success and looking around this seems to be the sentiment everywhere. Once again, Numan proves that he is still very much relevant and able to produce music that makes people laugh, cry & connect along with a live performance as good as any we’ve seen.

Full review here.

Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage are a duo that keep everything they’ll ever need in that mighty arsenal of theirs: Sweet-as-syrup vocals? – Yep; Amazing guitar skills? – Sure! Harmonies to melt the stoniest of hearts? You bet. They’ve had a busy year – opening for Fairport on their Winter Tour, an autumn tour, and now, just about to kick-off, their 15-date festive Winter Union Tour with their collective (Inc. Katriona Gilmore, Jamie Roberts and Jade Rhiannon). Then there’s the small detail of an appearance on the Cropredy stage alongside their Fairport friends. Their show in the delightful and intimate setting of The Atrium of Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre in June was superb. Hannah and Ben were on top form as they delivered a delightful set that focused on their recent Ink of the Rosy Morning album (review here) and also pulled in material from throughout their still-burgeoning career.

Full review here.

Tailgunner are one of the hottest live bands around at the moment. Their classic sound evokes Maiden, Priest, Metallica and more. Their show in Manchester was a riot with people stage diving and throwing themselves around old school.

Full review here.

With heavy subject matter, and the emotions that go with it, GGGOLDDD know how to deliver an abrasive and yet transcendental set. Their performance in support of the equally epic Cult Of Luna was an incredible moment.

Full review here.

The Iron Maiden juggernaut shows no sign of slowing. Their Future Past Tour will stretch into 2024. The UK and Europe got both barrels from the legendary heavy metal band. Their show in Leeds was as tight and precise as ever.

Full review here.

You may well know Paddy Considine as one of the country’s best actors, having been on our screens in a variety of roles for around 20 years. What Considine should be equally recognized for is being the charismatic singer of rock band, Riding The Low, who he has fronted since 2006. What we witness is a great rock and roll show, with more passion than you can shake a stick – or should that be baseball bat – at.

Full review here.

Beardy Folk Festival – where music, merriment, and magnificent facial hair unite in perfect harmony. Nestled deep amidst Shropshire’s lush green fields and embraced by nature’s serenade, this enchanting festival captivates all ages with its vibrant celebration of folk music and culture. Beardy Folk Festival is a hidden gem that celebrates the best of folk music in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Full review here.

A proper double header from the folks behind Damnation Festival. Exclusive sets, legendary bands, fantastic atmosphere…and it is all under one roof.

Damnation continues to be the benchmark for indoor heavy metal festivals. They’ve even shifted a shed load of tickets for 2024’s festival. This is the largest indoor metal festival in Europe – it lives up to the billing.

A Night Of Salvation review here.

Damnation Festival review here.

Britain’s friendliest music festival delivered another varied bill with performances from Nile Rogers & Chic, 10cc, Beans On Toast, Easy Star All Stars, The Young’Uns, Toyah as well as ATB favourites, Merry Hell and Joshua Burnell. It was also significant as the festival saw Dave Cousins’ last show, and possibly the last ever Strawbs gig. Then of course, you have festival curators; the legendary Fairport Convention.

Full review here.

We’ve never made a secret of our admiration for Barbara, the imaginative, quirky fop-poppers from Brighton who have brothers John and Henry Tydeman as their nucleus. Indeed, it seems that, every time they take a step – be it an EP release, a new single, a live show or – in this case – a major tour supporting a revived British Institution – it turns out to be a massive step in exactly the right direction.

Who knows what 2024 holds…

Full review here.

A residency at Manchester’s Albert Hall saw Peter Hook & The Light celebrating the early work Joy Division and New Order. A three night stint that saw Manchester hit the musical jackpot.

Full review here.

The War On Drugs offered a glorious evening of uplifting anthems, passionate and intense and worthy of the iconic setting. With support from Warpaint, this was a faultless night with great music.

Full review here.