Wardruna are a rare entity. For many years, they have sought to keep Old Norse stories and traditions alive. Their music is dark, brooding and emphatic; a lot like the lands they emanate from. Birna continues the evolution of the band in that they cast their gaze over modern issues affecting our world. Musically, the Wardruna sound is as strong as ever. Their forward facing themes are as evocative as any stories from the past they have told.

Full review here.

Souls In Motion is an album that evokes the golden spirit of 90’s indie rock. It looks back, but with a forward facing focus. The tunes are big and the words profound. Bigger than that, the soul is incredible.

Full review here.

The spirit of John Martyn is ever-present throughout these ten songs, and the influence of artists like Joni Mitchell, Judee Sill, Julie Byrne and, particularly, Michael Chapman are constantly detectable, too.  But, really, the heady blend of folk-baroque and Pharoah Sanders-tinged jazz is Katie’s very own, and that claim to ownership is strengthened immeasurably by Katie’s clear, intricate, guitar work and by that special, unique, voice of hers.

Full review here.

Taking a moment to consider the creation of music in evoking an emotional response, at his most introspective and creative, Mariusz Duda has evolved into a master craftsman of the art. The progression and evolution of Lunatic Soul has almost intuitively led to this point. To this record and this finale that finds a warmth in the reflection of love and loss. A finale that provides triumphant closure.

Full review here.

3^rd album from British-born, Paris-based Ala.Ni.  Sunshine Music mixes the warm, relaxed vibe of the Caribbean into a heady blend of calypso, jazz and bossa nova – and delivers a few sharp messages, wrapped in sweet, sweet, coatings, along the way

Full review here.

Louise Dodds is a songwriter and jazz vocalist, who on her new solo album All I Know, delivers an impressive set of consequential songs and captivating vocal performances. At The Barrier previously reviewed the album Two Hours After Midnight, on which Louise Dodds together with pianist and arranger Elchin Shirinov, produced an enchanting collection of jazz-based interpretations of traditional Scottish folk songs. On this new album, they are again working together, with Elchin Shirinov playing piano and providing the arrangements.

Full review here.

The opening blast of Mockingbird (questioning “who was I before, I took it on the chin“) sets out their stall with a smiling defiance. Thoughts of singing a thousand songs just to see who’s listening. Like Frasier Crane, we’re listening. It’s hard not to get caught up in what’s a joyous vibe. A perfect album opener for Larkin Poe. Roughly hewn yet with a polish, swinging guitar blues that ease into chorus.

Full review here.

For Yellow Painted Moon Kevin plays guitars, synth and harmonica.  He’s helped out by brother and co-Vapour Trailer Scott Robertson who plays bass, electric guitar and keyboards and provides backing vocals, and by drummer Nick Bertling – who’s not averse to slipping out from behind the kit to double up on guitar, bass and keys and to play a bit of melodica. The result is a magnificent album that revives those heady, summery days of ’65 to ’71 with accomplishment and authenticity and also reaps the benefits of 2020’s recording technology.

Full review here.

Even In Arcadia cements Sleep Token as main players. The fact they had top billing at Download Festival 2025 shows how far they have come. From humble beginnings and smaller labels to majors, Even In Arcadia will satisfy the lifers as well as pull in new fans. The production value is first class, and the way the songs are crafted is genius. This is a bold, cinematic, expansive experience. Expect Sleep Token to take over the World.

Full review here.

The Resurrection Game can be construed in many ways – the joy of this record is that you can make of it what you wish. When you dig into the minutiae you will hear a person baring all. With naked emotion like this, it is hard not to love this record for its brutality and honesty. Emma Swift should be lauded for making such a record. The Resurrection Game is a superb collection of songs that will make the coldest of souls feel.

Full review here.

Barbara’s solar system rotates around the mercurial talents of brothers John and Henry Tydeman.  The brothers are backed up by three guys who are each masters of their respective trades – Jack Hosgood (bass, acoustic guitar and backing vocals), Dean Llewellyn (electric and acoustic guitars) and drummer Lawrie Miller.  Together they produce quirky, cleverly-crafted, lyrically-rich pop songs for the thinking person.  If The Divine Comedy, Sparks, Dean Freidman, Stackridge or 10cc are your thing, you’ll love Barbara.

Full review here.

A sumptuous album – one that does what the title boldly declares – and although remaining unused, the verb ‘cavorting’ is one that should truly find its way into any review of Feast.

Full review here.

People Watching is the highly anticipated third album from North-Shield’s finest: Sam Fender. His debut album, Hypersonic Missiles, hit the Official Albums Chart at #1 in the UK. In addition, his sophomore album, Seventeen Going Under, also debuted at #1 in the UK’s Official Albums Chart. Fender is no stranger to success. People Watching has become a revelatory record in 2025.

Full review here.

pôt-pot are an Irish band based in Lisbon. Warsaw 480km draws influence from drone rock supported by modern production. Lead singer, Mark Waldron-Hyden, lilts between the lighter shades of Ian Curtis and Lou Reed; strong without being overpowering. Plenty of reverb drenched chords, string bends and smart pedal work make for a great listen. The krautrock sound is comparable to early output of Bardo Pond and, more obviously, CAN. 

Full review here.

Notan takes its name from the Japanese philosophy of comparing light and dark balancing each other. Sonically, there is a plethora of contrasting moods and emotions for you to explore. Notan is a fabulous addition to Jo Quail’s already impressive canon.

Full review here.

Wobble is keen to assert this is an East End album, as in of London. From that area himself, his family tree is typical, refugees ending their exodus from wherever to the sound of Bow Bells. With his forbears, it was the Irish Famine that led to Wardles, his real name, being in the East End, mingling with all the other immigrants, at that time often beleaguered Jews from Eastern Europe, all scratching a precarious living, often on the water. As such, there are myriad hints and clues, from sources across the globe, meeting here in well-crafted collisions that embrace the paradox of their meeting and meld.

Full review here.

Whether this will see them as a honed three piece or a set of three soloists is almost answered by Gradh Geal Mo Chridhe, clearly a Gaelic song and rightly sung by Fowlis. With a consequent frisson of fear that this means each are to just take turns, Fowlis leads out, a capella. the hint of a drone note brewing at the horizon. Some tinkles of piano creep in and it is glorious, of course it is glorious. Fowlis is incapable of less, but the relief as Polwart and Carpenter chime in is immense.

Full review here.

Belgian psychedelic post-metal trio Psychonaut released their masterful new album, set within music inspired by traumatic life experiences. One which will satiate those of diverse musical tastes.

Full review here.

It is a bit of a shock to realise this is actually Jenn’s solo debut! Butterworth is one of the finest guitarists, and has become an ubiquitous figure at Celtic Connections and elsewhere, as a member of the feisty Kinnaris Quintet, in duos with Will Pound and with Kinnaris buddy, Laura-Beth Salter. as well as propping up such notaries as Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton (Symbiosis), when they need some extra ballast.

Full review here.

The latest studio album from ‘Kingfish’ confirms his place amongst the crème de la crème of modern blues artists seeking to give us an exciting look at blues music. Sit back. You are in for a treat!

Full review here.

Kim Carnie can be a paradox, sometimes seemingly shape-shifting as she presents differing versions of herself to different audiences. She is best known, I guess, as front person for Mànran, those staunch defendants of the Gaelic rock flag of neo-trad, first unfurled by Runrig.

Full review here.

Pretty much hot on the heels of 2024’s In The Dark We Grow, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage return with their 5th full length album. Given the keys to the West Country studio of engineer / percussionist / member of the In The Dark We Grow band, Josh Clark, the focus centres upon a set of songs themed around dreams and the supernatural. Having seen Sanders & Savage transcend larger stages and festival fields, one wonders how much longer we’ll have the chance to share the magic in small local venues up and down the country.

Full review here.

Wrexham band, The Royston Club, stepped it up on their their sophomore studio album, Songs For The Spine. It followed the success of their debut album Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars.

Full review here.

Little Feat are a legendary band. Their run of classic albums in the 1970’s firmly put them on the map and cemented them as one of America’s greats (even if they still feel under appreciated). Strike Up The Band features thirteen compositions that contain the bands’ signature genre busting blend of music. There is blues, country, classic rock, funk, salsa rhythms, blazing guitar solos, hypnotic horns and more thrown into the melting pot.

Full review here.

Bitterness and anger dressed in a sweet retro-soul coating.  Album #8 from Sunny War is her best yet! Sunny War is a phenomenal artist that always produces amazing music.

Full review here.

God Save The Gun is Militarie Gun at their most determined and dynamic to date. Every moment feels crucial and necessary to the album’s overall experience. A joy from start to finish.

Full review here.

Most reviews of Mavis Staples tend to begin by referencing her age. This seems harsh, especially so when there is so little to demonstrate any apparent accompanying frailty in her instrument of choice, her voice seemingly as strong as ever. Stronger, even, as, whilst it may not be that with which she began; it is now a little richer and carries a greater heft of emotions, earned and bestowed by experience. The are stellar contributions here from others, but they circle her sun. She tried to retire in 2023, but felt she still had too much to give. And what a gift this is.

Full review here.

Debut album from Scottish-American duo DUG.  Have At It! takes influences from the great American singer-songwriters and from Irish and Scottish tradition and blends them seamlessly into a thoroughly compelling whole.

Full review here.

Avi C. Engel’s new album Mote marks another creative step forward, in this artist’s proudly independent music making journey. With successive albums one gets the sense of a musician who never compromises their creative vision, while also seeking out collaborations that will add value and depth to the direction the music might take.

Full review here.

The Boojums self-titled album offering comes on the back of a growing online fan base and can best be described as Pop-Rock with the bottle shaken and the top flicked off. It is a portrait of aggressive youthful commitment to letting guitars talk through angst. The three-piece band from Nova Scotia like their guitars to rasp with vocals to match and on this first offering they are fast out of the traps to let rip. It is a jolt of garage rock that could serve as a defibrillator to jolt other bands to come through to the fore. The Boojums come at us with wide-eyed hunger and a lot of fun. 

Full review here.

Winner of the Liverpool Acoustic Judges’ Award, 2021, Danny is a finger-style guitarist extraordinaire. Even before setting off on his adventures with Fairport Convention in 2025, he’d built quite a reputation for himself with opening slots for Martin Carthy, Tony McManus, Jon Gomm and Jeffrey Foucault. 

Full review here.

A collection of new original songs, plus a solitary instrumental, that takes a three-year journey through the couple’s life, exploring elements of home, family and their connections to the natural world.  The crystal clear Christina Alden vocals, the rapturous vocal harmonies, the instrumental mastery and, perhaps best of all, the engaging storytelling – they’re all present and correct on an album that’s guaranteed to charm and delight.  

Full review here.

Death Hilarious is a non-stop joyride into a world of crushing, psychedelic, sludgy rock and roll. It’s an immersive and unstoppable, rollercoaster of an album that feels cathartic through its chaos.

Full review here.

Straight Line Was A Lie from The Beths is their most poignant and melancholy output yet, but one that still hits with well-crafted songs, intriguing lyrics and, essentially, excellent instrumentation. It’s a perfect end-of-summer indie album.

Full review here.

Showbiz! is another top quality full length release from MIKE that only further shows his creativity and power as an artist. If you haven’t checked out a MIKE album, this is a great place to start, however do not just stop here. His discography is such a joy to delve into, with a consistency that is hard to match. 

Full review here.

Staran 2.0 prove the sum is truly greater than the parts, even with parts like these. These are the busiest players in Scotland. This year has seen Scotland continue to punch above its weight against the competing nations of these islands. With Staran on this sort of form, I don’t see that ending any time soon.

Full review here.

The Film is a one-of-a-kind album that amongst its intensity and noise, is purely cathartic. With lyricism that is as dense as the soundscapes created on the album, repeat listens must be had to truly delve into the records themes and sound.

Full review here.

Merry Hell are travel down new avenues in Folk Rock, creating some new sounds beyond their usual folk roots. They don’t do dirge or dull; their new creations retain their vibrancy, joyfulness and melody. Many who follow Merry Hell and their live performances over recent years will be familiar with some of the tried and road tested tracks.

Full review here.

Although a testament to Piers’ and Ballaké’s reverence for more ancient times of music, Our Calling is firmly anchored in the 21^st century.  At no point does Ballaké’s kora bend or adapt to find a place in western song form, yet the fusion works repeatedly and so very effectively.  Our Calling is an outstanding album.

Full review here.

Billy Woods has been one of the most consistent rap artists in the underground for the last few years, and Golliwog just further cements that status. The elusive MC is truly making a case for himself to be up there with the greats.

Full review here.

Baxter Dury’s ninth album is a bold statement, blending his punk roots with contemporary influences. It solidifies his place in the music world, offering a fresh perspective while honouring his family’s legacy. This is how Punk and its derivatives should be: unashamed, unabridged, and unafraid, yet with enough quirk to raise a smile. 

Full review here.

An acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and a microphone; what else do you need? You can apply a lot of terms to the new record by Welsh songsmith Martyn Joseph: back to basics, minimalist, as-live, stripped back – take your pick. Martyn himself perhaps sums it up best: “On these new songs I feel like I’ve captured something … as if I’m performing right there in the room for whoever has shown up.”

Full review here.

The welcome return of Zamrock.  Emmanuel ‘Jagri’ Chanda and Patrick Mwondela return with their WITCH project and more magical blending of the musics of Africa and the West.  Sogolo is another triumph from WITCH.

Full review here.

Automatic pick up where others hold back. There is no template – no copy and paste function for artists like this. Is It Now? thumps through an innumerable variety of instruments, samples and loops. At times, the lyrics and overall sense of the songs get lost, but there is a feel here that they already know that and, well, don’t seem perturbed by it. If you can’t beat them, then play a different game – and Automatic are ready to stand on their own field and do whatever rises to the fore.

Full review here.

The Little Unsaid create of sheer beauty. There is an underlying tension in the music but celestial vocals makes their music meditative, luxuriously languid and shimmeringly beguiling. They have created beautifully tailored music which rewards your concentration with exquisite melodies.

Full review here.

Third Law Of Reflection features main members Dave Cavanagh , Dean Macaw (both contributing on vocals and guitars), John Derek Armistead, percussion and Michael Hunt on bass as well as an array of guests who each adeptly bring their own special qualities to this emotional album which has many reflections, good and bad on the past, but always retains that sense of hope.

Full review here.

Ninebarrow get choral, taking their trademark of quality to another level. Attention to detail is at the core of their latest work. One that revisits and reimagines a selection of songs of the catalogue. Those recorded works being just the starting point for how a song or a tune might develop. 

Full review here.

While Jo Quail takes on a more atmospheric and apocalyptic approach, Raphael follows up 2020’s World’s Within with a collection that contrasts her often eerie atmospheres with more classical and ethnic influences. Looking particularly ominous with the intense red saturation and snake imagery, there’s a strongly imposing sense of richness to add a visual accompaniment to the haunting and aching ambience of Lifeblood.

Full review here.

The lead singer of the world-renowned pop group The Vamps is takes the chance to branch out into a solo career. With The Panic Years, Simpson passionately delves into his personal experiences, showcasing a personal, introspective side of his artistry that fans have yet to fully see.

Full review here.

Haken are a London based progressive metal band formed in 2007, with 7 studio albums to their name. Liveforms is their second live album, and was recorded at their homecoming performance on the 21st September 2024 at the O2 London Forum in Kentish Town. There are two full sets on the release, including the band playing their most recent studio album Fauna in its entirety.

Full review here.