Mark Pontin Group – Kaleidoscope: Album Review
Inventive blues roots, shone through any number of stylistic prisms, showing light, dark and a lot of promise. That’s the Mark Pontin Group.
Seuras Og
"Well, what sort of music do you like, Seuras?" Ever since that question was first aired by his mother a decade or six back he has struggled with the answer. And struggles still now. Call him a folkie, a country dude, a bluesman and he'll be happy, but don't forget the whiff of jazz, electronica and more. Not so keen on the charts, mind.
Devin Hoff – Voices From the Empty Moor (Songs of Anne Briggs): Album Review
Devin Hoff on largely instrumental revisions of a largely trad. arr. folk canon that surprise and subvert.
Alan Tyler – Made In Middlesex: Album Review
The Mockingbird rooster, Alan Tyler, retreats to a quirky lockdown project, nearly free of his characteristic country vibe.
Isla Ratcliff – The Castalia: Album Review
A refreshingly lively new take on trad. from Isla Ratcliff. Cape Breton influences abound and reinvigorate.
Danielle Lewis – Dreaming In Slow Motion: Album Review
Languid and dreamy electronica infused chamber folk from the West Coast of Wales via Danielle Lewis.
Old Blind Dogs – Knucklehead Circus: Album Review
The remarkable renaissance of this Scottish institution continues to enthral and amaze. Old Blind Dogs ascend the heights on Knucklehead Circus.
Amy Thatcher – Let What’s In, Out: EP Review
Amy Thatchers creates a squeezebox paean to her premature twins for when words are not enough.
Heaven 17 – O2 Institute, Birmingham: Live Review
Heaven 17 finally make it to Birmingham again after the now obligatory postponements. I think the phrase ‘better late than never’ is extremely apt.
Starry Eyed & Laughing – Bells of Lightning: Album Review
70s janglemasters, Starry Eyed & Laughing, take flight a full forty six years, and counting, since their last Byrds infused outing. Has the wait been worth it?
Fraser Fifield – Piobaireachd/Pipe Music: Album Review
Jazz ambient bagpipe fusion from Fraser Fifield: approach with inquisitiveness and be somewhat surprised.
Alicia Stockman – These Four Walls: Album Review
Zesty debut from Utah folkie turned Nashville country rocker. Alicia Stockman releases These Four Walls.
Charm Of Finches – Wonderful Oblivion: Album Review
Close knit sibling harmonies from the antipodean sisters weave more ethereal magic on the third offering from Charm Of Finches
Ian M. Bailey – Songs To Dream Along To: Album Review
Sunshiny jangle pop awash with Rickenbacker melodies and harmonic charm from Ian M. Bailey.
Margo Cilker – Pohorylle: Album Review
Debut release from polished newcomer Margo Cilker; retro Americana hues in a new light, looking both backward and forward. A name to watch and remember.
Mà nran – Ùrar: Album Review
The ever evolving MÃ nran continue to deliver their solid wedges of rock infused trad. hues.