a music blog
For this new record the lead singer of The Honeycutters, Amanda Anne Platt, decided to give herself top billing for the first time. Her name is emblazoned on the front of the album as she stands alone underneath, smiling. Such feelings of happiness and confidence run throughout the sound of this self-titled album. Continue reading “Album Review: Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters”
The lights dim, the film starts to whir and on screen a statue sparkles before the title credits appear. Here we have Ala.Ni starring in You & I – a tale of love and heartbreak. The screen blurs and with a crackle of vinyl the sound of music plays and we are transported back to a beguiling bygone age. Continue reading “Album Review: Ala.Ni – You & I”
A few years back everything fell apart for The Secret Sisters and they endured a lawsuit and bankruptcy. Such hard luck might have signalled the end of their career but thankfully they took time to regroup and after a successful crowdfunding campaign have now signed a new record deal. You Don’t Own Me Anymore is an album that doesn’t dwell in woe but is instead the sound of a band reinvigorated, having learned life’s lessons the hard way. Continue reading “Album Review: The Secret Sisters – You Don’t Own Me Anymore”
On Marika Hackman’s new album she reveals herself and her troubled relationship so vividly it’s almost uncomfortable at times. Much has been said of her new ‘musical direction’ but in reality ‘I’m Not Your Man‘ is just the sound of an artist finding new strength and confidence to keep walking her own path. Continue reading “Album Review: Marika Hackman – I’m Not Your Man”
On the front cover of her new album ‘Shame‘ folk singer Rachel Baiman holds a burning violin aloft in a beautiful show of defiance. She’s read the books, she’s heard all the old protest songs and she’s here to sing about religion, love and the state of the world as she sees it. Continue reading “Album Review: Rachel Baiman – Shame”
Gentle Giants could not be a more fitting title for this album of sweet country classics made famous by Don Williams. The singers on this record have covered these songs with a simple softness and together this album has enough charm to reach straight up to the heavens. Continue reading “Album Review – Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams”
What can a song do to you? It can change your life, save your life, bring a memory or even a person back to life, even just for a fleeting moment. On their new album, Diversions, Vol 4: The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake, The Unthanks have revived the faded splendour of a women whose music was never heard beyond her own family in her own lifetime. In the process they turn a flickering, forgotten candle into a burning fire that feels both revelatory and relevant. Continue reading “Album Review: The Unthanks – Diversions, Vol 4: The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake”
Those born under the year of the rabbit are said to be elegant, gentle, quiet and melancholic. Such descriptions perfectly suit Allison Pierce, who is starting out as solo artist after a long career working with her sister in The Pierces. Year of the Rabbit is rich blend of folk, country and indie influences which fits well into the blossoming Americana genre and on the strength of the songs it feels like she has finally found her true musical home. Continue reading “Album Review: Allison Pierce – Year of the Rabbit”
Frustration with the male dominated culture of mariachi music led Mireya Ramos to create Flor De Toloache – an all-female band of musicians who together have fused Latin music in a distinctive new way. On Las Caras Lindas there is a joyful spirit that is uniquely feminine and surprisingly modern too. Continue reading “Album Review: Flor De Toloache – Las Caras Lindas”
Highway Queens 