Album Review: The Unthanks – Diversions, Vol 4: The Songs and Poems of Molly Drake

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” →

June 1, 2017 0

Album Review: Allison Pierce – Year of the Rabbit

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” →

May 31, 2017 0

Album Review: Flor De Toloache – Las Caras Lindas

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” →

May 27, 2017 0

Album Review: Land of Talk – Life After Youth

Elizabeth Powell, the main singer songwriter of Land of Talk, spent the last few years away from the music scene, a break that was partly forced by unfortunate personal circumstances. The title Life After Youth suggests a lost innocence but on this album the music has a power which proves these life experiences have given her creativity renewed purpose. Continue reading “Album Review: Land of Talk – Life After Youth” →

May 26, 2017 0

Album Review: Jade Jackson – Gilded

There’s something refreshingly different about Jade Jackson’s version of country music. Her debut album Gilded mixes a little punk rock and motorcycle roars alongside the slide guitar and violins. Somehow it seems to work perfectly – after all some hell’s angels wore cowboy boots, didn’t they? Continue reading “Album Review: Jade Jackson – Gilded” →

May 22, 2017 0

Album Review: Karen Elson – Double Roses

On the cover of her new album Double Roses, Karen Elson is in the sea, her face only partly visible above the water. Yet her straight eye stare suggests she’s comfortable there, submerged slightly but ready to emerge as a musician once again. She’s waving, not drowning. Continue reading “Album Review: Karen Elson – Double Roses” →

May 19, 2017 0

Album Review: Lizzie No – Hard Won

Lizzie No grew up singing in her church choir before discovering Dylan and learning to play his songs on the harp. Her debut album Hard Won takes these musical influences and combines them with a poetic lyricism that impresses throughout. Continue reading “Album Review: Lizzie No – Hard Won” →

May 18, 2017 0

Album Review: Girlpool – Powerplant

Girlpool have always sung each song together, generating strength through their combined voices. Powerplant adds drums and grungier guitars to their lo-fi songs, successfully growing their sound and vision. Continue reading “Album Review: Girlpool – Powerplant” →

May 17, 2017 0

Album Review: Joan Shelley

To be quiet in this world of endless noise is sometimes a deliberate choice. Shyness isn’t always about hiding away or being afraid of life, it’s just a different way to survive. Joan Shelley has always been interested in understatement and on this eponymous record she shows there is power in musical introspection. Continue reading “Album Review: Joan Shelley” →

May 15, 2017 0