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”
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”
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”
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”