Fiona Hutchings - Reviews
Lightning Seeds
Evocative and emotionally powerful first album in eighteen years from the Lightning Seeds, which proves worth the long wait
Howard Jones
Pleasurable and undemanding double album reissue of remixes from 80's synth act Howard Jones
Dead South
Volatile but impressive double pack covers EPs from quirky bluegrass punks The Dead South
Ian M. Bailey
Enjoyable 60's -influenced folk pop on new EP from UK singer-songwriter and guitarist Ian M. Bailey,. the first of a series of planned collaborations with Daniel Wylie of Cosmic Rough Riders
Sonia
Pure pop perfection on six CD box set from Hit Factory starlet Sonia
Django Django
Uplifting and memorable fourth album from critically acclaimed London-based art rock band Django Django
My Darling Clementine
Excellent and unpredictable set of Elvis Costello covers from country duo My Darling Clementine
Baked A La Ska
Superb fifth albm from eleven-piece ska band Baked A La Ska who take an electic bunch of source material and give it a satisfyingly spooky sound
Her Crooked Heart
Musically complex second album from Her Crooked Heart, the moniker for New York-based singer-songwriter Rachel Reis, proves highly personal but accessible
Alvarez Theory
Engaging eponymous debut album from London-based Americana/folk five-piece the Alvarez Theory, which includes well-crafted tales of about small town heroes and bar flies
Embrooks
Essential limited only vinyl only first album in fourteen years from 60’s-influenced Medway-based trio the Embrooks
David Bromberg
First-rate compilation of early 70's material from Californian singer-songwriter David Bromberg whose name might not be instantly recognisable but whose trademark guitar fingerpicking has been very influential.
Ben Bedford
Lyrical and intirguing if brief trip to the Prairie State with one man band Ben Bedord and his cat
Simon Stanley Ward and The Shadows of Doubt
Amusing but accomplished second album from eclectic London-based folk musician and stand-up comedian Simon Stanley Ward
Telescopes
Discordant but often riveting and surprising eleventh album from experimental noise rock act the Telecopes
Last Day Sect
Mesmerising and terrifying concept debut album on Gothic novels from supergroup trio Last Day Sect
Kaz Murphy
Fine fourth solo album from Americana storyteller Kat Murphy who sets out to explore life's predicaments in detail but also with a relaxed and engaging style
J. Allen
Ethereal and orchestral vinyl only first single in two years from New York-based singer-songwriter J. Allen
Neville Staple
Excellent new solo album from Original Rude Boy Neville Staple, who has recreateds his famous Judge Roughneck persona
Aaron Keylock
First-rate debut album from teenage blues sensation Aaron Keylock in which trying to separate the music from the myth-making proves a challenge yet it also has its own kind of magic