Crisp production and a stunning vocal performance combine to make Wild Beasts’ fourth album Present Tense a treasure of a record. Spanning a spectrum of colour and mood, the songs boast distinctive lyrics and expertly crafted structures. The synth, bass,…
Sheffield has a fine tradition of turning out bands and musicians who, with their wit and humour, become indelibly placed in the public consciousness. Pulp and Richard Hawley are two that spring to mind, as are Slow Club and, of…
Hannah Peel is no stranger to compliments, and she’s certainly bagged her share of supporters and collaborators in the few years she’s been releasing music. Having already worked with Simon Tong from The Verve and Gorillaz fame and gained a…
Kelly Oliver’s songs are full of clear traditional folk melodies; fans of The Staves and The Unthanks might want to give her debut EP a whirl. Title track ‘Far From Home’ features voice, guitar and the odd flourish of accordion,…
Right from the off Angel Olsen has a style all of her own. The hazy opening of Burn Your Fire For No Witness sounds like a woman strumming and singing while she dreams of a love she has lost. It’s…
Shonna Tucker & Eye Candy – A Tell All Jason Isbell’s Southeastern is one of the great undersung albums of 2013 – just ask Bruce Springsteen. Now his ex-wife Shonna Tucker is the next to try her hand at a…
In an ideal world, you’d want to allow an artist – particularly one of the quality of Rosanne Cash – to stand on her own terms rather than constantly link her to her famous parents. Cash, though, is making it…
For fans of the band the sound is familiar. Tinariwen’s Emmaar sounds as gutsy and confrontational as ever. It is both symbolic of the band’s culture and its in your face, whilst also being soulful, gentle and offering a sense…
Recorded in April of last year at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, Band of Horses’ latest offering feels very much like one following in the footsteps of Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged in New York. Having released and toured their fourth record, Mirage…
July is Marissa Nadler’s sixth full-length album release since 2004 and is arguably her most compelling work to date. The slow-paced melancholy style and subject matter are familiar, but the delivery is now more certain and sure-footed. Opening track ‘Drive’…