Folk Radio UK Music Reviews

Music Reviews covering the latest album releases from the UK and Beyond: Folk & Alternative Music

A Hawk And A Hacksaw – You Have Already Gone To The Other World (with Full Album Stream)

Music Reviews 17 May 2013

A Hawk and a Hacksaw do not disappoint on their latest release You Have Already Gone To The Other World. The opener is like a portal and once you cross it you’re in another world. A magical album!

Lau: Live @ Union Chapel, London

Live Reviews 16 May 2013

Dead can dance, or they would if they could. You wonder whether Lau have the power to raise the ghosts of the Union Chapel in an exultant, sold out return to the north London venue.

Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo – Dear River (Single & Video)

Music Reviews 15 May 2013

The First single release from Emily Barker’s forthcoming Dear River album is the wonderful title track. Like the best of Emily’s songs it has an immediate familiarity, yet is uniquely hers.

Sam Amidon – Bright Sunny South (Album of the Month)

Album of the Month 15 May 2013

With his fourth album ‘Bright Sunny South’ Sam Amidon revisits bare folk storytelling. What he calls “a lonesome record”, to Bon Iver, is “the tips of the blades rising”. Either way: an adventure.

Cara Luft – Darlingford (Album of the Month)

Album of the Month 14 May 2013

The erstwhile Wailin’ Jenny and Juno Award winning songwriter Cara Luft is back with her best album yet. Darlingford is a powerful, personal statement and a triumph built on tragedy.

Introducing: We Are The West

Introducing 14 May 2013

We Are The West are an LA based duo I’ve just discovered. When listening to them there is an instant and very real perception of the world slowing down, a remarkable stillness and calm…listen for yourself.

Introducing: Monophona

Introducing 13 May 2013

Luxembourg’s Monophona are gearing up for their first UK live shows at The Great Escape this weekend, their blend of folk, trip-hop and other influences combine to make a catchy sound, one to watch out for in 2013.

Thea Gilmore – Regardless

Music Reviews 13 May 2013

Thea Gilmore’s latest release ‘Regardless’ sees her moving away from her folk persona towards a more commercial sounding album with an 80s – early 90s flavour.

Nuala Honan – The Tortoise

Music Reviews 13 May 2013

The Tortoise is a mightily impressive first release, full of sadness and surprise, and introduces a spirited new voice. Despite the melancholy, good times beckon for Nuala Honan.

Introducing: Vespers

Introducing 11 May 2013

Vespers are a North London acoustic trio consisting of two guitars and double bass (with occasional flute), not forgetting some great silken harmonies. A wonderful find!

The John Langan Band – Bones Of Contention (includes Album Stream)

Music Reviews 10 May 2013

Two years in the making, The John Langan Band’s “Bones Of Contention” boasts voluptuously proportioned tracks, a veritable United Nations of musical influences and an infectious disregard for musical convention.

Amy Duncan London album launch – Gallery Cafe London

Live Reviews 10 May 2013

Simon Holland catches Amy Duncan’s London Album Launch, a great performance that leaves an enduring memory. Her songs possess an ethereal quality, each a vivid herald of a quietly compelling songwriter and a special night.

Introducing: Nia

Introducing 9 May 2013

Nia is a singer-songwriter originally from North Wales but now based in London. She has a timeless and very raw sound, just feast your ears on her début EP Doctor Doctor.