Bergendahl is one of a few new names that have come across my path in 2025. Sitting somewhere between pop and folk on the spectrum of Country Music, her latest EP ‘Cottagecore Country’ presses firmly into the ballad. Opening song ‘Black Fog’ is much more stylised in the mould of acoustic guitar, ideal for aContinue reading “Bergendahl – Cottagecore Country”
Author Archives: Gareth Williams
Bethany Barrie – Been Here Before
If the name Bethany Barrie is unfamiliar, it shouldn’t be for long. This Scottish singer-songwriter is a recent discovery for me, and her latest single has made me a fan. ‘Been Here Before’ incorporates a recognisably Celtic sound. Its positive percussion and uplifting violin playing to a message of reassurance. She goes through the emotionalContinue reading “Bethany Barrie – Been Here Before”
Katy Hurt – Rather Be
Hot on the heels of Annie Dressner’s song comes another from Katy Hurt. ‘Rather Be’ is a fitting companion to the former’s ‘For the Thrill of It’ – both tackling the subject of misogyny in the music industry with candour and irony. The approach is classic Katy. The sound a mix of country, blues andContinue reading “Katy Hurt – Rather Be”
Joe Martin – Strangers to Lovers
These are exciting times for Joe Martin. ‘Strangers to Lovers’ is the first single off his next album, and it promises much. Since I last saw him live, the Lancashire singer-songwriter has honed his craft. Pushing into a troubadour identity of which this song is representative. An acoustic rendering in part influenced by his producer,Continue reading “Joe Martin – Strangers to Lovers”
Annie Dressner – For the Thrill of It
Annie Dressner is not a new name to me. But her music is. And as with Demi Marriner, I wonder why it’s taken so long for her songs to land in my ear. For her latest release led me straight to her back catalogue. To a fabulously folky 2024 album which new single ‘For theContinue reading “Annie Dressner – For the Thrill of It”
Ar y Ffin – S4C
It was Newport’s time to shine in S4C’s latest drama series Ar y Ffin. Made much of in a Guardian article prior to broadcast, the city is often overlooked by its capital cousin, but becomes a metaphor here for the title character’s own story. Erin Richards is superb as Claire Lewis Jones, a magistrate andContinue reading “Ar y Ffin – S4C”
Nia Wyn – A Pleasure to Have in Class
It’s always a pleasure listening to the music of Nia Wyn. Her truth is worn with such beautiful honesty. None more so than on her debut album, ‘A Pleasure to Have in Class’. The Welsh singer-songwriter seems to have finally settled on her sound. Confidence brimming on a record that oozes with Jazz and Soul.Continue reading “Nia Wyn – A Pleasure to Have in Class”
Owen Morton – Mine
For UK fans of Noah Kahan, look no further than Owen Morton. The Liverpudlian has clearly drawn influence from his American counterpart for his latest single ‘Mine’. With that same rhythmic guitar and light pop that bounces along with a smile, Morton captures the blissful joy of a romantic relationship. The link to Autumn mayContinue reading “Owen Morton – Mine”
Katherine Priddy – Daybreaker
‘Daybreaker’ is the continuation of Katherine Priddy’s musical mini-series. Following last month’s ‘Close Season’, she once again teams up with Simon Armitage for what is effectively its conclusion. Having carried us through the “bitingly cold” revelation of an affair, this second part offers a hopeful ending. Our protagonist is “leaving [that] town called midnight /Continue reading “Katherine Priddy – Daybreaker”
Olivia Lynn – Open
After a quiet 2024, Olivia Lynn returns to the UK Country scene with her new single ‘Open’. It is a reminder of how infectious her blend of British Pop and Modern Country is. How masterful her lyrical storytelling can be. Here, the expectant mother doesn’t just show her vulnerability but makes it the central themeContinue reading “Olivia Lynn – Open”
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