Moving On – The Rising

To attempt to define The Rising would be a mistake. They do not fit into a specific genre of music. I listened to their latest album off the back of a label that read: “country rock band”. Of course, this evokes a certain kind of sound. And whilst it does appear on the album, thereContinue reading “Moving On – The Rising”

Megan O’Neill – Ghost of You

Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill has just released a beautiful debut album that I would highly recommend listening to. Ghost of You is a lovely collection of songs that represent a wonderful opportunity for some easy listening on a summer’s afternoon. Served as a main course of ballads with a side of electric guitar-infused pop, itContinue reading “Megan O’Neill – Ghost of You”

The Shires – Accidentally On Purpose: A Personal Review

Disclosure: I am a huge fan of The Shires. Warning: As a fan, expect the following review to be totally subjective and written with love. I have waited with a mixture of excitement and quiet trepidation for the release of Accidentally On Purpose, the third installment in the The Shires‘ musical journey. Much like waitingContinue reading “The Shires – Accidentally On Purpose: A Personal Review”

Come Back Fighting – Philippa Hanna

For many, Philippa Hanna was probably a relative unknown a week or so ago. But now that her cover of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect has gone viral, it would appear that this is no longer the case. Yet for those who have followed the 33 year-old singer, long before this latest social media storm brewed, itContinue reading “Come Back Fighting – Philippa Hanna”

The Wandering Hearts – Wild Silence

Following on from the success of The Shires, The Wandering Hearts are surely the next big breakthrough act in the world of British Country Music. On the evidence of their debut album, Wild Silence, it would be hard to argue otherwise. The recipients of the ‘Best Emerging Artist’ at last week’s Americana Awards have producedContinue reading “The Wandering Hearts – Wild Silence”

Fifth Floor – Heartbreak Talks

The debut album of Swedish duo Fifth Floor is a fine collection of tracks that draw together well-written lyrics and catchy musical arrangements. Imbibed with country-style riffs and rhythms, this selection of songs also features a fair bit of punkish attitude. Contrast that with some beautiful harmonies and you get an interesting overall sound fromContinue reading “Fifth Floor – Heartbreak Talks”

Robbie Cavanagh – To Leave/To Be Left

Wow. What have you done to me Robbie Cavanagh? I did not expect that. The debut album of this Manchester musician, released this week, stunned me into almost complete silence. Titled “To Leave/ To Be Left”, Cavanagh’s first full-length feature may begin with a feel-good beat, but it gradually becomes a mystical, beautiful and hauntingContinue reading “Robbie Cavanagh – To Leave/To Be Left”

Beginnings – Hannah’s Yard

The release of debut album Beginnings is surely the start of something special for Hannah Layton Turner. The musical collective known as Hannah’s Yard have released a fascinatingly eclectic record. Here are 14 songs that span across a variety of genres. We have a mixture of folk, pop, country, jazz and swing. They combine toContinue reading “Beginnings – Hannah’s Yard”