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”

Emma Swindells – Radio Silence

What a lovely little EP from Emma Swindells. Listening to Radio Silence is like wrapping your hands around a warm mug of cocoa and luxuriating in the smoothness of its contents. If you want to kick back and get lost in some folk-infused tracks, this is the way to do it. It is easy listeningContinue reading “Emma Swindells – Radio Silence”

Laura Oakes – Nashville Stole Your Girl

Having been snowed in and unable to attend the opening night of the pantomime Peter Pan, I thought I’d take the opportunity to cover myself in a bit of fairy dust, and fly off to the deep South for some country music instead. But in these economically-troubled times, where the cost of inflation rises fasterContinue reading “Laura Oakes – Nashville Stole Your Girl”

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”

Journey Home – Nights Like These

It seems as if Country Music Week has largely passed me by. Living in North Wales, I’d like to think it’s the location – predominantly London – that is largely to blame. However, I have to admit that the reason for my failure to keep up with the action at this inaugural event is simplyContinue reading “Journey Home – Nights Like These”

Hannah Paris – Short Stories

Hannah Paris is rather ‘sweet’. That’s the word that comes to mind on listening to her debut EP “Short Stories”. The 25 year-old singer/songwriter has produced a decent set of songs here, even though some do feel a little rough around the edges. There is an interesting echo on “Scared of the Dark” that makesContinue reading “Hannah Paris – Short Stories”

Lily Garland – The Next Chapter

The one thing I noticed when listening to Lily Garland was her voice. It is big, strong and powerful. With a confident sound to match that great set of lungs, it is perhaps no surprise that she was recently nominated for “Country Artist of the Year” at the UK Country Music Awards. Listening to herContinue reading “Lily Garland – The Next Chapter”

Clara Bond – Out of Towners

The name’s Bond. Clara Bond. As much as I know this isn’t an original introduction for anyone with that surname, let alone this British singer/songwriter, it almost feels like an obligation to use it at least once in my writing “career”. I won’t stretch the 007 metaphor any further here (that really would be tooContinue reading “Clara Bond – Out of Towners”