Laura Oakes – Spring Tour Review

So inconspicuous is Phase One, one of Liverpool’s newest music venues, I initially walk right past. When I eventually spot the white neon sign hanging over the door on my way back down Seel Street, I am overcome with a sudden anxiety about the size of the place. But as I look in, over theContinue reading “Laura Oakes – Spring Tour Review”

Emily Frith – Open Book EP

Emily Frith’s new EP would make a great companion piece to the new adaptation of Little Women. Having fallen in love all over again with the characters in Louisa May Allcott’s tale, thanks to the excellent direction of Greta Gurwig and a commanding performance from Saoirse Ronan as Jo, I notice that the same themesContinue reading “Emily Frith – Open Book EP”

Lily Garland – Rise From the Ashes EP

It has been a tough day. And on tough days, music is one of the things that sees me through. Earlier I drove to work listening to the meditative sounds of Wildwood Kin. This evening, I just wanted a pick me up. I had planned on listening to Lily Garland’s new EP Rise Above theContinue reading “Lily Garland – Rise From the Ashes EP”

Molly-Anne – Autumn Leaves EP

I am sat listening to Molly-Anne’s new EP Autumn Leaves on a sunny but chilly afternoon. After a night of hard frost, the sun has finally managed to break through, leaving a watery coat on the red, yellow, brown and green of the trees and bushes. They glisten gently in the garden, a decorative spaceContinue reading “Molly-Anne – Autumn Leaves EP”

Vic Allen – Enough EP

With catchy chorus lines, infectious instrumentation, and superb storytelling, Vic Allen’s new EP is a tantalising revelation. Each of its four tracks has been distilled to perfection, producing a lyrical clarity that benefits from a paired back production. Title track Enough exemplifies this, its unpretentious bass line and background harmonies serving to support the first-classContinue reading “Vic Allen – Enough EP”

Eye of the Storm – Theatr na nOg @ Pontio

My love affair with theatre began a few years ago with Under Milk Wood. Theatr Clwyd’s production of Dylan Thomas’ most famous work was a revelation, a conversion experience that has led me to take a seat for many a show since. Over the last year or so, such journeys have become less frequent. LifeContinue reading “Eye of the Storm – Theatr na nOg @ Pontio”

Tennessee Twin – Tips in a Jar EP

Tips in a Jar, the debut EP from Tennessee Twin, is one of my surprise finds of 2019. This acoustic duo from Cambridge have released a set of delicate tracks that rest gently on the listening ear. I couldn’t help but draw comparisons with Alison Krauss & Union Station such is the tender charm ofContinue reading “Tennessee Twin – Tips in a Jar EP”

Lisa Redford – Edge of Love EP

Having recently spent time listening to the songs of Nanci Griffith, I can’t help but feel a sort of kinship between her and Lisa Redford. The latter’s most recent EP ‘Edge of Love’ is my first encounter with the Norwich-based singer-songwriter. And her mix of folk and country reminds me of Griffith’s style. In particular,Continue reading “Lisa Redford – Edge of Love EP”

Clara Bond – Crown EP

First, there was Unfinished Business. Then came Better When I’m Drunk, followed by Dead Ends & Detours. Now, Clara Bond joins Katy Hurt, Twinnie, and Kezia Gill respectively in competing for UK Country EP of 2019. Crown is a sumptuous blend of countrified lyrics and pop sensibility that is shot through with soft rock. ThisContinue reading “Clara Bond – Crown EP”

Morganway – Debut Album Review

Morganway have been making quite the impression on the live circuit in recent months. Such has been the impact of their live performances that their debut album has become highly anticipated. And boy, does it deliver. Covered in countrified Americana, with flecks of folk, bits of the blues, and rock running right through, this isContinue reading “Morganway – Debut Album Review”