Hannah’s Yard and Sarah-Louise – A Two-Song Review

What I love most about acoustic covers is their ability to reveal songs in a new light. That is certainly the case with two recent releases from Sarah-Louise and Hannah’s Yard. The former has put out a magical reimagining of ‘Simply the Best’, Tina Turner’s powerhouse vocals disappearing to be replaced by Sarah-Louise’ tender, jazz-inflectedContinue reading “Hannah’s Yard and Sarah-Louise – A Two-Song Review”

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”

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”

Katie Nicholas, Katherine Priddy, & Demi Marriner – A Triple Review

Ghosting, aloofness, deceit. All themes that spring from Katie Nicholas’, Katherine Priddy’, and Demi Marriner’s latest singles. ‘In Your Shadow’ is the first. A melancholic tune from Katie Nicholas that could easily have featured on her ‘Feather’ EP. With a heady mix of vibrant strings, they communicate the vulnerability of one who loves but isContinue reading “Katie Nicholas, Katherine Priddy, & Demi Marriner – A Triple Review”

Eve Goodman – Summer Sun, Winter Trees

The songs on Eve Goodman’s debut album have accompanied her on the road of grief. Now, ‘Summer Sun, Winter Trees’ sees their release into the wider world. Catharsis is a word that comes to mind. Those who have experienced similar may find just that when they listen in. The simplicity of Goodman’s arrangements contributes toContinue reading “Eve Goodman – Summer Sun, Winter Trees”

Ellie Gowers – You, the Passenger

The music of Ellie Gowers always serves as a welcome breath. New EP ‘You, the Passenger’ is no different. Except it finds Ellie reaching beyond the bounds of Folk to incorporate Indie-Pop and Soft Rock. Whereas ‘Dwelling by the Weir’ was a gentle ramble across Warwickshire countryside, this latest record is a mountainous trek throughContinue reading “Ellie Gowers – You, the Passenger”

Rona Mac – Honeymilk and Heavy Weather

‘Honeymilk and Heavy Weather’ are two facets that deftly describe the light and dark of Rona Mac’s latest collection of work. Hers is an album written from the depths of a soul versed in the tragic grief and fragile beauty of life. Dedicated to a friend who took her own – Emily Victoria Hemingway –Continue reading “Rona Mac – Honeymilk and Heavy Weather”

Jeorgia Rose – Blooming

Jeorgia Rose’s debut album is one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2024, and it doesn’t disappoint. Clearly influenced by some of the foremost females in contemporary Country Music, ‘Blooming’ combines elements from across the spectrum to create an iridescent garden of sweet-smelling songs. The surprise of the opening title track is in itsContinue reading “Jeorgia Rose – Blooming”

Laura Evans – What I’m Made Of

We already know what Laura Evans is made of. But her latest EP firmly underlines her credentials. Through her signature combo of Blues/Rock, she creates an empowering message of confidence and self-belief. None more so than in the title track, ‘What I’m Made Of’. “When they think I’m too weak / and there’s no fightContinue reading “Laura Evans – What I’m Made Of”

John Jenkins – Weary

‘Weary’, the title track of John Jenkins’ new EP, aptly reflects how I’ve felt today. Which is why the Liverpool singer-songwriter was most welcome into my home. In the space of that one song, I had gone from feeling down and drained to suitably uplifted. The way it builds from acoustic guitar to keyboard andContinue reading “John Jenkins – Weary”