After my first visit to Buckle & Boots Festival twelve months ago, I was expecting to find myself making another trip to Whitebottom Farm again this year. But of course, like so many others, the event succumbed to the lockdown restrictions imposed by the coronavirus and was initially cancelled. However, some hard work behind the … More Buckle & Boots Online Festival 2020
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 faster … More Laura Oakes – Nashville Stole Your Girl
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 from … More Fifth Floor – Heartbreak Talks
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 haunting … More Robbie Cavanagh – To Leave/To Be Left
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 simply … More Journey Home – Nights Like These
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 makes … More Hannah Paris – Short Stories
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 her … More Lily Garland – The Next Chapter
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 too … More Clara Bond – Out of Towners
Why has it taken me so long to properly listen to Catherine McGrath? Having heard Bob Harris play “Hell Would Have to Freeze Over” on his Radio 2 show a few months ago, I can’t believe it has taken me until now to give her my undivided attention. Since then, she has released her second … More Catherine McGrath – Starting From Now
I’m a huge fan of country duos, and Retreat are no exception. Having started writing together four years ago, Rich and Marianne decided to take the next step and started singing together two years ago. Now, in 2017, they have decided to release their debut EP ‘No Need for Conversation’. It seems to reflect their … More Retreat – No Need For Conversation
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