Slaid Cleaves has a novelist’s eye and a poet’s heart. Twenty years into his career, the celebrated songwriter’s new release Still Fighting the War shows an artist in peak form. Cleaves new collection of songs have carefully chiselled musical arrangements and wild and vivid song content, portrayed as cinematic snapshots which draw the listener in further on every replay.
Earthy narratives like: “Men go off to war for a hundred reasons/ But they all come home with the same demons”, in the opening album track is a good example of Cleaves songwriting talent. “Some you can keep at bay for a while/ Some will pin you to the floor/ You’ve been home for a couple of years now, buddy/ But you’re still fighting the war.” … Few artist can still deliver this sort of punch with such striking immediacy. Continue reading
Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo are set to take to the road on their biggest ever UK tour including Shepherds Bush Empire in October and November 2013. This latest tour will give fans a chance to hear new material from their much-anticipated fourth studio album, Dear River, which is released on the 8th July 2013 on Linn Records and will include support from Chris T-T.
This week sees the release of MAYDAY, the bold and highly anticipated new album from Lady Maisery.
The distinctive sound that makes Keston Cobblers’ Club so unique comes from a desire to create contemporary, catchy music fused with the wholesome grittiness of traditional folk. With a festival count growing by the minute, Bromley’s Keston Cobblers’ Club released their new single ‘Beam’ on May 13th. 
Opening with a splendidly crisp “Dr Gilberts” which I haven’t heard since the days of Five Hand Reel, the quartet of Andy Dinan (fiddle), Ian Fletcher (guitars and programming), Jon Thorne (double bass) and Richard Sliwa on percussion certainly know how to swing. Having caught my attention from the outset perhaps it’s just me but the one thing I’m not too sure about is the ‘jazz’ bridge which segues from the second tune to the third. There’s no doubt what a superb musician Fletcher is (as are the others) it’s just that for me at least it’s a step too far and a distraction from what is an otherwise brilliant set-piece. 
Critically acclaimed songwriter Thea Gilmore has now released her new studio album Regardless, to celebrate its release folking is giving you a chance to take a listen to the single ‘Love Came Looking For Me’.
We’re very excited at folking as we have just got our hands on the new Merry Hell ”Head Full Of Magic, Shoes Full Of Rain” album which is due for general release on the 20 May 2013 through Mrs Casey Records.