Already a favourite of Trevor Jackson, this Linkwood/House of Traps ep on Edinburgh's Firecracker label is out to impress. Dynamic synthlines and slow-burning disco, outstanding production and rhythms: this is guaranteed to satisfy.
Various - Explorer's Club : 1. London to Paris (Loaf)
This, the first in a series of collaborative EPs on Loaf, brings together Type Records regulars Peter Broderick and Ryan Teague with Mercury Prize nominee Sweet Billy Pilgrim. An enthralling mixture of folk, post-rock and Constellation-esque atmospherics, this record is as accomplished as it is ambitious, and leaves us pretty excited about the forthcoming releases in the series!
Laura Veirs - July Flame (Bella Union)
Already being touted (both here and in the States) as one of the albums of the year, we'd be amazed not to find this in several end-of-year polls. Cult singer/songwriter Laura Veirs returns with a self-released album of perfectly-crafted, humble, intimate folk music. Not to be missed, espcially by fans of Fleet Foxes, The Decemberists or My Morning Jacket.
Amedeo Tommasi - Made in USA (Arision)
Italian pianist turns 65 this year, and Arision celebrate with this re-issue of an early 1970s work, originally titled 'Narassa'. Hammond grooves, synths, cinematic blues and free jazz make this either the pefect introduction to Tommasi, or a vital addition to the collection of any fan.
Seabear - We built a Fire (Morr)
Although it isn't released until March, our friends at Morr were so excited about this release, they asked us to playlist it already- and with good reason! With Seabear as the masters of lo-fi indie-folk pop, wecan assure you that when you hear these melodies, you'll be humming them to yourself again and again.
The Whitefield Brothers - Earthology (Stones Throw)
This record took years to finish, and although draws reference from the loose-funk of early 1970s America, it's influences go much further, both in time and geography. Afrobeat and Gamelan rhythms, raps from Percee P, Edan and Mr. Lif- this sounds like the soundtrack to a tribal ritual of a long-forgotten civilisation.
Louise McVey - Louise McVey and Cracks in the Concrete (Optimo)
Glasgow's finest new label- Optimo Music- present Louise McVey, and there are no three minute pop songs here, for Ms McVey is a chanteuse of the old school. Instead expect David Lynch-ian dusty pianos, scuttling guitars, rich, resonant vocals and selective percussion by Louise herself. You heard it here first!
Richard Skelton - Landings (Type)
Ambient modern-classical post-rock, evoking the feel of Skelton's native rural England result in one of the most moving, sophisticated, organic records we've heard in a while. You can even hear site-specific soundscapes of the natural world captured in the background during these recordings, and the music is as much about these unusual, deeply atmospheric recording locations Skelton chooses as it is the instrumentation itself. Expressive, haunting and beautiful
