SpiralEarth.co.uk reviews 2012

Here are this years reviews, we archive reviews by year going back to 2008, use the links on the right to look through all of them, or the search box in the navigation bar to find a specific review.

The Fragile - O'Hooley & Tidow

It is a strange fact, but it is the really good albums that are the hardest ones to review. Belinda and Heidi are getting rave reviews and praise across the board for their follow up to 'Silent June'. Quite right too as it is an incredibly moving, deep and finely nuanced album, one that is truly the work of the duo whereas Silent June leant upon Belinda's personal back catalogue in its content....more

02/02/2012

Young Man In America - Anaïs Mitchell

The previous album from Mitchell was the epic 'Hadestown'. The Folk opera that redefined what could be achieved within the confines of a concept album. It was an incredible album that garnered huge critical acclaim and became an engrossing live performance, captivating audiences in Europe and America. It created a world of its own, and it was a staggering example of what 'folk' can encompass in its widest and most inventive form....more

30/01/2012

State Of The Union

Songwriters and guitarists beware as this is going to hurt. Somehow amongst the trillions of songs for voice and guitar, Boo Hewerdine and Brooks Williams, have penned a delightful album which may cause many a career musician to feel a little queasy....more

27/01/2012

Kris Drever with Éamonn Coyne and Megan Henderson EP

Kris Drever has never just dipped a toe into the traditional pool. His policy has always been to go skinny dipping. And, when he comes up for air, it's time for something special. For this five track EP he teams up with multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Megan Henderson of Breabach and The Sanna, and old sparring partner, the tenor banjo specialist, Éamonn Coyne....more

26/01/2012

Simone Felice

THAT VOICE! Simone Felice could seriously injure someone with that voice. How it can simultaneously contain weight of the world weariness and exultant joy is a mystery. And, like all great mysteries, we're drawn to it, like moths to a flame....more

25/01/2012

John Barleycorn Reborn: Rebirth

Rebirth is the third double CD compilation from Cold Spring Records of folk song exploring the cycles of the natural year. This was actually originally available as a download only collection but is now remastered and released on CD, with the same lavish care of the previous releases in this 'Dark Britannica' series. The series has sought out songs that celebrate seasonal birth, death and rebirth, it's the pagan cycle of nature and the seasons that our pre-industrial forebears lived their lives by....more

22/01/2012

Miranda Sykes & Rex Preston

Albums made by couples who are in love generally have just that little bit extra touch of magic about them. Miranda and Rex have been a couple for some time now, which is no news to anyone who has seen them share a stage as their connection was plain to see. Musically they are a wonderful match, Rex is a leading light in a new wave of British Bluegrass mandolin players and Miranda needs no introduction as she has toured with Show of Hands for years and possesses a cracking voice....more