Ichiko Aoba: Luminescent Creatures review – nurturing music for bleak times
The cult Japanese singer-songwriter’s new album, inspired by the Ryukyu islands, is like a powerfully soothing sound bath
Malmin: Med Åshild Vetrhus review – deliciously diabolical Norwegian folk spells
Anders Hana, Olva Christer Rossebø and Åshild Vetrhus take inspiration from Norway’s rugged Rogaland in these tracks sourced from early-to-mid 20th century recordings
Richard Dawson: End of the Middle review – a unique snapshot of ordinary British life
From allotment highs to Holly and Phil, the Newcastle singer-songwriter mines life’s daily stresses and joys as only he can
Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy: The Purple Bird review – Will Oldham goes country, but darkly
Recorded in Nashville, the American outlier’s latest is concerned with the state of the nation and more, though there’s mischief in there too
Cynefin: Shimli review – this Welsh folk music is a quietly political antidote to the modern age
Singer Owen Shiers combines traditional ballads, musical settings of poems, and originals built on stories collected from rural west Walians, all sung in Welsh
Sam Amidon: Salt River review – an eclectic if erratic affair
The US musician leads an accomplished yet slightly bland living room session spanning traditional numbers and songs by Lou Reed, Yoko Ono and more
Wardruna: Birna review – numbing Norse nature-metal better suited to Netflix scores
Traditional instruments, drones and repetitive lyrics make for some epic listening, possibly more suitable for a medieval TV romp
Madison Cunningham review – complex new tunes from a folk singer with a knack for a twist
The Los Angeles musician is developing a heavier, rockier sound than before, but her astonishing voice and intuitive melodies are as strong as ever
Tunng: Love You All Over review – a delightfully quirky return from the folktronica pioneers
The inventive English six-piece deliver another slice of whimsy, wit and gentle musical experimentation
Bridget Hayden and the Apparitions: Cold Blows the Rain review – wild weather and maternal lullabies
Hayden’s traditional songs unfurl at a glacial pace, as heavy as the sodden moors at midnight
Music: Kitty Empire’s 10 best albums of 2024
Americana’s classiest duo weather the storm, Kendrick Lamar has the last word, UK jazz soars – and Charli xcx unleashes the power of Brat
Merope: Vėjula review – Lithuanian folk reborn in glittering new forms
The duo are joined by a stellar cast including Bill Frisell and Laraaji, bringing innovation and playfulness to their bright, elemental music
Distant Voices, New Worlds review – avant-garde vision of Albion by bright British composers
Inspired by the South Downs near Brighton, this selection box of new work from contemporary composers is English to its core – and yet defies tradition
Laura Marling review – a sumptuous performance, with strings attached
The singer-songwriter’s impressive showcase of her new album is bookended by solo guitar numbers that underline what a class act she is
Iron & Wine review – shadow puppets and folk-pop combine in singular gig
Emmy award-winning puppeteers Manual Cinema occasionally pull focus from Sam Beam’s rich songwriting, but mostly enhance it with eerie and intricate staging