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
Róis: Mo Léan review – ancient keening songs filled with startling new life
Singer Rose Connolly expands the pre-Christian Irish grieving tradition with synthesisers, distortion and drone in an arresting set
Leon Bridges: Leon review – deliciously soulful confection with added country
(Columbia)The musician’s emotional fourth album borrows liberally from the past but the themes are modern and the sound utterly timeless
Willie Watson: Willie Watson review – a former hell-raiser finds his voice
Known for his versions of old American folk, the singer finally puts his extraordinary voice at the service of his own material
Mustafa: Dunya review – poet’s songwriting is a little too beautiful for its own good
The multitalented Canadian renders his subtle songs in tasteful autumnal shades – but could have benefitted from more head-turning numbers such as Gaza Is Calling
The Rheingans Sisters: Start Close In review – a radical leap into darkness
With their golden voices, fertile soundworlds and evocative influences from across Europe, the Sheffield duo’s fifth album is admirably confrontational
Astrid Williamson: Shetland Suite review – a beautiful enchantment
The Scottish musician pays tribute to her homeland and her late mother with this powerfully moving set
Supersonic festival review – an awesome windmill of noise and connection
This festival of heavier sounds from the fringes was a blast, from chilling Gazelle Twin to Daisy Rickman’s Krautrock-folk, noise icons Melt-Banana and locals Flesh Creep