Katie Spencer’s ‘The Edge of the Land’ doesn’t feel the need to over-embellish its sound; it has the spontaneity that live performance captures combined with arrangements that are unfussy but quietly…| KLOF Mag
The music on Katie Spencer’s full-length debut album is sensitive, poetic and perfectly judged, and executed with a confidence and skill, and experience, that would seem to belie her 21 years.| KLOF Mag
Welcome to another Monday Morning Brew Playlist featuring Tindersticks, Smog, Dory Previn, Low, Gillian Welch, Jim White, Giant Sand, Ellen McIlwaine, Scott Walker, Nick Lowe, Grinderman, Vic Chesnutt, Dean & Britta, Martha Wainwright, Meg Baird and Karen Dalton. Source| KLOF Magazine
Our latest Mixtape walks the line between tradition and experimentation courtesy of French label Pagans, alongside music from Anna & Elizabeth, Joseph Decosimo, Nathan Bowles, Jack Rose, Bill MacKay, Buck Curran, Greenvine, Gwenifer Raymond, Brad Barr, and Toby Hay. Source| KLOF Magazine
We look back at Anna and Elizabeth's groundbreaking self-titled album, to be released on vinyl for the first time on its Tenth Anniversary - "a rare album that is as intimate as it is ambitious and as idiosyncratic as it is reverential." Source| KLOF Magazine
Joshua Burnside shares his new single and video "Nicer Part of Town"–"a daydream song, following thoughts and memories around, some nice, some not so nice," in which he heads back to a "childhood kitchen, and then up into the heavens on an old spaceship. We then sleep rough under a bridge, get blown up by a car bomb and end up in the garden of Eden." Source| KLOF Magazine
By no means overshadowing Blue Lake's previous album, Weft, The Animal instead provides further proof of Jason Dungan’s ambition and ability as a musician and now bandleader. A record celebrating human collaboration and the beauty of life and nature, The Animal sees Blue Lake push its sound into new realms, once again surprising and delighting—a wonderful, uplifting instrumental album. Source| KLOF Magazine
Bergamo-based guitarist Buck Curran's Far Driven Sun is an intensely musical, layered set celebrating his reunion with a 1990 Stefan Sobell ‘Butterfly’ acoustic guitar. From the intimate "Vignettes" to the subtly dynamic "Bells" and the buoyant "Unicorn Song," it showcases Buck’s exquisite touch as a player and recording artist. It's a highly accomplished album, made with love and performed with the utmost skill and intricate musicianship. Source| KLOF Magazine
Watch the accompanying music video for Irish duo Rezo's new single, "Nothing Else." Produced by David Odlum, the track follows their critically acclaimed 2024 album, The Age of Self-Help. Featuring the poignant lyrics and heartfelt melodies of Colm O’Connell and Rory McDaid, "Nothing Else" captures "the abject tragedies of life and the power of love," cementing Rezo's status as a key alternative Irish act. Source| KLOF Magazine
Another Monthly Subscriber playlist featuring the artists we’ve been enjoying over the past month, including: Junior Brother, The Little Unsaid, Ron Sexsmith, Eve Adams, JJJJJErome Ellis, Lucrecia Dalt, Jens Kuross, Iona Zajac, James Yorkston, Gwenifer Raymond, Steve Gunn, Buck Curran, Saul Williams, Carson McHone, Big Thief, claire rousay, Joan Shelley, Fruit Bats, Kathryn Williams, Trond Kallevåg, Patrick Shiroishi, M. Sage, Smote, SML, Sir Richard Bishop, Katie Spencer, Michael Hurley &...| KLOF Magazine
Following the release of her fourth album, Enter Now Brightness, in February, New Zealander Nadia Reid delves into the familial and folk shadows of one of music's most mythologised figures. Reid has released a digital double A-side that goes beyond mere tribute to intergenerational conversation: a cover of Nick Drake’s "Poor Boy" paired, strikingly, with his mother Molly Drake's spectral retort, "Poor Mum." Source| KLOF Magazine
Following the release of her debut album, Rift, Clara Mann has just announced Rift (Extended Edition), which includes two new covers and two French-language versions of standout tracks from the original album. Accompanied by Owen Spafford on fiddle, and released today as a double A-side single, listen to her performing "500 Miles," a traditional song inspired by Hedy West's version and “My Life," by Iris DeMent. Source| KLOF Magazine
Mason Lindahl's meticulous dual-release presents a captivating study of ambient texture and place. Recorded in California (Joshua) and Iceland (Same Day Walking), the albums' distinct sonic palettes—one "woolier and warmer," the other starker—are inseparable from their locales. Lindahl's singular nylon string guitar style, with its complex picking and judicious synth/organ touches, finds both intimacy and an otherworldly feel in an album of outstanding guitar music. Source| KLOF Magazine
Joan Shelley's new album, 'Real Warmth,' is an intimate and urgent collection of songs. With a unique, collaborative sound, the music explores profound themes of human connection, global divisions, and our fragile planet. It's a beautiful example of American folk that stands as the finest offering from her esteemed career so far. Source| KLOF Magazine
In an echo of the past, Rafael Toral unveils a new single, “Solitude,” from his upcoming album, Traveling Light. The track revisits the Duke Ellington standard, a piece that has long served as a canvas for improvisers from Thelonious Monk to Mary Halvorson. Yet, Toral’s interpretation channels the profound, almost sacred vulnerability of Billie Holiday’s classic take. Source| KLOF Magazine
“What Love Is” could well be a breakthrough album for Katie Spencer. It is a mature, confident and eminently pleasurable release by an artist deserving of the broadest exposure and audience.| KLOF Mag
This line sums up ‘Placebound Spirits’ perfectly – “I have found myself going back to this splendid little EP time and again, becoming utterly mesmerised by its subtle charms, strange nuances and…| KLOF Mag
On “Small Show”, Glenn Kimpton demonstrates an uncanny ability to slip unseen from folky pastoralism to improvised experimentation; it’s a highly rewarding album.| KLOF Mag
Good Times is the latest offering from Alexei Shishkin. “…pop culture, poetics, psychology and philosophy are rolled into a surreal, lumpy ball and garnished with a palatable – and memorable – indie-pop melody.” Despite Shishkin’s lo-fi beginnings and his continuing willingness to drink from the well of slacker aesthetics, Good Times is a bold and – dare we say it – polished artistic statement.| KLOF Mag
Jake Blount has shared another stunning single and video from his new album ‘The New Faith’. The video for “Once There Was No Sun”, a song he learned from a Bessie Jones recording…| KLOF Mag
Leyla McCalla’s ‘Breaking the Thermometer’ is both a tribute to Jean Dominique and Michéle Montas and an impassioned defence of democracy in present-day Haiti and a quest towards personal…| KLOF Mag
Featuring Andy Cutting, Ríoghnach Connolly & Ellis Davis, Rosie Hood and more, Locations is the result of the efforts of three Liverpool students who drove across the North of England in a red Corsa…| KLOF Mag
Impressionistic rather than explicit, thoughts and emotions are woven through the musical fabric as much as the lyrics on Kaia Kater’s ‘Grenades’, it marks a huge leap on her musical and personal…| KLOF Mag
Dom Flemons pays tribute to the music, culture, and the complex history of the golden era of the Wild West’s and sheds light on the role that African-American, Native American and Mexican men and…| KLOF Mag
Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi’s new album is unlike anything else you will experience this year. They’re Calling Me Home is a metaphor for our times. We all need to find our way home.| KLOF Mag
Watch Clifton Hicks performing Barbara Allen in the woods on his banjo. He learned this version from George Gibson of Knott County, Kentucky.| KLOF Mag
The Stories on this album are as good an example of Jim Whites art as you can get. This is storytelling first and music a very close second.| KLOF Mag
North Carolina’s Joseph Decosimo leans into the weird and psychedelic side of Old-time music on Fiery Gizzard. Energetic and enchanting, it feels both timeless and otherworldly; a truly delightful listen.| KLOF Mag
Watch North Carolina’s Joseph Decosimo, joined by Stephanie Coleman, Matthew O’Connell and Jay Hammond, performing “Billy Button,” the vibrant final preview of his new album Fiery Gizzard.| KLOF Mag
Watch banjo player and singer Nora Brown and old-time fiddle player Stephanie Coleman performing music from their new EP ‘ Lady of the Lake’ and more.| KLOF Mag
Watch Nora Brown performing Wild Bill Jones with fiddle player Stephanie Coleman; plus a clip of her performing with The Rheingans Sisters.| KLOF Mag
Taken from her forthcoming new album ‘Long Time To Be Gone’, watch Nora Brown performing ‘Cumberland Gap’, on a fretless tackhead banjo.| KLOF Mag
Old-time musician Nora Brown returns in August with her third album ‘Long Time To Be Gone’ which was recorded in St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn Heights.| KLOF Mag
Watch Nora Brown performing Virgil Anderson’s version of Wild Goose Chase from his album On the Tennessee Line. She makes that banjo sing so beautifully!| KLOF Mag
We rewind to January 2013 and a special Simple Folk Radio show that was hosted by James Yorkston on which he shares some of his favourite folk tunes.| KLOF Mag
The End is a compelling journey into the intricate and unique mind of Junior Brother—a geniusly defiant, thrilling, and politically charged folk album.| KLOF Mag
All Gist is the finest example of James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg’s skills as a duo so far. A wonderfully soothing recording of top-level musicianship.| KLOF Mag
A confident and intricately polished album, Macie Stewart’s ‘Mouth Full of Glass’ revels in the subtle and sombre, without losing its palpable sense of hope.| KLOF Mag
The Unseen In Between is befitting of its title; a mysterious and mesmeric edgeland offering glimpses into the underbelly of a half-remembered neighbourhood, and the trials and habits of its outcasts.| KLOF Mag
Toby Hay and Aidan Thorne’s ‘after a pause’ is music of sharply-defined brilliance, shot through with the light of the Welsh countryside, and brimming with consideration both for the spirit of collaboration and for the natural world.| KLOF Mag
The music across the twelve tracks of Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay is diverse and dynamic, ebbing and flowing like a river, evoking nature and the outdoors wonderfully. Assured in its composition and…| KLOF Mag
Having just released and toured a fascinating new album from the commission of a beautiful new instrument, it was time to meet with Rhyader’s finest to discuss his Fylde and New Music for the 12…| KLOF Mag
Dive into the raw energy of Zydeco with Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco. This landmark box set, out November 2025 on Arhoolie Records (now part of Smithsonian Folkways), features 67 tracks (19 of which are previously unreleased) – listen to the powerful 1971 live recording of “Mr. Charlie;” it’s a true testament to the King of Zydeco’s enduring legacy.| KLOF Mag
Dive into the raw energy of Zydeco with Clifton Chenier: King of Louisiana Blues and Zydeco. This landmark box set, out November 2025 on Arhoolie Records (now part of Smithsonian Folkways), features 67 tracks (19 of which are previously unreleased) – listen to the powerful 1971 live recording of “Mr. Charlie;” it’s a true testament to the King of Zydeco’s enduring legacy.| KLOF Mag
‘Arhoolie Records Down Home Music’ is a visual storytelling celebration of American roots music through unseen and newly scanned photographs by Chris Strachwitz, the founder of the legendary Arhoolie…| KLOF Mag
Alongside a video by Ellius Grace, Alt-folk duo DUG have released ‘Have At It!’, the poignant title track from their debut album, arriving September 19th. The song’s title comes from a heartfelt family joke, anchoring the band’s unique blend of American and Irish folk traditions. Comprised of Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, DUG have also announced festival dates and a London headline show for November.| KLOF Mag
Alongside a video by Ellius Grace, Alt-folk duo DUG have released ‘Have At It!’, the poignant title track from their debut album, arriving September 19th. The song’s title comes from a heartfelt family joke, anchoring the band’s unique blend of American and Irish folk traditions. Comprised of Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, DUG have also announced festival dates and a London headline show for November.| KLOF Mag
Alongside a video by Ellius Grace, Alt-folk duo DUG have released ‘Have At It!’, the poignant title track from their debut album, arriving September 19th. The song’s title comes from a heartfelt family joke, anchoring the band’s unique blend of American and Irish folk traditions. Comprised of Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, DUG have also announced festival dates and a London headline show for November.| KLOF Mag
DUG, featuring Lorkin O’Reilly and Jonny Pickett, have created something that is both ancient and modern with “Have At It!,” a weird and wonderful album that takes traditional music and stands it on its ear.| KLOF Mag
Our Albums of the Year - KLOF Mag’s favourite album releases from the last 12 months.| KLOF Mag
Yasmin Williams & Gwenifer Raymond are on tour together in June. We look back at their unique journey so far and why this will be an unmissable UK tour.| KLOF Mag
Last year saw the release of You Never Were Much of a Dancer, the debut album from Welsh-born American primitivist Gwenifer Raymond. Watch her performing “Idumea” from the album, live in session at…| KLOF Mag
Part Three of our Best Folk Albums of 2018 includes Landless, Olivia Chaney, Jim Ghedi, Stick in the Wheel, Sarah Louise and more.| KLOF Mag
Gwenifer Raymond is a Welsh multi-instrumentalist, originally from Cardiff, now based in Brighton. She’s just signed to Tompkins Square through whom she’s released her new single Sometimes There’s…| KLOF Mag
Gwenifer Raymond returns on November 13th with her new album Strange Lights Over Garth Mountain, watch her second single and video from the album – Hell For Certain.| KLOF Mag
Reviews of the latest releases and album recommendations from KLOF Mag’s Editor.| KLOF Mag
Next Friday sees the release of James Yorkston, Nina Persson and The Second Hand Orchestra’s new album The Great White Sea Eagle. Today, the group share their third song from the record, “The Harmony”.| KLOF Mag
Last month, James Yorkston, Nina Persson and The Second Hand Orchestra announced their new album The Great White Sea Eagle. Due for release on January 13th, they have today shared the second cut from…| KLOF Mag
Editrix announce their third full-length and Joyful Noise Recordings debut, The Big E. Arriving with the news is the album’s title track, a maelstrom of galloping fretwork from guitarist/vocalist Wendy Eisenberg, anchored by the stuttering, intricate interplay of bassist Steve Cameron and drummer Josh Daniel. Named for its foundational, recurring E chords, the track operates with a jittery precision, inching them ever closer to the centre of the avant-rock constellation.| KLOF Mag
Editrix announce their third full-length and Joyful Noise Recordings debut, The Big E. Arriving with the news is the album’s title track, a maelstrom of galloping fretwork from guitarist/vocalist Wendy Eisenberg, anchored by the stuttering, intricate interplay of bassist Steve Cameron and drummer Josh Daniel. Named for its foundational, recurring E chords, the track operates with a jittery precision, inching them ever closer to the centre of the avant-rock constellation.| KLOF Mag
Editrix announce their third full-length and Joyful Noise Recordings debut, The Big E. Arriving with the news is the album’s title track, a maelstrom of galloping fretwork from guitarist/vocalist Wendy Eisenberg, anchored by the stuttering, intricate interplay of bassist Steve Cameron and drummer Josh Daniel. Named for its foundational, recurring E chords, the track operates with a jittery precision, inching them ever closer to the centre of the avant-rock constellation.| KLOF Mag
Steve Gunn’s ‘Music for Writers’, his first solo instrumental album, is an immersive and meditative experience, further demonstrating the versatility of this exceptional musician.| KLOF Mag
On fixe Idee, guitarist Eric Arn puts the mostly unadorned acoustic through its paces. The result is excellent, singular, exciting and adventurous.| KLOF Mag
You Never Were Much of a Dancer is an absorbing, original and varied debut that demonstrates the skill and consideration this talented musician possesses.| KLOF Mag
James Yorkston announces a new collaborative album with David A Jaycock and Lina Langendorf (The Second Hand Orchestra). Due for release in May, listen to ‘Tide’, the first single from Yorkston / Jaycock / Langendorf.| KLOF Mag
On Navarasa, Yorkston/Thorne/Khan achieve a kind of serenity that is certainly spiritual but is somehow completely secular and entirely inclusive. Its influences are clearly visible, but the way those…| KLOF Mag
Glasgow’s Iona Zajac channels newfound rage into “Anton,” a brutally honest and deeply personal new single confronting the toxic men of her past.| KLOF Mag
Iona Zajac drops a joyfully vibrant single and brilliantly fun video, Bang, a celebration of female pleasure on which she says, “A good bang…won’t fix your life, but it might help.”| KLOF Mag
Inspired by an Emily Dickinson poem, Iona Zajac has shared a music video for ‘Summer’, her first release since 2023 - it begins with a “morning penny-drop realisation that we need more than love to be good for someone.”| KLOF Mag
Martin Carthy’s “Transform Me Then Into A Fish” is shortlisted for the Mercury Prize 2025| KLOF Mag
On the beautiful, angry and groundbreaking live album, “Saul Williams meets Carlos Niño & Friends at TreePeople”, Williams delivers a message to his country and the rest of the world with unrivalled eloquence.| KLOF Mag
Jens Kuross’s Crooked Songs is by far his warmest and most intimate-sounding yet. It plays out with the sound of Jens moving around in his kitchen; the teaspoon clinks against the cup; the floor creaks. It is the sound of life and a perfect way to end such a raw, bold set of songs that are quietly profound and powerful in their unvarnished delivery. This album is something special.| KLOF Mag
This year sees the end of an era of sorts for Texan instrumentalist Hayden Pedigo, with the release of I’ll Be Waving As You Drive Away completing his ‘Motor Trilogy’. We met to find out more about the making of this ‘bittersweet’ finale.| KLOF Mag
This week’s Monday Morning Brew features Katy Pinke & Will Graefe, Marlon Williams, Joan Shelley, Shabason, Krgovich, Tenniscoats, Geckøs, Anna Tivel, Oren Ambarchi, Johan Berthling, Andreas Werliin and more.| KLOF Mag