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Ghalia & Mama’s Boys - Let The Demons Out

The Boys can certainly play, but Vauthier is the star. It’s not just that she wrote 10 of these songs, but also that she inhabits them, lip-smacking her fingertips in the rowdy 4am Fried Chicken, squeaking and purring through Hiccup Boogie’s anecdotage, or reeling off a boozy rider in All The Good Things that puts Keef’s shepherd’s pie to shame. That voice can do damage, too, swanking on Little Willie John’s I’m SOFTWAREmark” gingersoftwareuiphraseguid=“06274d3f-be9c-4c62-b49b-e6452a297670” id=“4a1499f3-cac7-40c9-8c9f-6ad37eb2dd08”>Shakin’ and roasting edgy standout See That Man Alone. She might just be the most interesting thing ever to come from the land of Brexit legislation. (⁸⁄₁₀)

The Cold Heart Revue - Renegade Heart

Casuals will remember The Cold Heart Revue’s roots as a one-man acoustic troubadour, but David Robinson is equally convincing on this plugged-and-cranked EP. With barely a breath taken between them, I Can’t Get Started, Tattoo Girl and American Rain are everything the blues should be, played with fire, flair and urgency. Fabulous. (⁸⁄₁₀)

Gráinne Duffy - Where I Belong

There’s a wonderful languid quality to County Monaghan songwriter Gráinne Duffy’s third album. The folk picking of Where I Belong is worthy of Nick Drake; My Love and Open Arms have shades of prime-time Sheryl Crow, Duffy’s voice nailing the ratio of grit and honey. It’s often mellow but rarely lightweight, a balancing act exemplified by stark instrumental finale Canyon Road. (⁷⁄₁₀)

Tami Neilson - Don’t Be Afraid

Don’t Be Afraid is a family affair, released in tribute to the late Ron Neilson by his daughter Tami, who also co-wrote much of the material with her brother Jay. These songs reiterate the talent of all concerned, whether that’s Ron-penned stunners like Lonely, Tami’s extraordinary vintage-soul voice or the fiery brilliance of the siblings’ Holy Moses. (⁸⁄₁₀)

Jim Byrnes - Long Hot Summer Days

Henry Yates has been a freelance journalist since 2002 and written about music for titles including The Guardian, The Telegraph, NME, Classic Rock, Guitarist, Total Guitar and Metal Hammer. He is the author of Walter Trout's official biography, Rescued From Reality, a music pundit on Times Radio and BBC TV, and an interviewer who has spoken to Brian May, Jimmy Page, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie Wood, Dave Grohl, Marilyn Manson, Kiefer Sutherland and many more.