Wah Wah 45s レコード& CD

Review: Ghanaian/UK outfit Isaac Birituro & The Rail Abandon won plenty of fans with the first two albums Kalba and Small Small now return with this seven track opus. It explores the traditional West African roots of their sound but also adds some freshness in the form of Birituro's xylophone as well as Sonny Johns' folky touches and the powerful vocals of Ghanaian songstress Wiyaala. You might well have already heard some of this on 6Music and will likely hear much more because it is hugely appealing and accessible music with devastating soul.

Review: Much has changed for violinist, composer and singer-songwriter Bev Lee Harling since the release of her acclaimed debut album, Barefoot In Your Kitchen, nine years ago. It's these changes - parenthood, family life, the difficulty of retaining artistic creativity and vision when it plays second fiddle to other life commitments - that inspired Little Anchor, a sophomore album recorded at different times and places over the last decade. First and foremost, the song is full of superb songs with plenty to say, with Harling's distinctive vocal delivery being joined by imaginative musical arrangements (her violin is naturally present throughout) and production that variously touches on soul, future synth-pop, jazz and dreamy electronica.