A Pocket Full of Acorns
(Winding Track)
★★★★★

NAMED after a down in the Purbeck hills, Dorset-based folk duo Ninebarrow — Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere — have been captivating audiences over the last few years with their innovative take on traditional and contemporary folk songs.

Their fourth album is inspired by the landscape and history of Dorset, with the title track referencing Nelson’s second in command at the Battle of Trafalgar, who always carried acorns in his pockets to plant in appropriate places, reflecting the duo’s own environmental concerns and commitment to planting trees.

With fine vocals and multi-instrumentals, the album includes traditional songs like Hey John Barleycorn, along with new compositions like Under the Fence dealing with the plight of refugees in Calais and a powerful call to action on Cry Unity.

A truly enjoyable album, which should inspire new as well as existing fans.

Portable Radio
Simplify Your Life
(Crimson Crow Records)
★★★★★

THIS debut album from a power-pop trio combines luscious harmonies with 1960s-sounding numbers.

Hot Toddy, the single from the album, references US singer-songwriter Todd Rundgren and sings of wanting hope and happiness in these troubled times. But the group also draw inspiration from the Beach Boys and there is definitely a Summer of Love feel on Darling Hold On and Walk of Shame, with the sound also reminiscent of the baroque pop sound of the Left Banke.

Could this band have been born 60 years too late? Actually, they do have some contemporary feel and a bit of cheerful harmony is welcome as we hopefully emerge from full lockdown in the coming months.

One to play in expectation of happier times.

Tim Lane
As Sure as the Sun Rises
(timlanemusic.bandcamp.com)
★★★★★

SINGER, guitarist and songwriter Tim Lane has roots in both folk music and progressive rock and his current album, composed and recorded in his home studio during lockdown, is a celebration of the landscape, heroes and folk tales of his native Norfolk.

Rebel Bones deals with the 1549 rebellion against land enclosures led by Robert Kett but also links it to contemporary local politics, while Fish Out of Water is based on the story of the Sheringham mermaid, another local folk tale, and Pull Boys Pull, with its sea shanty feel, tells the story of local legend, lifeboatsman Henry Blogg.

All the songs are written by Lane but have a feel of traditional folk song with a bit of indie rock thrown in.

Overall, pretty exciting.