Lyndon Bolton

London

Writing about americana, country, blues, folk and all stops in between @nodepression, @americanaUK, @amershow, @LifeInASong_UK, @TheBGSituation

Featured in: Favicon

americana-uk.com Favicon

nodepression.com

Articles

XIXA “XOLO”

2 weeks ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

A psychedelic cumbia journey into the underworld. Lest our dear readers think this review is in some kind of code, an explanation. XIXA is the name of a band who blend their Latin roots into a psychedelic, mysterious sound that perfectly matches the desert expanse around their home in Tucson. The AUK review of their 2021 debut album gives a thorough insight into what XIXA are all about.
More People Really Should Know About: Bob Martin

2 weeks ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

Typically the purpose of this feature is to draw attention to an emerging artist. However, candidates also deserving of greater recognition are artists from long ago or who are no longer with us. Bob Martin is both. Two years ago our editor allocated me an album released shortly after Martin’s death, “Seabrook”, a collection of previously unreleased material. Not for the first time on unearthing something new, my reaction was a straightforward, why haven’t I come across this before?
Re-release Review: Cowboy Junkies “Whites Off Earth Now!!”

2 weeks ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

Back to their roots. For many, including this reviewer, Cowboy Junkies begin with ‘Trinity Session’ recorded in a Toronto church to a single mic. The 1988 album’s atmospheric, immersive sound launched Cowboy Junkies to their deserved acclaim but it is their second release. Their debut is ‘Whites Off Earth Now!!’ released two years previously, live to tape using a single ambisonic mic.
Jenn Butterworth “Her By Design”

1 month ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

Traditional folk storytelling from the woman’s perspective. In the accompanying press release Jenn Butterworth describes her debut album as a “feminist statement”. Few would dispute that traditional folk songs are usually male-dominated, leaving women in very stereotypical roles. Folk is about storytelling so Butterworth, an accomplished and recognised exponent of traditional folk guitar, puts the women’s perspective first in these tales.
For The Sake Of The Song: Margo Price ”All American Made”

2 months ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

Inspiration this time is perhaps unsurprising. While pondering gloomy thoughts about America many songs come to mind but Margo Price’s “All American Made” persists. This title track of her second album that was released in 2017 paints a bleak picture of America both domestically and overseas. Its grim message fades into a babble of political soundbites but perhaps the end is not the demise of the American dream?
Richard Davies & The Dissidents “High Times & Misdemeanours”

2 months ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

Full-on rock n’roll to blow away the cobwebs. Richard Davies may have been part of many bands and collaborations over his long musical career but he has never wavered from his trademark rock n’roll. This, his second solo record, firmly extends that heritage. Sounding somewhere between Tom Petty and Ian Hunter, Davies blasts his way through songs that are gritty and real, as he puts it, songs that are, “as relatable as possible”.
ALBUM REVIEW: On 'Spirit Ridge," Dean Owens' Celtic Americana Adds Italian Americana Flavor

2 months ago | nodepression.com | Lyndon Bolton

Help us continue to keep our web content free and accessible to all – without paywalls or invasive pop-up ads. Your support is important because it helps us cover our costs so that we can continue bringing you the independent music journalism you know and trust. Please consider subscribing or donating to No Depression now. As one of the last resources dedicated to covering roots music and related stories, we need the support of our readers.
Trinelise Væring “A Songwriter’s Odyssey”

2 months ago | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

From songwriting comes inner strength. Danish singer-songwriter Trinelise Væring was no exception to the creative doubts brought about by lockdown. During those lonely times she too looked inward but as this aptly titled release demonstrates she emerged with her artistic powers energised. Additionally, she felt an irresistible wanderlust to get back out there and navigate her way as a women in the unforgiving music world.
Mary Chapin Carpenter and Friends Go 'Looking for Thread' and Find Kismet

Jan 24, 2025 | nodepression.com | Lyndon Bolton

When they finished recording their album, Looking for Thread, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Karen Polwart, and Julie Fowlis, along with their producer and musicians, switched off the studio lights, lay down on the floor and listened to their creation. According to a press release, Polwart summed this up as, “just us all tripping out and going on a wee journey.” From the west coast of Scotland to an English studio this journey properly asserts itself in the album’s sense of space.
Sociograss “Made It All Up”

Dec 2, 2024 | americana-uk.com | Lyndon Bolton

American roots music in Scotland. From the 1600s Scots emigrants have made a lasting contribution to the music of Appalachia. This album sounds firmly established in that tradition. Sociograss must surely come from somewhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains? Scots they may be, but these ones are a bluegrass band based in Edinburgh.