Folk Round-up (David Mitchell, The Ocelots & more)

This month’s folk round-up offers rich pickings, stretching from County Mayo to Leipzig, with a stop at Oxford’s canals, accompanied by some well-timed festive tunes. 

The waterways of Oxford inspire Three Idle Women and their debut, All Hands Together (Three Idle Women ***), a mix of traditional songs and original compositions. Their rendition of the trad classic ‘Lowlands’ is delivered simply and evocatively, standing out as a fine interpretation. Originals like ‘Boatie Boy’, ‘Green As’ and ‘Turbulent Waters’ showcase the trio’s songwriting prowess and gift for storytelling. Jane Rouse, Charlie Henry and Steph Pirrie are far from idle, contributing concertina, ukulele, whistle, piano and even musical saw to an album that paints a lush soundscape of the Oxford canals. At its core, however, are the trio’s irresistibly mesmerising three-part harmonies.

County Mayo native Alannah Thornburgh’s debut album, Shapeshifter (Alannah Thornburgh ****), is a heartfelt exploration of Irish folklore and mythology, particularly fairy lore, inspired by stories from her grandfather, especially the tale of ‘Mick na mBréag’ (Mick the Liar). A talented harpist, Thornburgh’s instrumental album blends traditional Irish and folk sounds with jazz nuances. Thornburgh shines on tracks like ‘Chasing the Hare’, a sweeping, luxurious slice of harp accompanied by wisps of oral stories.

West County’s David Mitchell’s ‘folk-classical fingerstyle’ proves a beautiful approach to a considered selection of traditional favourites from Scotland, Northumbria, Dorset and beyond on Contours (David Mitchell ****). His rendition of ‘My Love Is Like a Red Red Rose / Wild Mountain Thyme’ breathes new life into the familiar, with Mitchell’s guitar weaving a beautifully warm welcome to winter throughout the album.

Leipzig-based, Wexford-born duo The Ocelots deliver atmospheric folk-rock on Everything, When Said Slowly (The Ocelots ***). Exploring themes of Irish migration, love and the passage of time, twins Ashley and Brandon Watson prove a dynamic pair, especially on the powerful ‘Innocence of Love’ and ‘Joy Outside’. While guitar remains central, the album incorporates synths, banjo and harmonium, blending folk, indie and rock with confidence. A melancholic undercurrent of country-folk adds to its allure.

Finally, Cooper & Toller’s Year’s End (Hear the Din Music ***) offers a timely collection of lesser-known traditional English Christmas carols and wassails. The Bristol-based duo’s stripped-back approach, featuring banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin, favours an almost historic approach to the songs. Though ‘The Wren Song’ may challenge listeners as the opening track, more festive cheer is found in ‘Flaming Seraphs’, ‘The Fleecy Care’ and standouts like ‘There Were Two Ships’ and ‘The Minchinhampton Wassail’. For those who appreciate traditional Christmas music delivered with atmospheric musicianship and emotive harmonies, this is a seasonal treat.