Bright Young Folk

keeps a beady eye on the traditional music scene of the British Isles. Record reviews, in-depth interviews and session videos.

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Read our latest review to see why the new album from Caroline Keane Music is a perfect blend of fire and restraint:

https://t.co/xPv82CMOjW

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Accordion maestro Paul Hutchinson is undoubtedly one of the most recognised artists on the British folk scene. His career spans four decades and includes both acclaimed solo works and many pivotal projects. He sat down to talk us through some of them:

https://t.co/S6RWxK9oWZ

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

"True to its title, Eddies is a release defined by circular structures, swirling tempos, and the unexpected pooling of different traditions"

Check out our review of the first album from the newly-expanded @PagodaProject

https://t.co/CQb5nteXKy

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

The announcement of a new Jim Moray album is always an tantalising prospect. Read our review of Gallants:
https://t.co/5TNPnovdnO

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

"My Treasured Land is a sophisticated yet accessible album, technical and deeply emotional at the same time" - our review of the new album from Counter's Creek:

https://t.co/v3JIypSFYw

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Looking forward to tuning in to this concert film this evening from Jim Moray!

https://t.co/IOgQBTgiWT

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

In South East London there's a stunning example of how even the most unexpected places can tell a long and complex story - read more in our review of the debut album from Owen Spafford, Will Allen and Ben Filmer-Sankey

https://t.co/aLE6hshevd

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

"With this album, Ali Levack is not treating folk music as a collection of museum pieces, but actually breaking the glass cases around them, and he is doing it in great style."

Read our full review of his debut album here:

https://t.co/tzHxkAaxWM

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Thirty-three years between albums must be something of a record, but the follow-up to their 1993 debut sees Andy Cohen, Eleanor Ellis and William Lee Ellis reunite for another collection of traditional acoustic folk, country and blues.

Read our review: https://t.co/LRIZFA51Yw

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

On Monday 16th August, 1819, an estimated 60,000 people gathered at St Peter’s Field in Manchester to demand the reform of parliamentary representation.

Read our review of the new narrative album based on a special performance to commemorate that day:

https://t.co/96x5q4cBSY

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

"Traditional music at its core, not flashy, but deeply intimate and enjoyable."

Check out our review of the debut solo album from Charlie Wheatley:

https://t.co/sQ5CpgP2HX

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Check out our latest review to see why Claire Vine is a voice that deserves to be heard

https://t.co/FbczWlYDug

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

The second album and accompanying booklet from Hannah James and Toby Kuhn provides an immersive listening experience - read our review here:

https://t.co/9QYOwuZJGg

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Read our review of the new album from Amy Leach and Alasdair Paul to see why the songs on it have staying power:

https://t.co/xOKWiRJ9rQ

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

"An immediate, highly enjoyable, and slightly irreverent take on centuries-old material, sounding fresh in the hands of these five virtuosic artists." - read our review of the most recent album from @sheelanagig

https://t.co/13e4qxM7JN'

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

The first studio EP from The Water Chorus features an array of vocal talent. Read our review here:

https://t.co/crX4cDDR4Q

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

With a career already spanning operatic performance, production and archeology, Clementine Lovell produced one of the debut albums of 2025. We caught up with her to discuss her journey so far and exciting new directions:

https://t.co/Ntb7zhWv1l

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Check out our latest review to see why The Oakham Poacher represents an exciting shift in Sam Carter's discography

https://t.co/7UkhJ1bA3P

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

Congratulations to them, all of the nominees from the last 12 months and frankly anyone managing to record and release music professionally in the current climate! We don't know what we'd do without you.

[Bright Young Folk @BrightYoungFolk]

We have a winner! After counting up over 500 votes, we're pleased to say that The Gigspanner Big Band are the winners of our 2025 Readers' Choice poll.