Espers - Espers 2 (Witchita)
The second CD from the US New-Folk bods Espers is a real pleasure to behold. Laid back, slightly stringed and with understated, sweet female harmonies its a bit like hearing the Cocteau Twins with acoustic instruments. Probably as close to a mix of trad folk and classical music I’m ever going to come anywhere near liking, track Cruel Storm is as pure and perfect as it gets. Contender for album of the year for its re-listenability (it sounds different each time) and the superb quality of its production. Recommended.

Larrakin Love - The Freedom Spark (Transgressive)
Foppish pop star in waiting Edward Larrikins debut album shows him to be something of a fey England dreamer in the vein of Babyshambles Pete Docherty (no pun intended!). The upbeat singles Six Queens, Happy as Annie and Edwould are balanced by rambling acoustic numbers and sub-Smiths guitar pop (especially Well, Love Does Furnish a Life). Pleasant enough, young, and very English “magpie stealing” pop that gets the foot tapping. 

Sadies - Tales of Ratfink (Yep Rock)
The Sadies have provided the soundtrack to a cartoon of Tales of The Ratfink. As with most film soundtracks, it probably works better with the visuals because as good as they are, 30 one minute instrumental surf guitar pieces can get a bit grating after a while. One for the completists  only.