Reviews | Songlines

Reviews

Review of Tovi

Tovi

Teija Niku

NIKUCD002

Rating: ★★★★★★★

A ‘tovi’, Finnish accordionist Teija Niku helpfully explains, is “an undefined bit of time, somewhere between a moment and a...

Reviewed by Julian May in issue: May/2026

Review of Notes to Self

Notes to Self

Catrin Finch

bendigedig

Rating: ★★★★★★★★

The Welsh harpist’s first solo album in a decade – following her stunning albums and tours with Seckou Keita and...

Reviewed by Tim Cumming in issue: May/2026

Review of Mag’oki Attori

Mag’oki Attori

Meros

Topot

Rating: ★★★★★★★★

Recorded in 2023 but released towards the end of 2025, this deeply moving live performance dedicated to the Maghoki Attori...

Reviewed by Justin Turford in issue: May/2026

Review of Pupillo

Pupillo

Pupillo

Amor in Sound

Rating: ★★★★★★★

Pupillo first came to my attention as a percussionist in Nação Zumbi, playing alongside Chico Science when he was still...

Reviewed by Andy Cumming in issue: May/2026

Review of Aia Haja?

Aia Haja?

Bobo & Behaja

Carton Records/Boomslang Records

Rating: ★★★★★★★★

On Aia Haja? Bobo & Behaja channel the dust and heat of Madagascar’s bals-poussière (dust balls) into six raw and...

Reviewed by Olivia Cheves in issue: May/2026

Review of Live at Bimhuis

Live at Bimhuis

Indonesian National Orchestra

Musik Bagus

Rating: ★★★★★★

This debut album of the Indonesian National Orchestra was recorded live in Amsterdam last year. The group was founded in...

Reviewed by Simon Broughton in issue: May/2026

Review of Nocturnal Consolations

Nocturnal Consolations

Iztok Koren & Raphael Rogiński

Top of the World

Instant Classic

Rating: ★★★★★★★★★

This debut collaboration between Slovenian multi-instrumentalist Iztok Koren and Polish guitarist Raphael Rogiński oozes confidence from the outset. Recorded live...

Reviewed by Glenn Kimpton in issue: May/2026

Review of Estuaire

Estuaire

Constantinople

Ma Case Records

Rating: ★★★★★★★★

Amid a plethora of crossover collaborations, the Montreal-based Constantinople stands out as an exemplary ensemble. Founded in 2001 by Iranian...

Reviewed by Doug Deloach in issue: May/2026

Review of Foreign Lander

Foreign Lander

Mike Ellison

Top of the World

June Appal Recordings

Rating: ★★★★★★★★

Mike Ellison was a delightful new discovery for me, an old-time Appalachian musician I hadn’t heard of with real ties...

Reviewed by Devon Léger in issue: May/2026

Review of Midnight Followed

Midnight Followed

Firelight Trio

Firelight Trio

Rating: ★★★★★★★★

The thrilling Firelight Trio return with Midnight Followed, their second album. It’s a vibrant mix of Celtic, French, Scandinavian and...

Reviewed by Billy Rough in issue: May/2026

Subscribe from only £7.50

Start your journey and discover the very best music from around the world.

Subscribe

View the Current
Issue

Take a peek inside the latest issue of Songlines magazine.

Find out more