The latest releases reviewed

PATTY LARKIN
Watch the Sky Vanguard *****

"It is the soundprint of a musician lost in the moment and enjoying the journey." American songstress Patty Larkin, as ever, is true to her words. And, boy what a journey. Larkin is a musical magpie, picking up a blues riff here, an electronic loop there. Her bedrock is folk but she stretches herself in all directions, wherever the mood takes her and the song demands. It is also DIY - she plays everything from bouzouki to lap steel, adds all the voices and then produces and engineers the lot. For some this might be recipe for disaster, but Larkin layers these 12 tracks with just the right amount of mystery, magic and musical invention. Listen long, hard and close: Watch the Sky is an album that rewards patience. www.pattylarkin.com

Download tracks: Hollywood, Walking in My Sleep, Travelling Alone

JEFFERSON PEPPER
American Evolution (Volume 1) American Fallout Records ****

This is the first of three albums chronicling the history of the US, no less. It covers the period 1492- 1940 and sets out to right the story of history, to change the angle of delivery from that of "merchants, kings and conquerors" to that of the "beaten, killed and used". It's a tall order, but Jefferson Pepper is unfazed and sets out with impressive gusto, aided by a talent for distinctive rootsy melody and an ability to distill complex scenarios into convincing song lines. The musical backdrop changes from folky bluegrass to REM-ish driven rock, with the occasional light- fingered instrumental thrown in to lighten the mood. All that would be worthy but potentially dull were it not that Pepper is an impressive songsmith. Granted, there are some awkward moments, but this is a fascinating album. Volumes 2 and 3 follow in the next month or so. www.americanfallout.com

Download tracks: Lewis & Clark Homecoming, Columbus Day, Dam in the River of Life