So let’s get things started with the first review:

Hannah Atkins – Falling

Manchester-based Atkins’ music is reminiscent of an early Imogen Heap (or Heap’s earlier band, Frau Frau). It’s got that really great mix of edgy but sweet-sounding synthesisers and live instruments and vocals.

The layers of sound are arranged intricately, but without overloading you with sound. There’s some really interesting stuff going on with samples and effects, but crucially these don’t get in the way of the lyrics or the vocals. In fact, the vocals soar above the arrangements. Underneath, synths meld with live violins and guitars – but the juxtoposition of studio wizardry and real-life instruments really works, and there’s a real feeling of space to the music.

It also reminded me of some tracks by (Manchester based) band Lamb – and they’re famed for their live performances. By the same token, live, in a big venue, Atkins’ music would really go down well. It’s not hard to imagine her playing venues such as Academy 2 or the Jazz World stage at Glastonbury, with a full complement of live musicians. In fact, though, the live shows I’ve seen so far involve just her.

And – for the moment at least – you can still catch her in smaller venues around Manchester. I recently saw her at the Iguana Bar in Chorlton, and was impressed by the live show – which was mainly performed using a stage piano. The live shows are great – I’d definitely recommend getting down to one if you can.

Her latest album, Falling, is available to buy online. It’s a beautifully-packaged in a tiny Fairtrade cloth bag.

Hear more of Hannah Atkins’ music, and buy her albums, here:

http://www.last.fm/music/Hannah+Atkins

One of my favourite CDs to have found was FM (Fantastia Remastered) by Cornelius. This features 8 remixes of artists including U.N.K.L.E and Damon Albarn. It’s a really chilled out CD to listen to, and takes you through a vista of different styles and genres. Very good listening material for the long journey from Manchester to Somerset on Thursday.

You can listen to tunes at his Myspace profile page.

And you can buy Jeremy Warmsley CDs right here.

He’s done a string of live shows this year, including a residency at Night and Day, and an appearance at the Summer Sundae Festival.

Kosheen are a Bristol-based three-piece who began and evolved in the rave scene around Bristol. They had huge hits with Catch and Hide U, but listening to their albums reveals a whole new side. The first is heavily drum-n-bassey, but the songs are real songs too, with haunting vocals from Sian Evans. The second relies more on dirty guitars and meaty production. The lyrics are often feel-good, and it’s an uplifiting album. Highly recommended.

Tom Kerswill

Kitty Jay is a beautiful mix of songs inspired by Dartmoor. Highly recommended.

Seth Lakeman is also a must-see live. I caught him playing at the Exeter Phoenix a couple of weeks ago with the Levellers, and he can often be found just playing in local folk clubs round here. Though that might change with the Mercury Music prize nomination. Catch him while you can!

You can also read my article on music in the South West which features a brief interview with Seth.