Folklore Vol. 3 arrives as the latest chapter in Brighton's Folklore Records' acclaimed compilation series, and it's a testament to the label's unwavering ear for songwriters who balance tradition with innovation. Founded by Jacko Hooper in 2014 as an intimate pub night championing pure songwriting, Folklore has evolved into one of the UK's most influential songwriting communities—and this four-track EP captures exactly why.
The collection opens with Cormac Nagle's 'Ablutions', a perfect introduction that establishes the EP's foundation in acoustic craftsmanship. His beautifully picked guitar work creates an inviting, folky atmosphere, while his distinctive voice carries the narrative with the kind of authenticity that can only come from an artist honed through extensive live performance. Having supported the likes of Ryley Walker and Andrew Combs, Nagle represents the old-school troubadour tradition at its finest.
Michele Stodart, founding member of The Magic Numbers and a collaborator with everyone from Neil Young to Billy Bragg, brings 'You Are Not Alone'—a masterclass in restraint and atmosphere. Opening with the sound of waves, her solo voice creates an intimate reverie before the chorus introduces a fuller arrangement. The instrumentation remains simple and elegant throughout, never overshadowing the emotional core. It's the kind of ethereal, dreamy track that showcases why Rolling Stone called her work "remarkable."
The Ocelots—twin brothers Ashley and Brandon Watson—contribute 'Silence Music Love Laughter', a track steeped in the delicate, layered aesthetic that has earned them comparisons to Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens. Their carefully woven harmonies cascade over beautiful acoustic guitar work, creating something that feels both intimate and expansive. Having cut their teeth busking around Europe before supporting Jack Johnson and Glen Hansard, their maturity as songwriters is evident in every note.
The EP's boldest moment belongs to Frankie Archer, the 2023 Christian Raphael Prize winner who has been championed by BBC Radio 6 Music and featured on Later… With Jools Holland. 'Ah! The Sighs That Come From My Heart' pushes the compilation into more experimental territory, building gradually with intriguing percussion and synth textures. Her enthralling vocal performance—described by The Quietus as "utterly hypnotic"—anchors the track's exploratory production choices. It's a standout that proves innovation and intimacy aren't mutually exclusive, sitting comfortably alongside the collection's more traditional acoustic offerings.
Folklore Vol. 3 succeeds because it doesn't just showcase four talented artists—it captures a philosophy. This is songwriting in its most essential form, whether delivered through fingerpicked folk or experimental production. Released on short-run vinyl, it's a collection that rewards both casual listeners and devoted folk aficionados, offering a snapshot of where contemporary folk music stands: rooted in tradition, yet unafraid to reach toward new horizons.
Stream the full collection below
