January 2026: a retro
They call it dry January for a reason, it’s pretty much a drought for new album releases. March is the time when it ramps up and you can already see the announcements coming this and fast
January though... not so much. But I’ll take quality over quantity, always. And Courtney Marie Andrews oozes quality. She hasn’t yet put a foot wrong and Valentine is no different. Her seventh record is a real thing of beauty. Though it was written at a difficult time in her life, there’s a floating beauty to the music, offset by the haunting sadness of some lyrics. With CMA though, you always ultimately end up feeling enriched by the experience.
Kim Moberg is another artist who mixes beauty with heartache. Throw in a bit of history and tradition, mix it with some anger and protest,and you’ve got All That Really Matters. It’s a bluesy-soul-y-country-y of a record, moving from serene to powerful with each song. It’s an easy listen in some ways, but the lyrics hit hard at times.
One of the more anticipated releases of the month was from Kashus Culpepper. He’s spent the last year drip-feeding a torrent of singles, and now has Act I, a full-length-er of 18 songs. Now, if you’ve ever spoken to me about album length, you’ll know that’s about six too many tracks for me. Keep it tight, show some regard for your craft and the listener. I get the algorithm side of it, but I don’t care. Anyhow, that’s one for another day, and Kashus is far from the worst; Zach Bryan there’s a reason I’m not talking about your record. Anyhow, Act I is an interesting smorgasbord of music, Kashus keeps it interesting-ish throughout, but it’s a little lacking in focus for me and doesn'‘t have the punch of some of his singles. He’s got a stunning voice though, so it’s all to play for in his career. (Listen on Tidal)
Meels is an artist I’d never heard of before this month. Her Across The Racoon Strait record is a huge amount of fun. It’s a straight-up trad-country thigh slapper, with left-field lyrics and excellent musicianship. At seven songs it just sneaks into full album territory (as opposed to EP) in my definition anyway, even though it clocks in at under 20 minutes. Anyhow, give it a go, it’s worth it. (Listen on Tidal)
UK powerhouse singer Kezia Gill continued her upward trajectory in January with her latest full-length album. For me, Kezia shines most in the live environment. Her voice is full-on but can be subtly tuned, and her stage presence oozes confidence; she’s just never quite managed to capture that on record. To be honest, All On Red is kinda similar in that sense, she’s developed her songwriting for sure, it’s just that it still misses something of the magic of her live performances. ‘Whiskey In A Wine Glass’ and ‘If Heaven Has a Honky Tonk’ are great examples of her burgeoning talent though, and alongisde co-writer and producer Alyssa Bonagura she’s crafted her best record yet.
I should probably talk about Della Mae too, but I just can’t get into them. They definitely have an audience, it’s just not me. Lucinda Williams is another artist I’ve never really been able to get into, but, BUT, I think I finally get it with World’s Gone Wrong. Her songwriting is on point and her vocals finally sit well for me. Her back catalogue is beckoning me.
Another rollicking country-rocker releasing music in January was Sophie Gault. UNHINGED is just that, a wild, guitar-heavy, steam train a-rollin’ face punch of a record; unashamedly rock and one of the best of the month. (Listen on Tidal)
Sticking with the more foot-stomping side of roots, let’s chat Steph Strings. Another artist new to me; she has a couple of EPs under her belt, but Feel Alive is her first album. And what a cracker it is, all rhythmic guitar slaying, tuneful singing, and ever-evolving melodies. She’s just announced a UK tour, so check her website for dates.
On the the softer side of country, I’ve been waiting for a new record from Natalie Prauser for too long. Well, four years. Everything Is Fine has been worth it; it’s simple, authentic, wonderfully sung country music. Plenty of steel guitar and melodic lead guitar, check out ‘Tobacco + Water’ and ‘The Story Of Wyoming’ and you’ll be hooked.
Finally, on the album side of things - I said it was a quiet month, didn’t I - is the new one from Emily Scott Robinson, someone else I’ve been waiting far too long to hear new music from. Again, though, 100% worth the wait, Appalachia is an absolute treat. Emily’s voice is better than ever, from the opening seconds of ‘Hymn For The Unholy’, there’s a clarity to her vocals and her songwriting. The songs are beautiful despite the sometimes difficult inspirations across the album. Among many standouts is ‘Cast Iron Heart’ with John Paul White, wow, just lovely.
Where January was slow was in the live space. Even so, I’ve been lucky to get to a couple of live shows, though I did miss the amazing Kelsey Waldon playing across the UK, f*$k.
But I did get to see the terrific John R Miller live in London. It was my first time at The Lexington and I wrote about it for God Is In The TV. I also got to see the fantastic Fust at one of my favourite venues, The Louisiana in Bristol. They’re a band with some stories, and a sense of place, with characters and locations from their North Carolina home, for 90 minutes it whisked the crowd away from the cold British winter night.
And that’s it for the January round-up, thanks for reading Campers. Will be back with a February preview very soon.
