Spiro - Welcome Joy and Welcome Sorrow (2015)

They might bear the tools of the folk musician (accordion, mandolin, acoustic guitar and violin) and be partial to the odd traditional tune, but Spiro have closer affinities to the worlds of contemporary classical and dance music. The acoustic instrumental four piece create multi-layered soundscapes, intricate yet full of momentum, echoing the work of Steve Reich, Michael Nyman and the Penguin Cafe Orchestra. But kindred spirits aside, this is the music of Spiro - essentially English, beautifully brilliant. Their albums consistently receive rave reviews, described as "dazzling", "magnificent", "intense and minimal", "soulful", "passionate", "breathtakingly moving". Spiro's approach to composition and performance unlocks an extraordinary emotional response, both on record and in live performance. Beautifully packaged album with silver foil block front cover.