'Sometimes there’s nothing quite like stumbling upon a quiet talent like Rhiannon Hope, a folk artist who makes you stop what you’re doing and encourages you to just listen. The Liverpool-born artist, who currently resides and studies in Leeds, only played her first gig in the city in 2024, but now she’s quickly garnering attention with the release of her stunning debut single, ‘B.B’, which teases her first EP, All Things, Rising and Returning. The four tracks (one of which is a flawless live performance recorded at everyone’s favourite brunch/gig/pint spot Hyde Park Book Club for one of their early morning Hangover Sessions) come via James Vardy’s Private Records, having made her Leeds debut supporting his musical project Private Reg. Since then, Hope has assembled a full band to assist her folk creations, and while her voice alone is enough to leave you deeply impressed, with the accompaniment of several instruments, like violin, acoustic guitar and accordion, she creates a mesmerising palette that feels like it really could cure your hangover. While Hope’s songs feel intimate and inherently personal, she doesn’t think they’d be what they are without the close collaboration of her bandmates. That’s the essence of folk, after all.' - Aimée Ferrier, Far Out

Sublime new EP from Rhiannon and her band and the first physical release on fresh Leeds label, Private Regcords. My highlight is the second track: 'B.B'. Recommended!

By Spike