The enigmatic, London-based folk duo Milkweed is one of the most compelling folk acts of the moment, together with Lankum, Shovel Dance Collective, ØXN and Brìghde Chaimbeul. Together, they are convincing proof that contemporary folk is more vibrant and exciting than ever.
Their music – that they themselves call slacker trad – is a fusion of traditional folk, freak folk, dub and spoken word, encapsulated in a lo-fi recording aesthetic. It’s as if old European myths are being conveyed by the voice of a spirit from the Appalachian Mountains.
For the first time, they head over to the mainland to present their recently released album Remscéla (Broadside Hacks Recordings). The album is inspired by Thomas Kinsella’s masterful interpretation of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, a kind of Irish legend in the style of King Arthur and probably Ireland’s most famous saga.

The Belgian folk/dronerock sextet Luster is undoubtedly one of the few bands to have built a reputation before most people had even heard them – and yet still managed to exceed expectations. The project began around 2012 as an informal gathering and has since operated at a notoriously slow pace. Over the years, numerous releases have emerged from the members’ other projects (Distels, Annelies Monseré, Edgar Wappenhalter, Joe Speedboat, and Mollenhauer). But Luster remained stubbornly silent, archiving complete recording sessions that most bands would have released without hesitation. The only document from those early years: a (sold-out) split 10” with Hellvete.
Instead of evolving into a potentially prolific six-piece, they truly took the time to refine their sound and develop into a close-knit but hazy-sounding band. Their self-titled debut, released by Morc Tapes, sounds like nothing else. Cello, flute, harmonium, and violin blend with the traditional guitar-bass-drums trio – placing them in a unique space where ancient doomfolk, intoxicating dronerock, and spacious pop converge seamlessly. A kind of missing link between Mazzy Star, Pentangle, Broadcast, and Enhet för Fri Musik. They are currently working on recording their second album.