JUNE TABOR: “Against The Streams” (Cooking Vinyl)

Few artists can invest material with both the emotional intensity and the control which June Tabor possesses in such abundance. Whether she sings of randy gamekeepers or the effects of a nuclear spillage, or – as in one previous case – tells the tale of a famous racing pigeon – she never fails to move the listener. Hers is a voice which involves, draws one in, thus enveloping those who hear her in a conspiracy of passion.

‘Against The Streams’ is no less true an impression than her previous output. Recorded live, as opposed toeing overdubbed, it is a salutary example of those who spend months or years assembling and editing in the pursuit of ‘art’. Devoid of artifice, this album is dark and harrowing, but still retains hope and optimism from within its darker folds. One song in particular – ‘He Fades Away’ – written by Alistair Hulett, which describes a wife watching her husband die from asbestos contamination, is quite, quite breathtaking. But there is so much more here – the natural production of Jon Ravenhall perfectly capturing the spirit and essence of Ms. Tabor, the Peter Bond song ‘The Irish Girl’ with Huw Warren and Mark Emerson’s chocolate dark accompaniment on piano and viola, and the jauntiness of ‘Apples And Potatoes’ – that to do this album true justice one must listen . . .

Within its folds nestles the supreme artistry of someone totally at one with both her material and craft. A bit like being invited to our own private masterclass, really. Stunning.

• Oliver P. Sweeney