Hannah Ashcroft, Landfire Review

Singer and songwriter Hannah Ashcroft has been honing her alt-folk sound while touring her way across the UK, Europe, and Australia. She released her Melbourne-made EP The Quiet Kind in 2016, earning support from Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music and receiving praise from Folk Radio UK. It is her unique fingerpicking style that continues to resonate with listeners and industry alike. Originally hailing from Manchester, Ashcroft has brought her music to fans in roadhouses to boutique festivals. Influenced by the indomitable 60s songwriters, and a love of classical literature, she combines her unique guitar style with arresting vocals and poetic narratives. Currently, she is working on her debut album Landfire, which features members of Travelling Band and BC Camplight. The release highlights a shift from her acoustic roots. The first single “Landfire,” is currently available and signals a new beginning for Ashcroft in her sound.

Positives: A polished and focused sound is afoot with “Landfire,” Ashcroft has a sultry Austin country sound mix with folk honesties.

Bottom Line: Ashcroft has an entrancing voice that reminisces the honesty of Johnny Cash with its dark and developed tendencies of rebellious candor. Recorded and mixed at Pinhole Sound Studio with Adam P. Gorman and mastered at 80 Hertz by George Atkin. Ashcroft expands upon the inspiration of the single, “The track evolved from an intense living situation while working in the outback. It was a strange sensation, feeling both socially overwhelmed and completely isolated in a small, rural town.” The track features Ashcroft on vocals and guitar, Sam Quinn on guitar, bass and synths, and Adam Dawson on drums. Together they have created a delicious track that lends to the best qualities of Ashcroft’s writing and vocal sonorities.