This month’s theme was “Spring”. We got some cutesy love-bunnies courtesy of Helen McDonald and some cuter songs to match! Simon Rogers produced a way gnarlier version of “Spring”… Hey, we’re open to it, and we got the goods to match! Download and press play, this month’s Mix-Tape is a winner.

'Spring' by Helen McDonald

NOTE: To download tracks click the little arrow in the right side of the soundcloud players below.

1. Leaving do- The Lake Poets (written by Nev Clay)
A lovely cover of Nev Clay‘s track, this one’s about love; whether it’s moving on from a break-up or moving on to someone new, this track is guaranteed to resonate and pull at your heartstrings with its delicate vocals and beautiful folk-laced guitar picking. Clay is one of the best folk-writers out there plying his trade, and TLP‘s treatment of this- one of his classic tracks- does him proud. Give it a listen- 5/5

2. Summer House song- Peter & Kerry
It’s spring time everyone, though with the recent weather you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’re not further into our calendar year… If you’re as excited about it as we are, then this uplifting and wonderfully simple track’ll be just the sound to fill your ears for those lazy saturdays spent in the park watching the bees frolic and stuff. Cracker of a tune- 4/5

3. River- Shura
Like your songs confessional? Haunting? Plain old pretty? Here you are then. You’re welcome. Look for our exclusive interview with Shura next month on creaturemag. We think they’re kind of a big deal, and we think you should think so too. 4.5/5- Sooooo good.

4. The Greatest Love- Lo & the Beholds
Lo’s in the studio at present churning out beautiful sounds with the help of backing band the Beholds… We can’t wait to get our hands on a copy of their new E.P and we know after the article we featured last month on creaturemag that you guys can’t either. Here’s some musical-methadone to get you through the long-nights until its release- cold-turkey is not an option. 4/5


6. Outside- Cyra Morgan
A dreamy, mesmerising vocal performance by NYC based folk singer Cyra Morgan that blurrs the emotional lines. She’s been whipping up a storm over on Soundcloud as of late with her unique brand of harmonies and tender guitar arrangements… Lo-fi at its most haunting, we were pleased to get the green-light to bring you this track. 4.5/5

7. Be my love- Chased by Wolves
Chased by Wolves have been heavily endorsed by the people at the BBC- you know the ones, those Introducing fellas on BBC6 and the sort… Not that we like to get influenced or peer pressured or anything like. No, no. But we do happen to think they’re pretty good… Rich from CbW sent us this little gem over to pop in your ears…Bluesy, folksy, americana-tinged chewy goodness. 4/5- be still my ears!

8.. Penzance- Dan Shaw
Dan Shaw is a music teacher by day, guitar-toting folk-hero by night; this guy has magic fingers. His picking is to die for and his quirky vocals scrape across your brain and implant it with the seed of a folk-ballad at its best. ‘Penzance’ ain’t just a Cornish town, it’s a great tune that will really grow on you. 3.75/5

9. Cross the River- Matt Witt
If traditional folk is more your beverage of choice, then this track by Matt should whett your whistle. Akin to Laura Marling’s narrative-driven Alas I cannot swim, this track digs deep into the belly of folk and emerges with a simple but charmingly catchy melody that honours its folk-roots and rewards its audience with a big fat grin. We’re finishing on a high. 4.5/5

Interested in being involved in next month’s May Mix-Tape? Submit your band’s track for consideration in our drop box, email the editor or just leave us a comment! Super-eager? Do all three!

If you’re more pencil, paint or doodle inclined, the theme for May’s mix is “changes”- interpret as you will; it could be ‘one year on from the general election’, ‘seasons changing’, ‘relationships changing’… Anything. Go on… surprise us! And let us know what your favourite tracks from this month’s Mix-Tape are….