York’s own Mayshe-Mayshe (real name Alice Rowan) is a hidden gem. She plies away at her craft, clearly loving what she does, and putting the whole of herself into it.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Isobel Naylor

In 2022 she released Indigo, an album that I immediately fell in love with and still play today. It was helped by witnessing her perform it live at 45 Vinyl Café where she brought it to life through a magnetic presence and clever use of loop pedals.

Its follow-up is Mosswood, Rowan’s exploration of personal inner tumult tempered by the peacefulness of nature and the aesthetic of the Moomin novels. The combination is intoxicating and enhanced by field recordings that add atmosphere of its eleven tracks.

Mayshe-Mayshe has a sound akin to early Grimes, Yuele, Aurora, and Let’s Eat Grandma (also all favourites of mine) yet it’s the personal story she brings to her work that sets it apart. Rowan admits to her messy faults and anxieties in tracks like Tiny Disasters and The Little Things that makes them memorable highlights.

Elsewhere, singles Moss Glow, Mycelium and Delay Dirt Die create anchors within the ethereal wholeness of the album.

I can’t recommend Mosswood enough. Catching Mayshe-Mayshe live is highly recommended too. You can do so at Rise at Blue Bird Bakery, York on 1 November 2025 as part of a tour that also takes her to Sheffield, Halifax, Manchester, and Newcastle. Tickets are available here.

Mosswood is out now, and you can listen to it below.