Singer/songwriter Grace Petrie’s new album ‘Build Something Better’ has established her as THE finest voice when it comes to belting out protest songs. Catch her at The Georgian Theatre in Stockton in early December.

Grace Petrie’s ‘Build Something Better’ – released in March – is one of the best albums of the year. Not only does it contain well-aimed jabs at all those things that need jabs thrown at them (think the opposite of what GB News thinks is good) it, sonically, is also a revelation and full of stirring folk songs that are big of heart and absolutely fizzing with hooks galore. It was produced by punky/folky troubadour Frank Turner and mixes traditional folk songs with more full-bodied, poppier stuff. Petrie: “As a veteran master of empathic music, Frank Turner was the first and last choice to produce. His pitch perfect instincts have taken my howls of rage and turned them into what I hoped it would be: a soundtrack for hope.” The album is a real state of the nation address, but shot through with Petrie’s trademark wit as she takes apart the culture wars and austerity. Anyone who’s seen her live will attest to her unique stage presence, but if you haven’t yet had the pleasure, well, what you waiting for? DP

Grace Petrie, Wednesday 4 December, The Georgian Theatre, Stockton, 7.30pm, £18, georgiantheatre.co.uk