Kevin Bryan explores some of this week's alternative CD releases.

Steve Hackett, "Access All Areas" (Edsel Records)- This absorbing audio-visual package revives the concert showcase which former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett captured for posterity at Central TV's Nottingham studios in 1990. Hackett and his recently recruited backing band regaled their audience with some choice extracts from his solo repertoire and a newly minted version of "In That Quiet Earth" from Genesis' "Wind and Wuthering" album as a very good time was had by all concerned. "Every Day," "Please Don't Touch" and "Spectral Mornings" emerge as the pick of a polished and musicianly set.

Dallahan, "Matter of Time" (Dallahan Music)- The eagerly anticipated second album from highly regarded young folkies Dallahan finds them ranging far and wide in their quest for engaging material. Songs from darkest Transylvania nestle snugly alongside vibrant Irish dance tunes, and "Matter of Time" provides an ideal introduction to the Scottish quartet's eclectic and endlessly inventive brand of traditionally based music making. Try to hear it if you possibly can.

The Westies, "Six On The Out" (Pauper Sky Music)- Westies' creative mainstay Michael McDermott chronicles the lives of the unfortunate casualties of the failed American Dream with a passion and eloquence that prompted no less a literary luminary than Stephen King to hail him as "possibly the greatest undiscovered rock'n'roll talent of the last twenty years." He's now unveiled the hugely impressive follow up to The Westies' 2015 debut, "West Side Stories," and this darkly memorable collection should appeal to anyone who's ever enjoyed the work of similarly gifted blue collar balladeers such as Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp.

Franz Halasz, "Cancons I Danses Catalanes" (Bis Records)- The latest Bis offering from German classical guitarist Franz Halasz explores the musical culture of the Spanish region of Catalonia, drawing on compositions from Mompou, Llobet and the rather less well known Joan Manen.The latter's reflective and dreamlike creation, "Fantasia-Sonata ,Op.A-22," rounds off an enchanting recital and sets the seal on this skilfully crafted vehicle for Halasz's interpretative talents.