(Blue Note) There are hits and misses as 15 performers including Dodie, Mxmtoon and Ezra Collective’s Ife Ogunjobi give their personal take on Baker’s unique sound Continue reading...
(Ninja Tune) Sharing lead vocals since the exit of frontman Isaac Wood, the band sound less intense but more agile on a set rich in vivid moments and exceptional musicianship Continue reading...
(Interscope) An underground phenomenon since his teenage years, Hollis Frazier-Herndon feels like a male Charli xcx about to take off Continue reading...
(ECM) Backed by pianist Marcin Wasilewski’s group, the US sax elder plays freely around a song-rooted approach, resulting in sparkling, spontaneous exchanges Continue reading...
(Pampa) Appealingly rough around the edges, the Hamburg DJ’s fourth album voyages from a Damon Albarn amapiano track to harsh 90s drum’n’bass Continue reading...
Sonya Bach (Rubicon) In six carefully selected works, the Korean pianist tracks the evolution of Bartók’s keyboard music but doesn’t tell the whole story Continue reading...
Opolais/Gunnell/Groissböck/Hoare/Tanglewood Festival Ch/Boston SO/Nelsons (Deutsche Grammophon) The impact of Shostakovich’s savagely ironic and historically significant composition is neutered in a disappointing recording taken from...
(Ninja Tune) After losing their frontman, the band’s third studio album shows how resilient and adaptable they are, with luscious melodies, fantastical lyrics and lots of recorders Continue reading...
(Matador) Consummate chronicler of 21st-century sensuality Mike Hadreas returns to his indie roots on a convivial seventh album stalked by death and desire Continue reading...
(Down the Road) The bluegrass star and band reconvene with a new co-vocalist on this slick yet understated set drawing on old-time roots and more recent concerns Continue reading...
(Merge) Frightening fates await the protagonists of Dan Bejar’s 14th album, but the mercurial Canadian’s perspective and lavish instrumentation are a reminder of beauty’s potential Continue reading...
(ECM) Considering water as balm and curse, life and storm: the fabulous Greek singer and collaborators transport us across centuries and countries Continue reading...
BBC Concert Orchestra/Hughes/Münch/Andrews (Resonus) Dating from 2000 to 2023, referencing folk dance, spirituals and house music and including works for voices, there’s real variety and quality here Continue reading...
Takács Quartet/Marc-André Hamelin (Hyperion) Dvořák’s Quintet No 2 in A major is full of charm, while Florence Price’s Piano Quintet in A minor is fleet of foot; this dream-team of chamber music makes them an excellent match Continue...
(Geffen/Polydor) The Virginia songwriter gets lost in understatement on a loved-up album about her relationship with bandmate Julien Baker, shrouding sharp lyrics in shy melodies Continue reading...
(Self released) Albion’s mysteries breeze through the Sussex singer’s first album as she salutes the winter solstice with Neill MacColl and more Continue reading...