(Rebel Bodies Music) Arthur Ashin’s first album for nearly a decade sounds bruised and careful, its melodies strong and simple – including his best song to date Continue reading...
(We Are Busy Bodies) This marriage of instruments is best when the full-band moments are stripped back to highlight the duo’s artistry Continue reading...
Thornhill/Lichdi/Abele/Holst-Sinfonietta/SWR Vokalensemble/Simon (Bastille Musique) Switching a mezzo for a soprano in the title role, this impressive recording of one of Holst’s most important works is a fitting celebration of the 150th...
Cuarteto Casals (Harmonia Mundi, two CDs) The Spanish quartet are recording all 15 of Shostakovich’s string quartets, this opening volume features the first five, all given refined performances Continue reading...
(Domino) Despite its themes of decline and mortality, the 72-year-old former Only Ones frontman is full of joie de vivre on this wise and empathetic record Continue reading...
(Columbia Records) Full of switchback turns, the rapper’s unsettled and unsettling seventh album zaps from Beach Boys harmonies to G-funk synths – and from boasts to self-loathing Continue reading...
(Fiction) The band’s first album in 16 years finds Robert Smith and co on reliably melancholy form – with the exception of one out-and-out pop banger Continue reading...
(Smith Hyde Productions/Virgin) The techno giants’ 11th album finds them ranging from cut-up dancefloor fillers to gentle experimentation Continue reading...
(ECM) Full of blistering bebop and entrancing swing, this 1992 recording showcases the pianist’s love of the Deer Head Inn, the clapboard 1840s hotel where he cut his teeth Continue reading...
(Fat Possum Records) Brilliant melodies, poetic lyrics and quick-change time signatures elevate this quirky jazz-pop release to a level all its own Continue reading...
Dunedin Consort/Butt (Linn) This collection of youthful but complex cantatas written by the composer in Italy is a showcase for the outstanding British soprano Continue reading...
(Rough Trade) With their swearing and flashing, Amy Taylor and co’s return might seem like business as usual – but new melodic depths and lyrical concerns reveal themselves Continue reading...
(BMG) Kylie Minogue’s follow-up to 2023’s euphoric Tension – and smash hit Padam Padam – fluctuates between sparkle and self-doubt, generic pap and two stone-cold bangers Continue reading...