(ECN/Proper) Guitarist Kieran Gunter and pianist Chris Bland and co embrace prog-rock, synth and velvety vocals on this Pat Metheny-inspired set Continue reading...
(Tapete) This latest iteration of Lan McArdle and Owen Williams’s Joanna Gruesome turns their lush vocals, guitar heroics and recent heartbreaks into melodic gold Continue reading...
(Parlophone) The Chris Martin-feted Spanish American singer-songwriter delivers a debut album that is mainstream pop fare but packed with variety and nuance Continue reading...
(Transgressive) Close harmonies and delicate percussion front and centre showcase the band’s songwriting finesse on their beguiling fourth album Continue reading...
(Warner’s) Made during a difficult time in the late rapper’s life, this abandoned work captures the musicianship and introspection of his fertile mid-career Continue reading...
(PIAS) The London musician’s assured debut runs the gamut from aggressive jungle to uplifting house, toggling between hedonism and introspection Continue reading...
Streep/Prohaska/Maîtrise et Choeur de Radio France/OP de Radio France/ Franck (Warner Classics) Hollywood royalty in the shape of Meryl Streep, and the soaring soprano of Anna Prohaska lend authenticity to Wainwright’s expressive eulogy...
(Rock Action) While old-school fans may lament their softening, the Glasgow band swap rage for refuge as they face personal strife – and their 30th anniversary Continue reading...
(Transgressive) The sex-positive South African trailblazer deserves to break into the mainstream with the fullest expression so far of her wit and sheer verve Continue reading...
(Daughters of Cain via Awal) Ambient soundscapes dominate US singer-songwriter Hayden Silas Anhedönia’s resolutely avant garde second album Continue reading...
(Domino) The Scottish art rockers’ sixth album benefits from an infusion of fresh blood, but can’t maintain the standards of the first few songs Continue reading...
(ECM) Played by world-class personnel including Bill Frisell and the late, great alto saxophonist Lee Konitz, this 2014 set is full of subtle, spontaneous ideas Continue reading...
(Transgressive) Spinning the sounds of Johannesburg and Durban into distinctive, abrasive electro-pop, the blue-braided singer is filthy and sharply funny Continue reading...
Armonico Consort/Monks (Signum) Armonico Consort continues to rehabilitate the reputation of overlooked Scarlatti family member Francesco in this uneven but dramatic choral piece Continue reading...
Osborne/London PO/Gardner (LPO) Edward Gardner conducts first-rate performances of two rarely recorded works, bringing Tippett’s musical language into sharp focus Continue reading...
(City Slang) Championed by Iggy Pop and riot grrrl royalty, the Brighton duo pile on the jagged riffs, scabrous humour and swearing for their politically charged debut Continue reading...