Returning with his first album in four years, the arena-filling UK rapper is still such a smart, sharp lyricist as he explores a series of existential crises Continue reading...
(Naya Beat) Punjabi folk vocals backed by hammering electronic percussion, disco basslines and fizzing synth melody: a key predecessor to the Asian dance music explosion Continue reading...
(Local Action) Fiction, folk and a devastating diagnosis feature in the producer and DJ’s literary penmanship, her gentle, gothic vocals thick with morbid, magical thinking Continue reading...
(BMG) Allen’s first album in seven years traces the fallout from an open relationship, but as well as being cathartic and candid, these stylistically varied songs have melodies that sparkle Continue reading...
(Harmonia Mundi) Violinist Amandine Beyer and the musicians of Gli Incogniti juxtapose original works by Vivaldi and the Marcello brothers with the Bach compositions they inspired and influenced Continue reading...
(Onyx) There’s addictive Latin rhythms and perfectly judged musical adrenaline in Domingo Hindoyan and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s recording of these six French works with a Spanish theme Continue reading...
(Columbia) Australian indie’s breakout star takes a dancefloor diversion, but amid the four-four fun are fears about fame’s effect on his domestic life Continue reading...
(Chandos) This is a fascinating chance to hear two contrasting pieces by the former master of the Queen’s music; the BBC Philharmonic unfurl the beauties of each work Continue reading...
(Edition) Rochford showcases his signature alchemic touch, featuring seven electric guitarists in a fusion of improv, reggae and romantic pop Continue reading...
(Island Records) The London five-piece throw the kitchen sink at these dizzyingly dense songs, often crushing their melodic pleasures in the process Continue reading...
(Linn) The Kathleen Ferrier award-winning countertenor’s debut recital album showcases his warm tone and effortless musical line – and his originality Continue reading...
(Sony Music) Rumours of the existence of E Street versions of Springsteen’s masterpiece have swirled for decades, but the reality doesn’t live up to the hype Continue reading...
(tak:til/Glitterbeat) The Slovenian trio conjure strange beauty from a vast arsenal of global instruments in an album that hums, drones and dances with intense power Continue reading...
Jonathan Biss/Swedish Radio SO/Omer Meir Wellber (Orchid Classics) Biss pairs Beethoven’s fourth concerto with Sciarrino’s 21st-century miniature, creating a programme that is thoughtful and vividly expressive Continue reading...
(Delphian) An exhilarating album of new and reimagined works by Errollyn Wallen, Laura Moody and others reaffirms this group’s reputation for fearless musical curiosity Continue reading...
(XL Recordings) Jamie Roberts’ unsettling take on bass music is crammed with glitchy rhythms and jolting sounds. It’s as disorienting as it is immersive Continue reading...
(The Flenser) The LA group’s second album pairs all the power and euphoria of heavy music with imaginative detailing and poignant lyrics – it will have you levitating with joy Continue reading...
(Somewhere Press) Reflecting her nocturnal work as an emergency doctor, the Baghdad-born musician’s latest blends trip-hop, shoegaze and ambient into sometimes eerie, sometimes blissful tracks Continue reading...
(Republic) Far from the Max Martin-assisted pop juggernaut fans expected, this soft-rock paean to domestic bliss is slight on tunes and still seethes with grievance. And the less said about her fiance’s ‘magic wand’, the better Continue...