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Thomas H. Green |

Record Store Day 2026 is this Saturday! At theartsdesk on Vinyl we’ve been playing through exclusive RSD goodies. Check the reviews. Then check head to your local record shop! See you amongst it. 

Liz Thomson |

It’s 15 years since Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, two boys from Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, let slip their debut album. “Released” is not the right word, for Prologue (2011) was posted quietly online as a free download, the link sent to friends. Fame and fortune weren’t the goal – it was another f-word: folk, in a pure sense. Simple, quietly affecting music-making with authenticity and honesty at its heart.

Guy Oddy
It’s ten years since Tiga’s last solo album, the slightly tepid No Fantasy Required was released. So, it is something of a relief to discover that…
Kieron Tyler
Blues? Maybe, in atmospheric terms. But not in the 12-bar, blues-rock or Delta blues sense. Or most other senses. The album title is a play on Miles…
Thomas H. Green
Superbloom is the third chapter in Jessie Ware’s transformation, over the last six years, into a self-proclaimed and full-blown disco diva. How does…

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Kieron Tyler
When a narrative becomes more complicated than the one delineated by the hit singles
Guy Oddy
A set that is short on hits but that keeps the fans more than happy
Thomas H. Green
A stunning set, rife with wild vocals and explosive electronics
Thomas H. Green
Lyrically chewy, youthful, indie-tinted, and mostly likeable
Tom Carr
Angsty yet immediate, powerful dose of alternative rock
Sebastian Scotney
World-weariness sets in
Joe Muggs
The New Yorker's first UK show with full band shows nerdy personality and grand vision
Ellie Roberts
Another entry into the pop punk scene that would make for a great live set
Kieron Tyler
Eye-opening tribute to BBC Radio 2’s riposte to Radio’s 1’s allegiance to the charts
Sebastian Scotney
Justice done to the co-founder of Weather Report
Jonathan Geddes
Despite a mostly seated venue, the dance veterans got fans on their feet with ease
Guy Oddy
Extreme noise terrorists double up their fire power to great effect
Joe Muggs
The quietly poetic singer-songwriter finds an impressive way to get louder
Thomas H. Green
The last great bastion of regular international vinyl record reviewing
Tim Cumming
Third album from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and friends is propelled by cosmic as well as worldly themes
Thomas H. Green
With a line-up that includes Exodus and Carcass, a top-notch night of the heaviest metal
Mark Kidel
Leading Kurdish vocalist takes tradition on an adventure
Tom Carr
Gloomy yet brooding and compelling human
Kieron Tyler
Scottish jazz rarity resurfaces
Ibi Keita
A well-crafted sound that plays it a little too safe
Jonathan Geddes
Damon Albarn's animated outfit featured dazzling visuals and constant guests
Tom Carr
A meaningful reiteration and next step of their sonic journey
Joe Muggs
While some synth pop queens fade, the Swede seems to burn ever brighter
Sebastian Scotney
Raye’s moment has definitely arrived, and this is an inspirational album

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