new music reviews, news & interviews
Guy Oddy |

It’s not too much of a stretch to suggest that Tori Amos might inhabit a music genre populated by one artist. That doesn’t make her tunes indescribable though. There’s the mezzo-soprano vocal range backed by neo-classical piano, a bit of a jazzy groove and a light sprinkling of Kate Bush vibes.

Thomas H. Green |

The pairing of Chemical Brother Tom Rowlands and Norwegian pop star Aurora sounds interesting but not, on paper, like the formula for something extraordinary. Tomora’s debut album kicks such presumptions to the kerbside. It feels like a project they both urgently need, a vital escape from their “day jobs” which they dive into with effervescent giddiness, whether embracing the android-ethereal or the thunderously bangin’.

Thomas H. Green
Lincolnshire singer Holly Humberstone, now London-based, was awarded the Brit for Rising Star in 2022. A UK Top 5 album followed, Paint My Bedroom…
Tom Carr
It is always fascinating recognising influences in a band or artists style, but noting how they have been adapted, morphed into something different…
Sebastian Scotney
It was something of a miracle how long They Might Be Giants managed to preserve their trademark madcap optimism intact. It lasted right through to…

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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
Guy Oddy
Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s solo album is a great success that strays far from the day job
Kieron Tyler
A one-stop showcase for the fabulous
Joe Muggs
The youthful grandaddies of K-pop are as cyborg-slick as ever
Mark Kidel
Risk-taking flights of musical imagination
Katie Colombus
Life after burnout and bad decisions for the Buenos Aires duo
Liz Thomson
Sing out, sisters

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