Review: Carpenter embraces the holiday spirit with a playful and modern twist. A festive reimagining of her earlier work, the release brims with cheeky wordplay and shimmering pop production. Tracks like the opening number reinvent familiar holiday tropes with wit and charm, while others pair Carpenter's signature catchy melodies with a distinctly festive warmth. A rework of a seasonal classic closes the record on a high note, showcasing her vocal versatility and contemporary approach. This is a fresh and vibrant take on holiday music, as fun as it is memorable.
New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down (6:28)
Review: A brand-new five-track EP from the current darlings of the indie scene. The Leeds four-piece have had an impressive few months, having dropped their debut album 'This Could Be Texas' in April and performing across major festivals in Europe, as well as being nominated for the 2024 Mercury Prize. The new project, recorded during their sessions with BBC Radio 1, 2 and 6 Music, includes live versions of tracks from the album, plus covers of LCD Soundsystem's 'New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down' and Billie Eilish's 'Birds Of A Feather'.
Review: Dorothy Tennov's tenuous concept of "limerence" has fuelled many an artistic outing and project, most notably in recent times an Yves Tumor star cut from the ineluctable PAN compilation, Mono No Aware. But it's UK rising indie star Jacob Alon's new and debut album, In Limerence - wuthering on the bloodied tips of his last 10" 'To Selene' and forerunning 7" 'Liquid Gold 25'- that perhaps really does the most thoroughgoing justice to the erotomanic, smitten concept of impossible, obsessive love. Bold electric modern folk reimaginings and wambling blears are brought out lovingly by speedy hothouser producer Dan Carey, ensuring Alon's ethereal vocals effuse over evocative storytelling on 'Fairy In A Bottle' and 'Confession'.
Review: Julian Cope's My Nation Underground is an album ready for rediscovery and it now gets reissued as a faithful replica of the original 1988 Mercury Records UK release and pressed on high-quality 180g vinyl. Following the success of Saint Julian, Cope surprised fans by changing his band lineup and blending funk with Krautrock with veteran producer Ron Fair at the helm. The album includes three singles, mostly notably 'Charlotte Anne' which was a minor US hit. The opener, '5 O'Clock World', is a cover of a 1965 Vogues song and is upbeat and poppy, while the seven-minute title track uniquely combines go-go beats with post-punk elements.
The Boy Is Mine (feat Brandy, Monica - remix) (3:34)
Twilight Zone (3:18)
Warm (3:21)
Dandelion (3:24)
Past Life (3:36)
Hampstead (3:35)
Review: A year on from initial release, eternal sunshine remains a powerful and introspective exploration of heartbreak, growth and the aftermath of personal upheaval. As Arianna Grande navigates her Saturn return here, she transforms her very public divorce into an emotional, musically rich concept album. Inspired by the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, she confronts the lingering pain of a breakup with a mix of raw vulnerability and clever humour across tunes that blend her signature r&b sound with new, bold experimentation, including Y2K-inspired tracks like 'the boy is mine.' While her lyrics occasionally lean on familiar phrases, Grande's restraint and vocal artistry shine through and prove the fine singer-songwriter is not done evolving yet.
Review: Two British pop legends unite for Who Believes in Angels?, a new record spot-checking our faith in divinity. Having connected through a mutual admiration and shared love of music, Elton initially became a fan of Carlile through her effusions of folk, rock and country, which matched the former's megastar's sometimes pained, moving songwriting. Their friendship deepened over the years, with Carlile performing at Elton's annual AIDS Foundation events and joining him on stage for special collaborations. Now blending Elton-led and Brandi-led tracks, the album contains lyrics from longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin alongside Carlile's own contributions, with production by Andrew Watt. This marks Elton's 33rd studio album and Brandi's eighth.
Review: Few stadiums involve the same level of America-ness as Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, whether or not you believe baseball to be pointless and mundane, the fast food equivalent of cricket which is, somehow, also a slow cooked nothing, it's impossible not to appreciate just how much atmosphere there is in heritage sports arenas, and how much these places mean to the town that built them. For anyone to perform a concert at Fenway, then, is a privilege that betrays status. So does the deafening noise of tens of thousands singing along to the anthems on this Noah Kahan tour recording. Born in Vermont, but with strong family ties to the Boston area, the roaring and soaring folk-pop hitmaker - whose roots are as much in rock & roll as country and bluegrass - is quite simply commanding, even heard via the replay medium of vinyl or CD. Something to remember next time you consider tickets to see him in the flesh.
Review: Keshi's new album Requiem is a powerful statement to his growth as an artist. Created across Houston, LA, New York, and Tokyo, this 13-track album showcases Keshi's exceptional talents as a songwriter, producer, and performer, with an ambition clearly aimed at arena performances. Born Casey Luong, Keshi has built a reputation for his unique blend of lo-fi hip-hop and r&b, characterised by soothing vocals and deeply introspective lyrics. Requiem, his sophomore album, follows 2022's Gabriel, which solidified him as a top debut artist. The new album delves into themes of love and loss, particularly influenced by the death of a close friend. This profound experience shaped Keshi's perspective on life and time, culminating in the album's title track, 'Requiem,' which reflects a coming-of-age realization. The album also features the single 'Say,' infused with city pop influences, adding another layer to Keshi's evolving sound. Requiem promises to be a deeply emotional and resonant project, continuing to connect with listeners worldwide.
Mirror (acoustic From The Brudenell Social club (Leeds)) (4:43)
This Town Ain't Big Enough For Both Of Us (3:12)
Up North (live From Hebden Trades club) (3:30)
Wicked Game (live From Showbox Sodo (Seattle)) (3:39)
Army Dreamers (live From Studio Brussel) (2:10)
Review: This special edition's second vinyl offers acoustic renditions and live covers, including a beautiful version of 'Wicked Game' and an emotional take on 'Army Dreamers'. The Last Dinner Party's debut album, Prelude to Ecstasy, produced by James Ford, is a masterful blend of theatrical flair, emotional depth, and diverse musical styles. From the cinematic opening instrumental to the haunting 'Burn Alive,' the album captures an evocative range of moods and experiences, highlighting the band's exceptional musicianship and Abigail Morris' commanding vocals. Emily Roberts' guitar work is especially striking, providing both tonal nuance and powerful solos. The album's strength lies in its versatility, moving from the anthemic brilliance of debut single 'Nothing Matters' to the tender beauty of 'On Your Side'. The inclusion of 'Gjuha', sung in Albanian by keyboardist Aurora Nishevci, adds a personal, multicultural touch, showing the band's ability to explore different sounds and themes. Ford's production accentuates the sweeping orchestral elements and electronic textures without overpowering the band's raw energy.
Review: This double-platinum album marks a milestone in the career of one of hip-hop's most influential figures, showcasing a bold blend of rap, pop and r&b. With its varied production styles and genre-defying sound, it captures Nicki Minaj at her most versatile and confident. From the introspective, emotionally charged 'Pills N Potions' to the playful, brash energy of 'Anaconda', the album explores a wide range of themes, from love and heartbreak to empowerment and self-expression. Nicki Minaj's lyrical prowess is on full display, with sharp, memorable verses that have become iconic in their own right. The production is lush and polished, featuring both hard-hitting beats and smooth, melodic hooks. Throughout, there's a sense of both vulnerability and strength, making it a deeply personal yet universally relatable record. The album's balance of catchy pop hooks and hard-hitting rap ensures its place as a standout in Minaj's discography, cementing her as a force in contemporary music. Fans are sure to appreciate the album's long-awaited vinyl release - many say this is her best.
Review: The long-awaited follow up to 2018's Delta, London indie-folk megastars Mumford & Sons return after a seven-year gap (their longest between releases yet) to chart a course back to their original path. Titled Rushmere after a pond located at Wimbledon Common in London, where the band was first formed and music was conceived, their fifth LP marks their first as a trio, following the departure of Winston Marshall in 2021 (who for some bizarre reason opted to allow his politics to prioritise his success and now makes appearances on Fox News). Where the members had gone to lengths previously to shy away from their folk-pop stylings in search of a "new sound", here it's evident that Marcus Mumford and his cohorts have finally become comfortable with their position within the modern music landscape, dusting off the obligatory banjo for the triumphantly anthemic title-track, while the melancholic 'Where It Belongs' utilises weaving, minimalist acoustic melodies and deeply affecting vocal harmonies to conjure a sense of quiet acceptance. In short, this is the most Mumford & Sons the troupe have sounded since their acclaimed 2009 debut Sigh No More.
Review: Along with Manic Street Preachers and Super Furry Animals, but far bigger selling, 'Dakota' hitmakers Stereophonics epitomise the past 30-plus years of Welsh rock. In many ways the boys from the Valleys have kept the fundamentals that people enjoy about their sound the same over the years with this new album. Kelly Jones' gravelly voice, which sits at the forefront, is as strong as it's ever been. But in terms of changes, Jones has never been shy about his love of Americana music and appears to be leaning more and more into that passion as the years go by. Single 'There's Always Gonna Be Something' has a bit of gospel flair and has an unforgettable melody that would earn appreciation from the most discerning songwriters in Nashville. Stereophonics appear to never tire of chasing that perfect song and it appears still have plenty left in the tank.
Review: An impressive lineup of talent from Universal Pictures' much-anticipated film adaptation, with music and lyrics by the acclaimed Stephen Schwartz. This cinematic release features captivating performances from a star-studded cast, including the Emmy, Grammy and Tony-winning Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and pop icon Ariana Grande as Glinda. Their voices bring new dimensions to beloved songs like 'Defying Gravity' and 'Popular', infusing these classics with fresh interpretations. Alongside them, Michelle Yeoh steps into the role of Madame Morrible, while Jonathan Bailey charms as the free-spirited Fiyero. Jeff Goldblum rounds out the cast as the Wizard, bringing a familiar warmth to 'A Sentimental Man.' With tracks like 'One Short Day' and 'I'm Not That Girl', the film's unique take on the iconic score is undeniable. This soundtrack, releasing ahead of Wicked's theatrical debut, gives fans a glimpse into the reimagined story that's been a stage favorite for decades. Anticipation will only grow as this film, the first in a two-part series, heads to theaters, promising a fresh experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Review: Shockingly, "(Hurry Up Tomorrow) is probably my last hurrah as the Weeknd." With speculation that this could mark the final release under his stage name, Abel Tesfaye returns with his sixth studio album, doubling as the soundtrack for an upcoming psycho-thriller film of the same name, where film and album are to be released in tandem. A known cinephile, and widely applauded for his screen debut in the OPN-scored Safdie Brothers sensation Uncut Gems, Tesfaye's upcoming directorial collaboration with Trey Edward Shults presents an insomniac musician on the verge of a mental breakdown, pulled into an existential odyssey against his best volition. 'Timeless', 'Sao Paulo' and 'Cry for Me' lead the charge, in the aftermath of a vocal injury sustained on tour in 2022. Blending r&b, synth-pop and trap with flourishes of Brazilian funk and hip-hop, the new record doubles as the film's soundtrack, and pushes the Weeknd's palette ever further out into unsettling neon pop territory, contradictorily into the early hours of the weekday.
Review: Produced in LA by her friend and collaborator Solomonophic (who has worked with the likes of Remi Wolf, BROCKHAMPTON and Dominic Fike), this new studio LP from Young is an electrifying and fearless concept that blends passion, rage, humour and narrative flair, all while crackling with energy and surprises. As a modern breakup album, it captures the raw sound of youth navigating relentless romantic turmoil. Irresistible and unexpected, Lola's work defines the chaos of love and heartbreak and is a record that is poised to propel her musical journey to even greater heights.
Review: An electrifying, genre-blurring debut that explores heartbreak with striking honesty and musical sophistication. This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway is sure to be one of the most engaging pop albums of 2025. The artists breathy, understated vocals are the anchor, effortlessly gliding across a soundscape that blends r&b, jazz, rock and classical elements. Tracks like 'Walk On By' show Young's ability to marry modern pop touches with a soulful, timeless aesthetic, while 'You Noticed' s is a minimalist ballad that underscores her poetic lyricism. The fusion of styles is seamless, each track serving its lyrical content with precision, from the jazzy playfulness of 'Conceited' to the raw energy of 'Crush'. The album's production, with its nostalgic crackles and modern electronic accents, creates an intimate, almost journal-like atmosphere, allowing listeners to connect with Young's unfiltered emotions. With TWMFYA, Lola Young carves out a distinct voice, a riveting blend of vulnerability, wit and musical depth.
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