New releases last eight weeks: All genres

Review: Few bands have undergone as profound a transformation as this British group, and this collection carefully traces that evolution. Spanning five albums, it highlights both their early synth-pop success and their later, more expansive sound. The journey begins with 'Talk Talk', a defining moment of the early 80s, followed by the powerful 'Today' and the reflective 'Have You Heard The News?'. 'It's My Life' remains a landmark, its reputation only growing over time, while 'Such A Shame' solidifies its status as an essential deep cut and cult favorite. The second half of the set balances the band's shift toward a richer, more organic approach. 'Life's What You Make It' bridges the transition, blending anthemic hooks with a more intricate sonic landscape. 'Living In Another World' and 'Give It Up' further explore this textured sound. By the time the collection reaches 'April 5th' and 'Time It's Time', the songwriting has taken on a deeper, more atmospheric quality. 'I Believe In You' stands as one of the band's most emotionally powerful moments, reflecting their ability to craft songs with immense depth. The final stretch features 'Eden' and 'Wealth', leading into 'New Grass'ia stunning closer from their final album, widely regarded as a masterpiece. Thoughtfully sequenced, this compilation works as both an introduction and a celebration. A perfect update to their best of - Natural History - from way back in 1990.

Review: The always innovative Emma-Jean Thackray's second album continues her tradition of exploring the edges of standard genres with a bold exploration of grief, selfhood and resilience. Created entirely by Thackray in her South London flat, it meshes jazz, pop, soul, p-funk and grunge into a personal journey in which tracks like 'Wanna Die' contrast frenetic beats with raw emotion while tackling mental health with humour and vulnerability. Featuring collaborations with Reggie Watts and Kassa Overall, the album honours individuality and neurodivergence while processing profound loss and results in Thackray's most intimate and daring work to date-an honest, chaotic, and cathartic celebration of surviving and thriving through pain.