Warner US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Omar Apollo's latest promises a deeply personal journey through the aftermath of a tumultuous love affair - the album's title, inspired by the Spanish phrase "lo que sera, sera," reflects Apollo's tongue-in-cheek acceptance of life's twists and turns. With executive production by Teo Halm, God Said No features collaborations with musician Mustafa and actor Pedro Pascal. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and fine-tuned across studios in Los Angeles, New York and Miami, the album showcases Apollo's soulful vocals and introspective lyrics. The prelude single, 'Spite,' and the newly released 'Dispose of Me,' accompanied by a live performance video featuring a 14-piece ensemble, offer a glimpse into Apollo's emotionally charged storytelling. This album is shaping up to be a poignant and intimate exploration of heartbreak and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties.

Review: Once known as the technical wunderkind of alt hip-hop collective Odd Future, the ascension of Earl Sweatshirt to incomparable outlier status as a wordsmith very much in his own lane, has been a muted spectacle to behold. Celebrating the tenth birthday of Doris (his acclaimed major label debut released in 2013) earlier this year in front of a sold out KOKO just a stone's throw (no pun intended) from our offices, the anniversary show was immediately followed by a mass exodus down to Camden's Jazz Cafe where a limited club experience teased material from the much-pondered collaborative project with legendary producer and long-time Earl affiliate The Alchemist. Currently available to stream while vinyl continues to be pressed, Voir Dire exudes a lackadaisical, dare we say positive demeanour across its brief half-hour runtime, with Earl unpacking his fading twenties, preparing for his encroaching thirties and delving into the shift in perspective that comes with fatherhood. Brimming with both artist's trademark flourishes of drugged out, apathetic delivery and chopped, screwed and warped jazz and soul samples, the subtle coalescing of styles results in a work that's equal parts enlightening yet understated, while long-time collaborators/friends Vince Staples and MIKE both offer standout appearances.

Review: The 'Papercuts' Singles Collection 2000-2023 by American rock legends Linkin Park offers a comprehensive journey through the band's evolution over two decades. This anthology captures the essence of their genre-defining sound, showcasing their iconic hits alongside lesser-known gems. From the raw intensity of early tracks like 'One Step Closer' to the introspective depth of later releases such as 'Numb,' each song reflects the band's growth and artistic maturity. With powerful vocals, dynamic instrumentals, and poignant lyrics, LINKIN PARK's music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Review: Pretenders' iconic album Learning To Crawl gets a crystal clear vinyl reissue here to commemorate its 40th anniversary. Retaining the original 1984 artwork and tracklist, this reissue boasts 2018 remastered audio by producer Chris Thomas which arrives on wax for the first time. Following a band hiatus marred by the tragic losses of guitarist James Honeyman-Scott and bassist Pete Farndon, the album features various musicians before Robbie McIntosh and Malcolm Foster joined to solidify the lineup. Achieving Gold and Platinum status in the UK and US, the album peaked at #11 in the UK and #5 on the Billboard 200 and includes beloved tracks like '2000 Miles' and 'Back on the Chain Gang'.