Album Reviews
2024
‘Girlfriend Material’ is unabashedly Lauran Hibberd in all her glory. A deeply personal exploration of her whirlwind past few years. She’s allowing herself to feel it all, but unafraid to still have fun while doing so.
Honest lyricism combined with bold production choices and Grande’s trademark falsetto makes for her most cohesive, enthralling and daring album yet.
2023
James Blake's "Playing Robots into Heaven" is a surprising and evolving listen that pivots from dancefloor-ready trance to ethereal synthpop.
Over the course of a blistering thirteen minutes, on her new surprise EP ‘Like…?’ Ice Spice rises above the chatter to stake her claim as a future queen of the Bronx.
2022
Suffolk Singer-songwriter Dylan blends stellar songwriting and thrilling pop-punk on a collection that perfectly captures her personality and future stardom
British alt-pop singer Mackenzy Mackay blends inspirations effortlessly on a debut EP that feels like a greatest hits collection.
Whilst her previous records have touched on decades past, The Loneliest Time finds Carly Rae Jepsen rooted in the present
The Car is Arctic Monkeys at their most cinematic, whilst Tranquility Base may have been divisive on launch, The Car blends the best aspects from across the group's eclectic discography and for the most part, soars.
Producer / Artist Alex Crossan has continued to become less restrained by the concept of genre as his career has progressed. ‘Demon Time’ is his most fluid, fun and frenetic record to date however its true potential lies on the dancefloor or a festival field rather than your stereo.
The debut EP from Cardiff Punk rockers Panic Shack is sensational from start to finish. A simply sublime selection of tracks.
The buzziest and busiest duo of 2022 release their highly anticipated debut album. A solid collection of enjoyable and catchy indie anthems.
On their third record ‘Fever Dream’, LA Synthpop trio Cannons perfect their blend of psychedelic bliss
Rosalía’s third album defies the concept of genre. She merges Regatton, Flamenco, Electronica and Jazz to create a fluctuating masterpiece, continuing her fascinating evolution as an artist.
With The Popham EP, North London Singer-songwriter Louis Dunford lets the listener into his youth, his home streets, and his heart.
Brighton based rock band As It Is burst back onto the music scene with the release of their angst fuelled album I WENT TO HELL AND BACK.
Vancouver quartet Peach Pit’s third album, the aptly titled ‘From 2 to 3’ is rife with a sense of suburban nostalgia. It’s a sublime record designed to dazzle in the summer sun.
Bastille contemplate sex, love and technology. Discovering a new groove on their fourth album.
Full of sensual synths, ‘Night Call’ takes Alexander’s musical project in a bright and exciting new direction.
2021
Flying Dream 1 is divine. Delicate as a feather, it contains some of Elbow’s most beautiful poetic prose to date alongside a selection of heavenly orchestration and arrangements.
Zuzu’s debut album is full of heart and charm. With its beautiful melodies and intelligent songwriting, this love letter to Liverpool is a must-listen.
Sam Fender’s second record is sublime. It’s personal, poignant, and not afraid to often paint an unforgiving picture of modern society. However, at its core, is a message of hope and triumph.
A polished project that knows how to pump up the energy with its blend of garage, soul and hip-hop, but also isn’t afraid to let listeners into the pairs more personal side.
Khruangbin’s Mordechai has been given a luxury club treatment that transforms the record into a smooth retro funk wonder only possible due to the underlying brilliance at its core.
Laura Marling and Mike Lindsay are overflowing with creativity on LUMPs extraordinary and psychedelic second album ‘Animal’.
The ‘Goober’ EP is the perfect showcase of why Isle of Wight rocker Hibberd is one of the most exciting talents around with her combination of witty lyricism and Punk-infused Slacker Pop melodies.
A stop-gap EP between records, whilst a fantastic listen it finds Bea undergoing a sonic identity crisis.
Beloved Northamptonian Billy Lockett returns with an impressive EP that showcases his multitude of talents and styles to heartwrenching effect.
2020
A sensual, impassioned, and fiery debut record from Victoria Monét as she takes her place in the spotlight.
‘This Could Be Texas’ is sensational. A faultless and fearless album that is unafraid to challenge and move you in equal measure.