188 posts
New albums
“Last night,” Emeli Sandé sings, borne aloft as her third album reaches its finale, “I had a dream that I could fly”. She’s not the first to do so, to…
Review: Two Door Cinema Club – False Alarm
If you struggle to sleep, Google the ‘Two Door Cinema Club – False Alarm album launch into space!’ video. A record of how they sent their album into orbit because…
Review: Pixx – Small Mercies
It takes a while to figure out who Hannah Rodgers sounds like when she sings. At first, it seems like St Vincent, with Small Mercies and its opener, Andean Condor,…
Review: Will Young – Lexicon
Back in 2015, one-time Pop Idol winner Will Young could be found on 85% Proof, winding up Thank You, about his ex, with the simple edict: “Fuck you”. Four years…
Review: Hot Chip – A Bath Full Of Ecstasy
To some, Hot Chip have always been pioneers of sensitive indie club-pop, while, to others, there’s something irksome about their inherent anxiety, as well as a sense they’re trying too…
Review: Aurora – A Different Kind Of Human
Given to eccentric pronouncements about collecting dead insects and watching Avatar every day, Aurora Aksnes has cultivated a cunningly alien, elfin look, ice-blue eyes framed by a sci-fi fringe and,…
Review: The Divine Comedy – Office Politics
If you consider Neil Hannon too clever for his own good, then starting his 12th collection by declaring “I jump the queue/ ‘cause I’m smarter than you” won’t help his…
Review: Mark Ronson – Late Night Feelings
Sometimes a simple phrase captures the public imagination. Think of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow’s “conscious uncoupling”, or Dominic Cummings’ “Take back control”. To these, add “sad bangers”, which Mark…
Review: Kaiser Chiefs – Duck
Just over a decade ago, Kaiser Chiefs prepared for their third album’s imminent release, Off With Their Heads, with a riotous sold-out show at Leeds United’s Elland Road. This summer,…
Review: Lloyd Cole – Guesswork
“No need to scream and shout…” Serene and sincere, Guesswork seeks inspiration in contrasting legends, and the results will make them proud. There appear to have been two vital musical…