Sun June - Somewhere
4 Stars
It’s their combination of bright-eyed optimism and reserved melancholy that make ‘Somewhere’ the record it is.
4th February 2021
Reviews
Black Country, New Road - For the first time
3 Stars
The outfit as a whole feel less than the sum of their parts.
4th February 2021
Puma Blue - In Praise of Shadows
3-5 Stars
Pretty much the musical equivalent of Night Nurse.
4th February 2021
Jimi Somewhere - Nothing Gold Can Stay
3-5 Stars
The singer’s ability to convey emotion is the most compelling aspect of the record.
4th February 2021
TV Priest - Uppers
2-5 Stars
You could probably hum a fair approximation of ‘Uppers’ without actually listening to it.
4th February 2021
Goat Girl - On All Fours
5 Stars
A triumph.
28th January 2021
Arlo Parks - Collapsed In Sunbeams
4 Stars
She makes light work of demonstrating exactly why the nation has become so invested in her art.
28th January 2021
Celeste - Not Your Muse
4 Stars
She begs for a return to smoky, underground stages.
28th January 2021
Baio - Dead Hand Control
4 Stars
A hopeful document about finding peace even when the world is on fire.
28th January 2021
Weezer - OK Human
3-5 Stars
Can your metaphors be overwrought, or your references too ham-fisted if they’re accompanied by soaring string arrangements?
28th January 2021
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - New Fragility
2-5 Stars
It toggles between social awareness and slack harmonies in an interplay that never fully attains the unity it craves.
28th January 2021
Lynks - Smash Hits Vol. 2
4 Stars
A record that simultaneously fully embraces their individuality and exposes their fragility.
27th January 2021
Kiwi Jr - Cooler Returns
4 Stars
The sound of Kiwi Jr moving forwards, planting their own flag in the power-pop ground.
21st January 2021
Yung - Ongoing Dispute
3-5 Stars
This is no blistering return, but a pleasant one nonetheless.
21st January 2021
Lande Hekt - Going to Hell
4 Stars
A celebration of personal freedom.
21st January 2021
Lokoy - Badminton
3-5 Stars
Lasse Løkoy shows himself a deft hand at producing low-key bedroom pop.
21st January 2021
Bicep - Isles
4 Stars
It’s both a comfort and a lament.
21st January 2021
Still Corners - The Last Exit
3-5 Stars
Largely worthy of the cultural touchpoints it so proudly nods to.
21st January 2021
Lonely The Brave - The Hope List
3-5 Stars
Their brand of intense but atmospheric rock feels rejuvenating.
21st January 2021
Rhye - Home
3-5 Stars
Comforting like an old blanket. Perhaps a bit itchy in places, but when things get cold it’s just what you need.
21st January 2021
Rose Gray - dancing, drinking, talking, thinking
3-5 Stars
It marks Rose’s out as a name to watch.
21st January 2021
Jockstrap, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard & more make for a memorable virtual edition of ESNS 2021
The Groningen festival’s online debut also featured highlights from Holly Humberstone, Jelani Blackman, The Cool Greenhouse and more.
21st January 2021
Ashnikko - Demidevil
4 Stars
Ten tracks of orgasm-loving, empowering anthems, that pack a punch musically as well as lyrically.
14th January 2021
Shame - Drunk Tank Pink
4 Stars
Beefier, more confrontational, more dissonant than before.
14th January 2021
Featuring Yard Act, Death Cab For Cutie, Graham Coxon, Maisie Peters and more.