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Album Reviews

High on Fire

High on Fire

Snakes for the Divine
Tight, concise and thrillingly sharp, High on Fire’s latest is boundlessly impressive.
Thomas Adès

Thomas Adès

Violin Concerto & Tevot (feat. violin: Anthony Marwood; feat. orch: Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Nat
Adès is the most consistent and compelling composer of his generation.
Shy Child

Shy Child

Liquid Love
Undoubtedly impressive, well-honed and slickly produced.
Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis

Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey
A credible jazz album for those who never knew they liked the genre.
Boyzone

Boyzone

Brother
A treat for fans, but younger ears might wonder what the fuss was ever about.
Emma Pollock

Emma Pollock

The Law of Large Numbers
Long-term fans of Pollock, and The Delgados, will find their expectations met.

Titus Andronicus

The Monitor
Lives up both to its rebellious, riotous ambition and its rich musical heritage.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
Emerges from the swampland armed with an acoustic, and desire in its belly.
Jason Derulo

Jason Derulo

Jason Derülo
As hot as a deep-frozen chicken fillet, this soulless Auto-Tune-fest is one to avoid.
New Young Pony Club

New Young Pony Club

The Optimist
A super-smart pop album at the top of its game.
The Chieftains featuring Ry Cooder

The Chieftains featuring Ry Cooder

San Patricio
A transatlantic musical campaign whose eccentric heart makes it hard to resist.
Various Artists

Various Artists

Bustin’ Out – New Wave To New Beat: the Post Punk Era 1979-1981
Reminds us that pop and dance music can be subversive without foregoing accessibility.
Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix

Valleys of Neptune
The latest posthumous Hendrix album offers underwhelming ‘new’ material.
Broken Bells

Broken Bells

Broken Bells
A sweet’n’sour and head-spinningly trippy set from Messrs Mercer and Burton.

Kris Drever

Mark the Hard Earth
Quite understated and beautifully played, Drever’s singing peerless throughout.
Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin

Downtown Church
Griffin and her cohorts deliver a collection of astonishing songs.
Various Artists

Various Artists

Nigeria Afrobeat Special: The New Explosive Sound in 1970s Nigeria
Fela wasn’t the only Afrobeat star in 1970s Nigeria – but he was certainly the best.
Various Artists

Various Artists

Next Stop Soweto: Township Sounds From the Golden Age of Mbaqanga
Tough, rootsy grooves and plentiful hooks give this mbaqanga music broad appeal.
Fear Factory

Fear Factory

Mechanize
A powerful statement from a revitalized and still-relevant band.
Turin Brakes

Turin Brakes

Outbursts
A stripped-back affair, but overly familiar and sadly nondescript.