Album Reviews
High on Fire
Snakes for the Divine
Tight, concise and thrillingly sharp, High on Fire’s latest is boundlessly impressive.
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
Liquid Love
Undoubtedly impressive, well-honed and slickly produced.
Ramsey Lewis
Songs From the Heart: Ramsey Plays Ramsey
A credible jazz album for those who never knew they liked the genre.
Boyzone
Brother
A treat for fans, but younger ears might wonder what the fuss was ever about.
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
Beat the Devil’s Tattoo
Emerges from the swampland armed with an acoustic, and desire in its belly.
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
The Optimist
A super-smart pop album at the top of its game.
The Chieftains featuring Ry Cooder
San Patricio
A transatlantic musical campaign whose eccentric heart makes it hard to resist.
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
Valleys of Neptune
The latest posthumous Hendrix album offers underwhelming ‘new’ material.
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
Downtown Church
Griffin and her cohorts deliver a collection of astonishing songs.
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
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
Mechanize
A powerful statement from a revitalized and still-relevant band.
Turin Brakes
Outbursts
A stripped-back affair, but overly familiar and sadly nondescript.