Album Reviews
Page 7
Cardinals – ‘Masquerade’ review: Ireland’s next great hope deliver scorched truths
In their quest for a “classic”, Cork’s gothy young punks show promise and serve up darkness and anxiety on a debut of two halves
Joji – ‘Piss In The Wind’ review: a multi-genre odyssey with glimpses of greatness
The Japanese-Australian alt-R&B crooner gets blown off course on his fourth album
Xaviersobased – ‘Xavier’ review: the polarising New York tastemaker is still brilliantly chaotic
Playful production, eclectic microgenre influences and strong features make for a fun-filled debut album
Softcult – ‘When A Flower Doesn’t Grow’ review: ferociously beautiful blitz of shoegaze, punk and grunge
After four brilliant EPs, the Canadian duo raise the bar with their debut album, a confident evolution of their prickly punk
Ari Lennox – ‘Vacancy’ review: old-school soulfulness with modern flourishes
Neo-soul elegance and late-night vibes define the R&B star’s most inviting record to date
Dead Dads Club – ‘Dead Dads Club’ review: Chilli Jesson’s most exciting work since Palma Violets
Produced by Fontaines D.C.’s Carlos O’Connell, the record turns a period of grief into triumph
EXO – ‘Reverxe’ review: holding their ground during a moment of uncertainty
Even without some of their defining voices, the K-pop boyband still manage to retain their core identity on album eight
Megadeth – ‘Megadeth’ review: a fiery farewell from the pioneers of thrash
Dave Mustaine and co. remind us of their legacy, yet it’s the rarely seen moments of tenderness that truly stand out
A$AP Rocky – ‘Don’t Be Dumb’ review: a suited, settled and self-assured return that doesn’t dim his light
After years of false starts, the rapper re-emerges poised and polished, delivering a comeback that shines brightest in its psychedelic, cinematic moments
Clothesline From Hell – ‘Slather On The Honey’ review: a concise collection of genre-twisting surprises
Bursting with unexpected flavours, the shifting emotional tenor of multi-instrumentalist Adam LaFramboise’s debut quietly captures something about the complexities of modern life
Sleaford Mods – ‘The Demise Of Planet X’ review: come armageddon, bring the noise
With colourful noise and wisdom, the Sex Pistols of modern sprechgesang show that you don’t have to take the decline lying down
Robbie Williams – ‘Britpop’ review: a love letter to the ’90s and bid to live forever
Nostalgia offers the pop icon protection on this daft but deft celebration of the ‘Angels’ hitmaker's journey so far