The Dreaming Spires – Normal Town (2025) review
The Dreaming Spires' new concept album, Normal Town, explores themes of change, alienation and familiarity from an outsider insider's perspective.
Record Reviews
Archive footage: release roundup
We recently explored how musicians have creatively responded to loss. Now we continue our release roundup series by focusing on videos making creative use of archive footage. Le Big Zero:…
Loss for words: release roundup
The art of losing Whether affected by broken dreams, a break-up, or bereavement, these artists have explored loss in their new singles. Carleton Stone: when reality overtakes dreamsCharlotte Sands: getting…
Animated music videos: release roundup
We’re continuing our recap series by celebrating a range of animated music videos released in the past year. Diamond Shake – Heard It All BeforeKodiak Arcade – Something RealBelmont –…
Seth Lakeman Make Your Mark album review
Seth Lakeman – Make Your Mark Hollow is a powerful opener. Seth Lakeman narrates an unnamed tragedy, but the audience is most definitely ‘you,’ the witness. The cadence is instantly…
Katie Melua Acoustic Album No. 8 review
Katie Melua – Acoustic Album No. 8 Katie Melua was recently recognised by BBC Radio 2 as one of the 30 Biggest Selling Female Artists because her debut album has…
in earnest review: hauntingly beautiful EP + film
Quietly heartbreaking
Houndmouth album review: Good For You
"An undeniable sense of fortunes lost, former glory, and broken dreams"
Robin Guthrie album review: the Cocteau Twins pioneer is back!
It's been a tough few years. If you need head space, pearldiving by Robin Guthrie is worth your time.
Buffalo Nichols review: exploring misery with luscious delivery
A self-assured and insightful debut that handles introspection and unflinching social commentary equally well.
Album Review: Bruce Springsteen – Letter To You
"It's Springsteen being Springsteen but with the artistic license to be his authentic self in the here and now."
Album Review: Our Man In The Field – The Company of Strangers
"A lot of people advised it would be too difficult and not worth the trouble. I’m pleased to say it was definitely worth the trouble."
Album Review: Michael McDermott – What In The World
"What In The World explores lows and highs, depth, salvation and ways of offering the same hope to others."
Album Review: Ward Richmond – Highly Meditated
Tongue-in-cheek examinations of late nights and meditative mornings
Album Review: Ben Kunder – Searching For The Stranger
An album of love, loss, grief and memory
Album Review: Nicole Atkins – Italian Ice
Romance, retro cool, religion and rebellion