The Student Playlist

Showcasing the Best New Music, Curating the Classics

Category Best New Music

REVIEW: Yard Act – ‘The Overload’ (Island)

The meteoric ascent of Leeds’ own Yard Act culminates in ‘The Overload’, a fine example of sprechsegang post-punk but one that doesn’t forget the human touch.

REVIEW: TORRES – ‘Thirstier’ (Merge)

‘Thirstier’ is a dazzlingly executed power move into the mainstream for Mackenzie Scott’s TORRES project.

REVIEW: Billie Eilish – ‘Happier Than Ever’ (Darkroom / Interscope)

Bringing out different textures in her sound, Billie Eilish’s songwriting and production is as sharp as ever on second album ‘Happier Than Ever’.

REVIEW: Dave – ‘We’re All Alone In This Together’ (Dave / Neighbourhood Recordings)

Compelling and empathetic storytelling is key to ‘We’re All Alone In This Together’, which sees Dave exploring identity and belonging more closely.

REVIEW: Bobby Gillespie & Jehnny Beth – ‘Utopian Ashes’ (Sony)

Surprisingly effective country-influenced duets from Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie and Savages’ Jehnny Beth on ‘Utopian Ashes’.

REVIEW: John Grant – ‘Boy From Michigan’ (Bella Union)

John Grant journeys through elation and devastation with impactful songwriting and atmospheric production on ‘Boy From Michigan’.

REVIEW: The Mountain Goats – ‘Dark In Here’ (Merge)

John Darnielle and The Mountain Goats excel once again on 20th album ‘Dark In Here’, telegraphing pre-pandemic dread and anxiety.

REVIEW: Greentea Peng – ‘MAN MADE’ (EMI / Universal)

Aria Wells’ first full-length Greentea Peng album ‘MAN MADE’ lives up to the hype, a refreshing blend of psychedelic R&B cut with dub and reggae influences.