While there’s highlights aplenty, the slightly over-calculated nature of the production prevents ‘Chromatica’ from going full Lady Gaga.
Heavier and more robust than previous releases, PINS’ third album ‘Hot Slick’ nevertheless retains the playfulness that made them so enjoyable when they emerged.
Eclectic York newcomers The Howl & The Hum produce a varied and detailed debut album in ‘Human Contact’.
On their fourth album ‘Notes On A Conditional Form’, The 1975’s ambition often exceeds their grasp, sounding like a poorly curated playlist.
Competently and entertainingly interpreting their post-punk / new-wave influences, ‘Gentle Grip’ is a fine debut from Public Practice.
In writing, recording and producing a masterpiece in conjunction with collaborators remotely during a lockdown, Charli XCX shows herself to be one of pop’s most industrious and imaginative stars.
Gathering up a healthy number of B-sides and rarities among the prime cuts, Sleaford Mods’ first compilation ‘All That Glue’ is more worthwhile than your average greatest hits.
The purest expression of Mike Hadreas’ artistry as Perfume Genius yet, ‘Set My Heart On Fire Immediately’ is a resounding masterpiece.
Acknowledging that the truths about our existence exist in the grey areas that elude binary definitions, Moses Sumney’s ‘græ’ is his second masterpiece.
Restricting himself to very short songs, Stephin Merritt’s latest Magnetic Fields album ‘Quickies’ is another stylish triumph.
