The Student Playlist

Showcasing the Best New Music, Curating the Classics

Tag Island

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.

CULT ’70s: Nick Drake – ‘Bryter Layter’

The ornate, orchestrated folk and jazzy details of 1971’s ‘Bryter Layter’ are at odds with Nick Drake’s image and legacy, but an important part of his story.

REVIEW: Disclosure – ‘ENERGY’ (Island)

Despite being titled ‘ENERGY’, the Lawrence brothers’ third Disclosure album often lacks the creative spark of ingenuity, content to rest in autopilot.

REVIEW: Tame Impala – ‘The Slow Rush’ (Island / Modular)

A thematic and true sequel to his previous Tame Impala masterpieces, Kevin Parker ruminates on the nature of time on ‘The Slow Rush’.

CLASSIC ’00s: Florence & The Machine – ‘Lungs’

Presenting a fully formed 21st century pop icon to the world in the form of Florence Welch, ‘Lungs’ is one of the Noughties’ great debut albums.

CULT ’60s: Nick Drake – ‘Five Leaves Left’

A timeless and transportive cult classic that passed under the radar in 1969, Nick Drake’s debut album ‘Five Leaves Left’ is still incredibly powerful.

REVIEW: Sigrid – ‘Sucker Punch’ (Island / Universal)

With her breakout hit nearly two years behind her, Sigrid’s long-awaited debut album ‘Sucker Punch’ pays out on that early promise.

REVIEW: Mumford & Sons – ‘Delta’ (Island Records)

On their fourth LP Delta, Mumford & Sons are yet again inoffensive and as approachable as they always were. A cohesive effort, but one that lacks any real substance.

REVIEW: Robyn – ‘Honey’ (Island / Universal / Konichiwa)

Robyn is back, at long last, breathing fresh air into pop music with her first album in eight years, and ‘Honey’ only shows how much her presence was needed.

REVIEW: Spring King – ‘A Better Life’ (Island)

Major label indie-rock hopefuls Spring King deliver a disappointing follow-up to a strong debut with ‘A Better Life’.

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