Introducing a double-album drop that’s as unexpected as it is eclectic and creatively gripping. Arlo Morgan is something of an internet enigma at present, carving a close line between raw human expression and the unprecedented levels that programmed design can now take things to.
Albums
Introducing a conceptual rock project written over several decades, with a fine display of powerful songwriting at the forefront – elevated by an intricate fusion of organic and electronic sound design.
Purposeful art, conceptual exploration that refuses to let history fade away. Zooloo and The Seaweeds collaborate for an immense musical project designed to pay tribute to the terrifying deportation and enslavement of black people.
As Love Forever rains into view, we’re instantly reminded of the hypnotic multi-coloured chaos of Isaiah’s unique production, and the distant and equally recognisable tone of that leading voice.
An openly artistic Irreversible Kick let raw passion and energy take precedence, throughout the fearlessly performative, genre-fusing intensity and versatility of their seven-track album Calon cysgul.
Time for something completely engaging, entertaining and thoughtful, with vocals and lyrics that naturally soothe. Outback Stormchasers are an elusive and impressive indie band, and Famous Last Words in the Multiverse is a genuine gem of an album for the year ahead.
Unsettle and entertain, be original but engaging and effective – provide unrivalled electronic escapism – boxes all finely ticked by the eclectic and bold repertoire of Ad al Maar.
Digital composition is timeless in many ways, and when the music has this organic, natural and profoundly human feel, it’s all the more important and valuable, when piercing through the noise and artificial electronic design of late.
Todd Underwood consistently masters this meeting between surface level entertainment and the subtle but striking thought-process of an artist seeking to make sense of the world.
UK rock three-piece Lois keep things authentic and engaging, with their electrifying fusion of nostalgia and anthemic songwriting, throughout the riff-strong high-energy album 67 Skies.
Beautiful music, organic folk-pop with heartfelt songwriting and humble vocals at the forefront. Mackenzie Miller delivers a classic, timeless album, with the eleven original songs of Peninsula.
This is genuinely one of the most likable, engaging and rather addictive alternative rock EPs to hit the scene in recent years. Smokedown master the space within which the music exists, not just playing for themselves, nor simply for you, but creating something that feels both comforting in its groove and persistence, and completely unexpected in both topic and tenacity.