new releases on cd & dvd
Sebastian Scotney |

The title is, of course, typically British understatement. This Music May Contain Hope has not just irresistible confidence and optimism but also real originality about it.

graham.rickson |

Strongroom is a film to be endured as much as enjoyed, Vernon Sewell’s low-budget thriller almost unbearable to watch in its final stages. Released in 1962 as a supporting feature, Strongroom depicts what happens when a bank heist goes badly wrong, leaving the branch manager and his secretary locked in a vault with just 12 hours of air.

Guy Oddy
Solo albums by musicians from established bands can be interesting beasts - not least when discovering which route they’ve decided to take with their…
Joe Muggs
If you’re supposed to be in touch with pop culture as part of your professional life, there’s not much that can sharpen the lines of your ignorance…
Katie Colombus
There was a surreal moment in February when, scrolling through my feed, I became briefly convinced that Sting had cult-napped Ca7riel & Paco…

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Liz Thomson
Sing out, sisters
Kieron Tyler
Former member of múm musically reclaims herself
Guy Oddy
A love letter from Portland’s favourites to the songs and bands that inspire them
Thomas H. Green
Now a trio, the synth-poppers' sound takes a trip to Ibiza, long ago, with mixed results
Guy Oddy
The brothers Robinson pay tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Rolling Stones again
Joe Muggs
The godmother of punk takes a leap into the unknown but doesn't quite stick the landing
Guy Oddy
Beautiful chaos that blends hardcore punk and spacious dub sounds
Tim Cumming
An assured third album from the acclaimed singer songwriter
Ellie Roberts
A muted approach that will likely age well
Joe Muggs
A serial and prolific collaborator finally steps into the spotlight, full of life lessons
Kathryn Reilly
After a six-year hiatus, Morrissey's still at odds with the world
Kieron Tyler
London-based goth-rockers seek solace from concerns about where the world is heading
graham.rickson
A pioneering TV journalist's guide to late 1950s London, and beyond
Thomas H. Green
Difford and Tilbrook reanimate songs they wrote as teenagers, with mixed results
peter.quinn
A love letter to the women who changed music forever
Tim Cumming
Interior musical meditations on life and art pulls on the harp strings
Ibi Keita
World music meets every other genre in this new project
Kieron Tyler
When guitar solos are as important as the meaning of the song
Tom Carr
Earnest and from the heart one moment, paranoid and uncertain the next
Ibi Keita
Beautifully crafted, but not quite timeless
Thomas H. Green
Despite welcome Caribbean flavours most songs lack real weight
Ellie Roberts
A return delivered with growth, vulnerability, and a renewed artistic spark
Guy Oddy
Electroclash original remains direct, filthy and more than relevant
Sebastian Scotney
A new work rewards detailed listening

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