16th October 2022
Alex G finds reference points for his experimental brand of folk in both the old and new, synthesising country and hyperpop in an endearingly erratic statement on spirituality. What’s most interesting about Alex Giannascoli is the mystique colouring his otherwise honest and confrontational style of folk music. Generally, his albums tend to adopt the outward ...
9th May 2022
Are increasingly specific genre divides a help or a hindrance? he music listening process, whether through vinyl or a streaming service, finds that each sound is distinguished by its correspondence to a genre or musical period. From rock and punk to pop and grime, we find ourselves unconsciously guided by the existing structures in music ...
21st April 2022
Music Editor Fred Bruce reflects on the departure of frontman Isaac Wood from Black Country, New Road. Since their inception, Black Country, New Road have defined themselves by a quiet resilience in the face of significant obstacles. The six-piece formed following the breakdown of their previous band, Nervous Conditions, after several individuals spoke out on ...
6th April 2022
Film soundtracks that contain copyright tunes negatively influence the viewer’s experience and understanding of the film. It’s the intricacy of original film scores that makes them so satisfying. Meticulously crafted with utmost precision, any Danny Elfman or John Williams creation is overanalysis galore as their sudden staccatos and cautious crescendos interact seamlessly with the action ...
18th February 2022
Rather than shouting out requests or playing the Creep lottery, should fans just accept artists not playing the hits? It’s a question as old as live music itself. Do musicians and bands have an obligation to their fans? Should they play the “hits” when you go to their gigs? After all, it’s the fans that ...
16th February 2022
Writer Flora Gosling reveals what your study music says about you. Studying can be tough, can’t it? We find ourselves in our flats, cramming material that we can’t even remember learning in class. And we’ve all got a soundtrack that gets us through it. So here’s the lowdown on what the music you listen to ...
15th February 2022
In light of his recent passing, Micaela reflects on the prolific career of musical genius Stephen Sondheim. It’s impossible to look back at the state of theatre in 2021 without honoring the passing of Stephen Sondheim. Discussing modern musical theatre in general is impossible to do without acknowledging the impact of Sondheim’s work. Mentored by ...
30th January 2022
Bringing to life the emotional turbulence of 2021 like no other album, Arlo Park’s sensational full-length debut is our next Album of the Year. Described by Parks as “both universal and hyper-specific”, Collapsed in Sunbeams’ fluctuations between ethereal bliss and relatable vulnerability are just one factor in the album’s critical celebration. A gorgeous set of ...
27th January 2022
Brighton post-punkers Squid elevate the genre on Bright Green Field, our third Album of the Year for 2021. Perhaps no other album captured the grey, dystopian aura surrounding 2021 than Squid’s Bright Green Field. A dizzying record defined by angular guitars, syncopated rhythms, and the frantic shrieked vocals of frontman Ollie Judge, Bright Green Field ...
24th January 2022
Last but by no means least, Taylor Swift’s singular vision is made crystal clear on our final album of the year: Red (Taylor’s Version). Marking an epochal moment in the most recent leg her career, Taylor’s return to 2012’s Red highlights her musical and emotional maturation. Bringing to light both previously unreleased tracks, as well ...
