This is one of the most unique albums that I have ever heard, so I found this difficult to give a definite rating to. But the beauty of these instrumentals and of Björk's unique and ethereal vocals cannot be overstated. The entirety of this album just feels otherworldly, listening to this in isolation will really make you feel like you are not present. I listened to this album because I had heard of Björk and knew the acclaim that came with this project, and I was extremely ... read more

My first real introduction into the jazz world, and I am very impressed so far. The ensemble cast of musicians here work off of one another so well, and shine when playing together as well. The way the instruments just seem to sing the melodies is beautiful, whether it be Miles Davis on the trumpet, John Coltrane on the sax, or even the piano at points here. Such a soothing album, and even though I know this is regarded as one of the best of the genre, I am looking forward to a deeper dive of ... read more

2025 Catch Up #4

Such a warm and cozy album from Olivia Dean. There are so many summer hit songs on here, with all these tracks being so catchy and consistent. The instrumentals are so calming, and Olivia Dean's incredible vocals on top make this album experience so fun. Very glad to have seen Nice To Each Other live before it was released.

Favourite Tracks: Nice To Each Other, Close Up, So Easy (To Fall In Love), Man I Need, Loud🥇, A Couple Minutes

Least Favourite Track: Let Alone ... read more

2025 Catch Up #3

Another fire installment from Joey here. A bunch of unique beats with flows that are amazing as always, each track here is catchy and memorable. Definitely not Joey's best work, but he has set himself a very high bar with projects like 1999 and All Amerikkkan. The features provide a wide range of dynamics, and all of them fit well here. Some of these tracks have a Spiderverse sound to them which I really enjoy too.

Favourite Tracks: DARK AURA, SUPAFLEE, HIGHROLLER, ... read more

2025 Catch Up #2

These two actually cannot miss. Their performance and Laneway was so peak and they continue their sound into this new album. All these beats are actually so catchy, and the chemistry between Joey and Brae / their features (Peggy holy shit) are off the charts here. Every single track is such a banger, and their flows have only gotten better over time. Perfect mix of energetic tracks and more melodic club songs. These two have quickly become one of my favourite artists in the ... read more

2025 Catch Up #1

While it was always going to be an insane task to match The Forever Story, JID brings out what I believe to be his second best project easily. The beat switches and flows are peak as always, and the wider range of sounds on this album are really intriguing. Features all hit (except perhaps Don Toliver, slightly out of place), and the large use of background vocals works really well here. JID in the big '25🌹🔋❤️

Favourite Tracks: YouUgly, Glory🥇, Community, ... read more

Wow. Just amazing. Ethel Cain has curated another beautiful and soul-crushing album. This album had me enthralled from the first second to last. The entire track list flows just so so well, from incredible instrumental tracks to stunning vocal performances giving an experience that makes the long runtime just fly by. Don't even get me started on how good some of these tracks are. I mean, Nettles, Tempest, Waco, Texas all being on the same album??? Incredible. These instrumental tracks ... read more

I've been sitting on this album for almost two months, and I have been listening to it consistently in that period. I haven't made it onto here to write a review yet, because this album is quite unlike any album I've heard before, so I was unsure of my rating. After listening to it many times, I realised that I truly could not find a thing about this album that I didn't like. Every part of this album is perfect.

These songs by themselves sound like they would never work as ... read more

Fun album from Sam Fender, with really catchy instrumentals throughout. Most tracks have a real Springsteen feel to them, although through the middle this album does lose a bit of its spark. It does regain this at Little Bit Closer, with the album finishing strong. Good vocal performances, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Fender does next, as I really enjoy this sound.

Favourite Tracks: People Watching, Little Bit Closer🥇, Rein Me In, TV Dinner, Something Heavy

Least Favourite: ... read more

Another great installment from Simz, the first without producer Inflo. From the very first track, the tone is set, and Simz shows that she is very much able to create an impressive album on her own. The tracks here are clearly very personal to Simz, sending a very deliberate message. The rapping performances from Simz are brilliant as always, with the features working well on each song. The production is very consistent, providing a flowing album experience. Simz proving that she is up there ... read more

Oh my god this is so soul crushing and beautiful this album is gonna destroy me😭😭

An incredibly relaxing, but also depressing album by Elliott Smith. The soft vocals and haunting melodies that come with each track make this listening experience encapsulating. These tracks have a great mix of 90s influence along with older folk music, with some being more instrumentally lush, and others being solely vocals and acoustic guitar. This construction of tracks retains listener's interest throughout the album, although it is definitely not a 'feel good' album. These ... read more

Such a beautifully haunting record by Nick Drake. Took me a few listens to fully appreciate its beauty, but I am glad to say that I now do. The instrumentals on each and every track are amazing, with the simple but effective use of acoustic guitar truly making this album. Pairing that with Drake's pure and soft vocals, this listening experience becomes encapsulating, and an amazing folk album. Sad to see that Nick Drake passed so young.

Favourite Tracks: Pink Moon🥇, Place to Be🥇, ... read more

Wow. This is such a beautiful album from Labi Siffre. The pure songwriting in all of these tracks is incredible, with absolutely spectacular guitar work on each and every track. This entire album feels other-worldly, with such satisfying melodies accompanied by a truly beautiful voice. Cannock Chase immediately became one of my favourite songs ever off one listen, and it has been on repeat for me these past few days. Such a soulful and emotional piece of work that leaves a lasting impact. The ... read more

Overall, a great indie rock album from Fontaines D.C. here. Has all types of songs that you'd want, good mix of bangers and softer ballads. Instrumentals are one of the best features of this record, with nothing being generic. All the hooks are catchy, and vocals are very consistent throughout (accompanied with a great accent☘️). Looking forward to diving deeper into this discography.

Favourite Tracks: Romance, Starburster, Here's the Thing, In the Modern World, Bug, ... read more

An amazing finale to The Weeknd's discography. The production is incredible as always, with each track's beat retaining interest. The range of features are all great, and Abel's voice is heavenly (as per usual). Overall, for a long album, while it may be SLIGHTLY bloated, there are generally no misses here. Each track has its own vibe which works very well. The opening and closing runs on the tracklist are peak. Goodbye, The Weeknd.

Favourite Tracks: Wake Me Up, Cry For Me, ... read more

This just a rating of the new tracks. My goodness Peggy you simply do not miss. These extra tracks all slap, with another heavenly Buzzy Lee feature being a standout. I do think that the original release is better overall, as Peggy said, he 'cut the fat' to make what is ILDMLFY from this. As individual tracks though, Peggy did not disappoint. ALLAH underrated.

Favourite Tracks: PROTECT THE CROSS, i lay down my life for you, Boy You Should Know!, ALLAH, What the hip hop hell is this ... read more

JVB are simply so fire. Intro track gets straight into the high energy vibe that follows in the rest of the tracklist, setting up such a fun experience. While this album is slightly less consistent than NO HANDS, the bangers still slap. The duo's chemistry is incredible on every track. Can't wait for laneway.

Favourite Tracks: PUNK TACTICS🥇, DROP!!, WATCH YO STEP, STARTAFIGHT, DANCE NOW, TANAKA 2, HOOLIGANG

Least Favourite: GUMDROP

Really solid album by Olivia Dean, with a very consistent tracklist. Each track has a really good vibe, with a mix of chill tracks and more upbeat bangers. Another album that is great to have in the background while doing something else. The concise run time leads to no loss of interest in later tracks on the album. Laneway just around the corner!

Favourite Tracks: UFO, Dive, Ladies Room, Danger🥇, The Hardest Part, Messy

Least Favourite: I Could Be A Florist

I had high expectations going into this album and my goodness Jeff Buckley did NOT disappoint. Jeff's voice is incredible, with him showing off his wide range across these tracks. The tracklist has a PERFECT mix of rock bangers and ballad type songs, the latter showing Buckley's incredible vocal range. Lover, You Should've Come Over is one of the greatest songs ever written, and probably half or more of this tracklist have arguments of being some of the best in their genre. The ... read more