It's been quite surprising to see so many turn-of-the-decade Radio 6 acts step back into the limelight with new material over the past year or so. Unfortunately, that pleasant surprise has soon become disappointment when these acts consistently fail to stick the landing; inevitably, these new records have felt like they're trying to play catch-up with how the indie scene has unfurled in their absence, stretching the limits of the sounds that put these bands on the map in the first place to the ... read more

The rest of the album could be 40 minutes of her farting and yelling “FEMINISM” over the top and it’d probably still be AOTY just for this. I’m saying what I mean, and I mean what I say.

Pop connoisseurs rejoice, for on the third year FKA Twigs has risen. Behold her hands and her feet, for it is her herself. See her – but wait! – do not handle her, for a spirit may not have flesh and bones. Music sites, forums, blogs, and Stan Twitter screech-offs have been flooded with praise for Tahliah Barnett’s second full scripture MAGDALENE. Myself, though? I fear I am a doubting Thomas, for the teachings of MAGDALENE are confusing and tenuous to me. But before I repent ... read more

TWICE's music has been pretty static so far in their career. In a situation similar to Girls' Generation at the beginning of the decade, the act's producers have been reluctant to stray whatsoever from their winning formula, even if this attitude prevents further growth. However, starting from November's 'YES or YES', the New Divine Nine™ have been slowly inching towards a more mature image, and 'FEEL SPECIAL' continues this trajectory, with all the expected teething problems.

The title ... read more