'Heaven.wav' may only come in at a runtime of 8 minutes and 36 seconds, but it is easily the most gorgeous, melancholy 8 minutes and 36 seconds of music this year so far. It's simply amazing how Theo Bleak manages to encapsulate so much sorrow and contemplation into a stripped-back demo: she's certainly a name to look out for in future, and deserves all the success in the world

On 'Radical Optimism', Dua Lipa proves herself to be a true game-changer, and quite possibly the best pop star of her era. Effortlessly weaving between styles and influences without ever losing an ounce of her fun-loving, indulgent identity, this album is the epitome of summertime frivolity. 'Training Season', in particular, is an undeniable highlight from the selection of singles released in advance of 'Radical Optimism': Lipa demonstrates her unstoppable flair and irresistible allure with a ... read more

This is the kind of album I really wanted to dislike, but is so good that I couldn't avoid enjoying: as the tracklist proclaims, 'You Can't Force It'. Opening with a compelling poem in the form of 'The Archivist', Peckham's post-punk innovators go on to explore art rock and neo-psychedelia amongst a sprawling yet enthralling array of fluctuating instrumentation and vocal techniques, culminating in 'Work', the album's clear highlight

Radiohead's Thom Yorke provides listeners with a gorgeous, complex and captivating soundtrack album, spruced by his own vocals and layered in instrumentals that are simultaneously sombre and beguiling. This collection demonstrates Yorke's skilful dexterity in a near-flawless manner, and is certainly one to revisit regularly

This is so much more than a generic pop album. While much of it is forgettable, highlights such as 'Silly Me' and 'Save Your Tears' demonstrate a sonic diversity which has previously been rare for the likes of Jess Glynne: perhaps it's a shame that they will make no real impact on the charts

Laufey undoubtedly has one of the best voices of this generation, calling back to the days of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. It's a shame then, that her bossa nova, chamber pop and vocal jazz swiftly becomes monotonous, rarely demonstrating any diversity in pace or sound, but this being the only criticism of 'Bewitched' is arguably an impressive achievement in itself

'HAWD THAT' is an excellent debut from SOAPBOX, the most exciting act in Glasgow's punk scene. Their politically-charged, thrilling blend of angry hard rock scathingly attacks anything worthy of attack: ignorance within older generations on 'Fascist Bob', the unreliability of privatised services on 'Private Public Transport', and the perpetual suppression of the poor and working class on 'Meter Made'. This all combines in an EP that searingly and bitingly criticises the worst of British ... read more

Despite fleeting moments of merit, P4 remains the perfect album to listen to if you want to be sent to sleep. Nothing inherently wrong here, it's just a giant snooze-fest over-filled with mediocrity, and proves to be yet another example of how badly PND needs to break away from OVO

It may be understated, and occasionally underwhelming, but 'THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT' brings the best of Swift's signature qualities: witty and incisive lyricism, sleek synth-pop production, and a helping hand from Antonoff and Dessner. Sure, it isn't her best, but it's still a brilliant listen

'Souvenir' is a refreshing, exhilarating and purely enjoyable release demonstrating how the Atlanta trio continues to innovate in the post-punk world, even when now 4 albums deep. There isn't another band out there like Omni, in the way they can simultaneously sound so clean yet so raw from start to finish, bringing many highlights to the table and very rarely falling flat

Another addition to a brilliant week for new music, English Teacher's debut album 'This Could Be Texas' sees the Leeds four-piece at their very best, reinventing old underground classics and reaching equal heights in brand new material, standing out from the crowd in every second. Lilly Fontaine's lyricism may bitingly and beautifully depict the everyday, but this band are far from quotidian. Keep on walking through that heather and putting Yorkshire on the map, English Teacher!

Up ya Archives! On her debut LP, rising star Nia truly proves her self-ascribed emotional junglist status: introspective and vulnerable yet incredibly danceable, combining breakbeats and kick drums to create an album which is purely enjoyable and refreshing. With the assistance of producers and multi-instrumentalists Ethan P. Flynn and Jakwob, Nia's undeniable talent is allowed to shine, and it won't be surprising if she becomes a household name before the decade is done

These guys really love Spain. On a more serious note, Blue Bendy are one of the most exciting, compelling bands out there right now, and this album serves to cement their ever-increasing, outstanding presence in the UK's post-punk scene, utilising as diverse a sonic palette as may ever be seen. Stacked with highlights from start to finish, this is easily one of the best debut albums of the year so far

This album had so much potential. Marie's previous effort, 'if i could make it go quiet', was a wonderful record, boasting indie rock influences, her signature introspection, and the masterpiece that is 'I'll Call You Mine'. However, it was evident from the release of this album's second single, 'DOING IT AGAIN BABY', that this time would not be more of the same. After the promising 'Too Much', that single and the whole of this album can't help but feel like a letdown: overhated, but a ... read more

While these songs do ultimately meld into one another once the halfway point is reached, Feeder have created a high-quality, exciting double album which stands as a testament to their longevity and appeal

Conan Gray's 'Found Heaven' is nothing special: unoriginal, derivative and lacking the presence of Dan Nigro which made his earlier work so captivating. That said, there is plenty of fun to be had in the 80s-inspired world that Gray has constructed, reaching its pinnacle on 'Fainted Love' even if it is undermined instantly by the unlistenable 'Lonely Dancers'

A Beck and Juicy J collaboration was not on my 2024 music bingo card, and, unsurprisingly, it doesn't work. Weird. unnecessary, random and out-of-place rap features hold 'Ohio Players' back, but highlights such as 'On The Game' and 'Only Love Matters' show that it does have heights to reach

This might not be a return to their height, but 'All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade' sees the London band celebrating 'a lifelong project of a life on the lash' while simultaneously sustaining the social criticism they quickly became renowned for in the 00s. Doherty and co not only hearken back to the era of indie sleaze they pioneered, but slow down the pace at times too, resulting in a well-balanced, sonically satisfying fourth album

Sainté's third full-length project sustains its quality throughout, but not its energy, leaving it consequentially underwhelming. Poor features, lack of sonic diversity and monotonous flow undermine Sainté's true ability, making a forgettable result out of what could have been a career-making and career-defining moment. The songs are good, sure, but few are good enough to leave an impression or an urge to revisit them. Highlights admittedly come late on in the form of 'Safe' and ... read more

A darn good, rootin-tootin CUNTry album! Beyoncé being so far ahead of the game with an album made years ago is undeniably impressive, and the mix of genres and influences here perfectly showcase her inspiration and highlight her creative drive