Alex G: “God Save the Animals”

Uneasy and quintessentially stilted. But on Alex G’s latest affair, he sounds as settled as he ever has.

Steve Lacy: “Gemini Rights”

Albeit a bit twee, Gemini Rights is a rich-bassed reminder of Steve Lacy’s inescapable charm.

Earl Sweatshirt: “SICK!”

As unambitious as ever, “SICK!” is a brisk, withdrawn affair from Earl Sweatshirt. He’s labelled the album a humble capsule of his COVID-19 and lockdown thoughts. If you treat it that way, and nothing more, it’s deceptively intricate and gorgeously understated.

SZA is her bubbly, vindictive self on “I Hate U”

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Earl Sweatshirt drowns in his younger self on “2010”

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Lorde: “Solar Power”

Pop music artists face a constant battle – the need to foster their unfathomable popularity whilst trying to keep their artistic integrity. Many fail, almost unapologetically. Others manage to succeed, but rarely entirely on their own terms. So what the fuck do we make of Solar Power? It features glistening, sunny production and Lorde’s vocals are as crisp as ever. But the writing is… almost so cringeworthy that it’s hard to believe. We’re left with a mess from an artist who is used to being very tidy.

Billie Eilish: “Happier Than Ever”

Artists don’t get much bigger than Billie Eilish. And like most pop music titans, it’s the whole “package” that Eilish has going for her – a distinct ethereal attractiveness; unattainable cool. All that makes it even more surprising how fascinating this album is. Gorgeous, warped production and sniping lyrics, all with Eilish snaking her way through the tracks in odd ways. For a 19 year-old who spends most of this album circling her insecurities, Eilish’s sound is as confident and elusive as any artist going around.

Sound of Metal (Review)

Sound of Metal announces the arrival of Riz Ahmed as a leading man. Wide-eyed and slightly manic, he plays the well-treaded role of an addict who has their life torn apart unforeseen. But this film is brilliant in its bareness. It simply lets the viewer watch Ahmed hit those familiar story beats. The result will leave a raw mark on you.

Lil Uzi Vert Rides His Winning Formula on “P2”

There were plenty of reasons to believe that Lil Uzi Vert, every bit a creation of the Soundcloud wave, wouldn’t still be around these days. He seemed to keep bagging co-signs and leaping on big-time tracks, not least of which the Migos’ “Bad and Boujee”. But he often seemed like an odd star. Objectively, he was a lazy, unimpressive rapper and a painfully nasally singer. Frankly, it shouldn’t have worked.

Joey Purp: “Quarterthing” (Review)

Chicagoan Joey Purp was the quiet breakout star of 2016 with his debut album iiiDrops. Listen to any track of his and you’re not surprised he used to be in the SaveMoney crew – he has all the writing ability of Chance The Rapper. Quarterthing proves he’s no fluke. It’s not only consistent, but it packs a few sneaky surprises that show Purp is much more than the barking struggle rapper he might’ve seemed at first.

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