Charli XCX: Brat review – insecurity-obliterating anthems by pop’s most human superstar

Beyond the sleaze, grinding bass and it-girl in-jokes, the British visionary’s sixth album is a masterpiece that understands how a hard persona can offer protection

Porij: Teething review – dance music without drama or daring

The Manchester band sing about edginess and emotional danger, but never manage to give their beats any tension

Regurgitator: Invader review – the new stuff is as good as the old stuff

The Australian band are back on form with one of their finest albums, showing that they still have more than enough new tricks to keep things interesting

Kelly Moran: Moves in the Field review – the pianist duets with her augmented self

Written on a programmable piano, the US musician’s new album remains graceful and accessible – in spite of her non-human playing partner

Michelle Moeller: Late Morning review – sparkling, ethereal sound manipulations

The US artist’s debut album mixes prepared piano with programmed synth effects in woozy harmonic compositions that soar and thrill

Julia Holter: Something in the Room She Moves review – the best track is the simplest

Found sounds and touches of jazz enliven the American singer-songwriter’s woozy evocation of being present in changing times

Pnau: Hyperbolic review – comeback from kings of kitsch can sound overly polished

After a tortuous career that briefly peaked with a viral remix of Elton John and Dua Lipa, the trio return with 10 reliable hits – while sacrificing some of their bizarro glory

Simple Minds review – stadium tour polishes 80s hitmakers’ gold dream

Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill preside over an energetic set thrills fans of their chart reign and their post-punk era

Discovery Zone: Quantum Web review – expertly rendered synth fantasias

While at times it brings to mind the hold music for a healing-crystal company, there is plenty of brilliantly retro songwriting

Ben Frost: Scope Neglect review – grim grandeur with gnarly tongue-out riffs

The avant garde musician’s first album in seven years features cinematic ambience, pummelling sound design and whinnying metal guitar

Simple Things festival review – trance, slow jams and toilet-rattling rock

Various venues, BristolIt’s overambitious, but this festival remains a welcome alternative to generic lineups and corporate sponsorships – and there are stellar sets from L’Rain, Evian Christ and more

The Body and Dis Fig: Orchards of a Futile Heaven review – awe-inspiring music for heavy times

A collaboration between the alt-metal duo and Berlin-based shapeshifter Felicia Chen creates a dark but nourishing LP of hellish depth

Enter Shikari review – sensory overload by a British band hitting the big leagues

Twenty years into their career and on their first arena tour, Enter Shikari push the massive sound system to the limit with gleeful and vibrant cross-genre rock

Kali Malone: All Life Long review – music to blot out the world’s clamour

Returning to the organ-playing that made her name and adding brass and vocals, the Thom Yorke-approved composer revels in the possibilities of her instruments

Future Islands: People Who Aren’t There Anymore review – back to melancholy banger mode

Some perfectly constructed pop offsets dark musings on a record elevated by Samuel T Herring’s ever richer vocals