Bizhiki: Unbound review – commanding Native American songcraft
Powwow singing from Joe Rainey and Dylan Bizhikiins Jennings blends with electronic production on a spirited album that reframes a rich cultural tradition
Kiasmos: II review – will have you crying tears of joy on the dancefloor
The Icelandic-Faroese duo follow their 2014 cult debut with a second album of meticulous, majestic, simply beautiful electronic music
Sam Morton: Daffodils & Dirt review – actor’s intoxicating trip-hop debut
Oscar nominee Samantha Morton teams up with label exec Richard Russell for an unnerving, dreamy album inspired by childhood trauma
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