Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds review – joyous and unexpectedly triumphant
From heartbreaking beauty to barely contained chaos, the band deliver a surprisingly uplifting arena gig
The Horrors: V review – spindly indie survivors hit their sweet spot
Against the odds, the Horrors’ fifth album is their best yet, with Faris Badwan’s commanding, world-weary vocals adding to the synthesised thrills and sparkling guitar-pop
Angus and Julia Stone: Snow review – dreamy Australian indie rock
After years of contributing separate songs to their albums, Australian siblings Angus and Julia Stone were saved from splitting in 2014 when Rick Rubin suggested they write together. They’ve embraced co-writing fully on this self-produced record, where dreamy indie rock … Continue reading
The Sherlocks review – elementary indie-rockers get the crowd mad for it
It’s not always subtle, but the South Yorkshire foursome thrill their fans with footie-ready anthems and rueful, early Arctic Monkeys-style indie
The National: Sleep Well Beast review – a study in midlife angst
(4AD) The acclaimed US band’s seventh album ramps up the complexity – and the self-flagellation
Alvvays: Antisocialites review – alluring, nuanced jangle pop
In the UK, the appeal of jangle pop has often lain in its rough-hewn execution, despite the pristine heights to which its practitioners aspire. Tune into the second alluring album by Alvvays, Toronto’s two-girl, two-boy jangle sensations, however, and – … Continue reading
Deerhoof review – playtime insurrection by powerpop punks
With chunky riffs and childlike energy, the charming foursome from San Francisco sound very different on stage to their delicately formed new album
End of the Road review – irony versus revolution in majestic musical battle
Father John Misty’s show-stealing stagecraft crowned a brilliantly curated weekend of rock-adjacent acts – from Parquet Courts’ prickly postpunk to Slowdive’s shoegaze – under Dorset’s starry skies
Mary Epworth: Elytral review – electronica unbound
(Sunday Best)
The Magnetic Fields review – a double dose of life as Stephin Merritt
Splitting his 50 Song Memoir over two nights scrutinises all the ripe detail, heartbreak and humour of the songwriter’s journey from boy to hipster man
Filthy Friends: Invitation review – righteous swagger
(Kill Rock Stars)
Grizzly Bear: Painted Ruins CD review – out of hibernation
From unpromising beginnings, the indie band’s fifth album achieves an uncanny brilliance