Franz Ferdinand: The Human Fear review – stiffness sets in on stodgy sixth
Alex Kapranos and co are finally acting their age, but have lost their cool in the process
Lauren Mayberry: Vicious Creature review – a solo statement of intent
The Chvrches singer’s debut album skips from punk to pop, wilfully unbothered about current notions of cool
Angel Olsen: Cosmic Waves Vol 1 review – intriguing half compilation, half covers
Five rising artists each perform one of their songs, then the US singer-songwriter covers another one of their tracks in a set of woebegone elegance
Papa M: Ballads of Harry Houdini review – committed to evolution
Cult American musician David Pajo’s latest solo outing reflects his recent troubles but also his restless desire to change things up
The Innocence Mission: Midwinter Swimmers review – lo-fi soft focus on the beauty of everyday life
The married duo’s 13th album was made to evoke ‘the half-remembered singalongs of our 1970s childhoods’, and is full of rich sensory songwriting
MJ Lenderman review – a shooting star from the American south
Showcasing new album Manning Fireworks, the North Carolina indie rising star seals his reputation as a slacker guitar hero who knows exactly what he’s doing
Michael Kiwanuka: Small Changes review – an exquisite return
Five years on from his self-titled Mercury winner, the singer-songwriter scales things down to potent effect
Father John Misty: Mahashmashana review – modern life is still rubbish, yet still beautifully essayed
The singer-songwriter sticks to apocalyptic first principles on his sixth album, couching contemporary chaos in soaring ballads and discofied yacht rock
MJ Lenderman review – songs of solace and goofy poetry from lauded indie darling
The North Carolina musician and his band comfort the crowd with a set of smart, beguiling songs played with skill and camaraderie
Khruangbin review – exquisite dreamy grooves get lost in the ether
Playing latest album A La Sala in full the Houston trio showcase their sophisticated mid-paced melancholy, but their detached vibe diminishes their impact
Shed Seven review – enduring Britpoppers are still going for gold
Despite scoring two No 1 albums this year, the band remain charmingly self-effacing on this 30th anniversary tour
Magdalena Bay review – alien electro-pop adventure could go further
Lead singer Mica Tenenbaum bounces around with huge and winning energy, promising great, dramatic things we never quite reach
Orchestre Tout Puissant Marcel Duchamp: Ventre unique review – artful mischief
The Geneva collective are a blast with their brass-driven rhythms, engaged lyrics and energised delivery
Du Blonde: Sniff More Gritty review – a gleefully self-sufficient affair
The Newcastle musician’s freewheeling, hook-heavy new album is a worthy follow-up to the one-woman wigout of Homecoming
Fievel Is Glauque: Rong Weicknes review – teetering song-towers that never quite topple
Brilliant melodies, poetic lyrics and quick-change time signatures elevate this quirky jazz-pop release to a level all its own