Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Cocteau Twins' musical mastermind Robin Guthrie has produced some terrific solo records over the course of his career, frequently delivering material that joins the dots between ambient, ethereal soundscapes, shoegaze and the more immersive end of the soundtrack spectrum. 'Astoria' is the latest volume in the Scottish multi-instrumentalist and producer's ongoing EP series (its predecessor, 'Mountain', dropped in September). It's another typically gorgeous and enveloping affair in which effects-laden guitar motifs, gaseous ambient chords, gentle rhythms, ghostly aural textures and slowly shifting melodies combine to create instrumental sound worlds of rare beauty (if not sonic clarity - Guthrie's use of reverb and delay is liberal, which adds to its atmospheric nature but adds extra layers of attractively wide-eyed haziness).

Review: Uncollected Noise New York '88-'90 marks Galaxie 500's first new archival release in nearly three decades, presenting the most extensive collection of unreleased and rare material from the band. Spanning 24 tracks, this compilation includes the complete Noise New York studio recordings, outtakes and non-album tracks. The band meticulously compiled this collection, tracing their journey from their earliest studio moments to their final recordings. Featuring eight previously unheard tracks and rare, long-out-of-print studio material, Uncollected Noise New York '88-'90 offers a hidden history of the band's evolution from beginning to end. Produced and engineered by Kramer at Noise New York from 1988 to 1990, the album's packaging includes archival images and historical liner notes by the band. Galaxie 500's three studio albums include 'Today' (1988), 'On Fire' (1989), and 'This Is Our Music' (1990). 'Shout You Down' and 'I Wanna Live' are two standout tracks from this release with the band's raw and evolving sound on full display

Review: Godspeed You! Black Emperor are back for their newest and most eagerly awaited album, No Title As Of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead. This upcoming record, their first since 2021's G_d's Pee At State's End!, comprises six tracks that promise to uphold the band's renowned style of merging ambient textures with explosive crescendos. The album's title, steeped in the bleak realities of a world fraught with turmoil and disintegration, is echoed in the music itself. The compositions integrate field recordings, sparse instrumentation, and solemn hymns, embodying their anti-war and anti-capitalist ethos. Known for their dramatic contrasts and expansive, multi-part pieces, Godspeed You! Black Emperor continue to blend influences from post-punk, progressive rock, and avant-garde. No Title As Of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead promises to deliver a compelling and introspective listening experience, staying true to the band's politically charged and dystopian themes.

Review: After over a decade away from making music, Greek-born musician and composer Giannis Gogos is back. It was the turmoil of the pandemic that allowed him to reconnect with making music after years working in photography and now he's combining analogue and digital sound with intricate melodies and plenty of keyboards, glockenspiel, kalimba and guitars. This latest album is enhanced by oodles of delay and reverb effects and makes for an ethereal journey inspired by Henry Corbin's Man of Light in Iranian Sufism. It explores light as a symbol of divine presence through serene, introspective soundscapes.

Review: After three groundbreaking albums with black midi, including 2023's Hellfire, Geordie Greep has carved out time to release his debut solo project, The New Sound. This album showcases an eclectic and vibrant approach to alternative pop, granting Greep the freedom to pursue creative impulses without restraint. He reflects on this liberation, stating that without a band to answer to, he could fully explore his artistic vision. The recording process involved over thirty session musicians across Sao Paulo and London, blending diverse influences. Greep notes the spontaneity of working with local talent in Brazil, where tracks were recorded in a matter of days. Musically, The New Sound delves into themes of urban life and human experiences, juxtaposing light-hearted melodies with darker narratives. Songs like 'Holy Holy' merge indie pop with lush Latin arrangements, while 'Motorbike' features bassist Seth 'Shank' Evans in a poignant lament. Greep's ambition is evident throughout the eleven tracks, aiming to engage listeners with intricate lyrics and unexpected turns. He hints at future live performances, aiming to capture the album's dynamic spirit in various settings.