New releases last eight weeks: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: Since turning his hand to music production midway through the last decade, XL Recordings owner Richard Russell has delivered a couple of predictably hard to pigeonhole, guest-packed albums as Everything is Recorded. Russell, of course, has an admirably bulging contacts book and as deep a knowledge of British music - be it hip-hop, grime, rave, jazz, experimental electronica or otherwise - as anyone. The depth of both is naturally evident on third album Temporary, with Russell and a dizzying list of guests delivering atmospheric, sample-rich fusions of head-nodding, hip-hop leaning grooves, field recordings-heavy sample collages, woozy dream pop, sub-heavy nods to UK bass, slow-motion neo-folk, blunted trip-hop, contemporary UK jazz, hazy Americana and much more besides. That it works as a coherent and sonically adventurous album is testament to Russell's increasing skill as a producer and standalone musical artist.

Review: The latest release from Everything Is Recorded delivers a striking collection that blends electronic, soul and folk influences with remarkable depth. The opening track sets a reflective tone, paired with lush instrumentation and haunting vocals. Collaborations like the one with Sampha, Laura Grove and Alabaster DePlume bring emotional weight, while tracks like 'Never Felt Better' with Florence Welch and Sampha elevate the energy. 'Porcupine Tattoo' offers a beautifully subdued moment, and other collaborations continue to weave unique soundscapes. The release is a testament to XL boss Richard Russell's ability to bring diverse voices together, crafting a deeply introspective yet dynamic listening experience.