Back catalogue: Pop

Review: Yeule (Nat Cmiel) is something of a sonic scrapyard varmint, scouring the lost wastes for augmentable audio parts perhaps useable in their madcap experiments. An avant-garde spin doctor of ash-faced, death-ray-desert-bomb glitch-pop, they've kept their place at the knife-edge of innovation, blending genres and non-genres at the violent vanguard where sounds remain in constant, slipped flux. In the lineage of Machine Girl, ecolagbohrsac2021 or Hakushi Hasegawa, 2022's Glitch Princess laid nutritious ground for Cmiel's now evermore fractious work, Evangelic Girl Is A Gun, which hears the somewhat alter-egoic Yeule now delve into the complexity of a fragmented identity, embracing the duality of light and shadow while echoing surreal animes, such as Serial Experiments Lain and Angel Egg. The LP reimagines Yeule as a haunting figure, exploring ego deaths and transformations in partnership with visual artist Vasso Vu.

Review: Non-binary performance artist Nat Cmiel from Singapore, often also known as yeule, continues to push the boundaries of glitch-pop and alt-electronica with their latest release. After solidifying their reputation as a trailblazer with their sophomore album Glitch Princess and its follow-up softscars, Cmiel takes a more daring, raw approach here. It's a cathartic exploration of self-destruction, trapped identities and the dark undercurrents of post-modernity, where Cmiel's ethereal vocals intertwine with dissonant beats, creating a paradox of beauty and tension.The sprawling atmospherics of 'Tequila Coma' and '1967' unfurl into a liquid haze, giving way to the razor-edged urgency of 'VV' and 'Dudu', which channel a palpable, jittery rhythm that commands attention. Collaborating with the likes of A.G. Cook and Mura Masa, the album navigates between haunting introspection and electrifying energy. It's a striking nod to Cmiel's ability to balance vulnerability and sonic experimentation, presenting a portrait of the artist struggling with the very image they've built.

Review: Japanese pop duo Yaosabi share the vinyl edition of their critically acclaimed song 'Idol'. 'Idol' is a combination of Japanese idol-styled pop, hip-hop, rock, and video game music, and depicts the two-faced nature of a fictional star in the Japanese idol industry; the record also serves as the lead theme music for the anime series Oshi No Ko, in turn based on Aka Akasaka's short story 45510, both of which also tracks Japan's cultural interest in the figure of the idol. This is a knowing slice of Japanese bubblegum, nonetheless aware of its murkier underbelly; it also packs a crazed confluence of idiomatic borrowings, from Atlanta hip-hop to orchestral music, and ties them all together with a single bow.

Review: An electrifying, genre-blurring debut that explores heartbreak with striking honesty and musical sophistication. This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway is sure to be one of the most engaging pop albums of 2025. The artists breathy, understated vocals are the anchor, effortlessly gliding across a soundscape that blends r&b, jazz, rock and classical elements. Tracks like 'Walk On By' show Young's ability to marry modern pop touches with a soulful, timeless aesthetic, while 'You Noticed' s is a minimalist ballad that underscores her poetic lyricism. The fusion of styles is seamless, each track serving its lyrical content with precision, from the jazzy playfulness of 'Conceited' to the raw energy of 'Crush'. The album's production, with its nostalgic crackles and modern electronic accents, creates an intimate, almost journal-like atmosphere, allowing listeners to connect with Young's unfiltered emotions. With TWMFYA, Lola Young carves out a distinct voice, a riveting blend of vulnerability, wit and musical depth.

Review: Produced in LA by her friend and collaborator Solomonophic (who has worked with the likes of Remi Wolf, BROCKHAMPTON and Dominic Fike), this new studio LP from Young is an electrifying and fearless concept that blends passion, rage, humour and narrative flair, all while crackling with energy and surprises. As a modern breakup album, it captures the raw sound of youth navigating relentless romantic turmoil. Irresistible and unexpected, Lola's work defines the chaos of love and heartbreak and is a record that is poised to propel her musical journey to even greater heights.