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
I set up my own indie label. From Brexit’s brutality to the joy of DIY music, here’s what I learned
After becoming disenchanted by pricey but middling gigs, I rediscovered the underground and became determined to champion it. But the obstacles are considerable
James McMahon obituary
Other lives: Music journalist who was full of enthusiasm for new bands, wrote for the NME and edited Kerrang!
Elmiene, Good Neighbours and Myles Smith make up all-male Brits Rising Star shortlist
The last male artist to win the prize, which tips British acts for pop success, was Sam Fender in 2019
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
‘We didn’t intend to create outrage’: Huggy Bear on radical politics, riot grrrl – and causing chaos on live TV
They said they’d exist for three years, then split. And that’s what the British punks did, winning love and notoriety for their feminist, queer worldview. Thirty years on, a new book tells their story
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
BBC Sound of 2025 longlist tips established artists including Chappell Roan and Confidence Man
Following a change in eligibility criteria, nominees for the broadcaster’s annual award also include Kneecap, Barry Can’t Swim and Mercury prize winners English Teacher and Ezra Collective
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
‘Sometimes it can get tiring’: how Royel Otis became indie’s next big thing
The Australian duo went viral twice – for a Sophie Ellis-Bextor cover, then a Cranberries cover. Now they have eight Aria nods and a US and Europe tour
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
‘We can’t all retire because someone died’: the new bands honouring the spirit of old ones, from Talk Talk to Thin Lizzy
Unlike tribute acts or bands still going with no original members, the likes of Held By Trees and House of All are leveraging time spent in their former groups to make music that looks forward as well as back