The Hard Quartet review – cosmically trippy joy from Stephen Malkmus supergroup
Also featuring Matt Sweeney, Jim White and Emmett Kelly, the quality and variety of songwriting on this self-titled debut album raises it above a stoner jam session
In 2017, Cardiff’s music scene was collapsing. What’s the secret of its amazing revival?
After protests against redevelopment, the Welsh capital’s council took steps to protect venues and nurture new talent. Artists are heartened – but say more can be done
Godspeed You! Black Emperor review – urgent intimations of societal collapse
High drama unspools in thunderous waves from the Canadian cult favourites, but beauty and contemplation can be found amid the tumult
Alan Sparhawk: White Roses, My God review – Low musician’s defiant act of creation
After the death of his wife and bandmate, the US guitarist and vocalist turns his anguish – and his voice – into something unexpectedly playful
Still casting a spell: Broadcast’s 20 best songs – ranked!
As the Birmingham band fronted by the late Trish Keenan put out their final release, we pick the best from their eerie, evocative sound world
The Cure: Alone review – majestically wreathed in misery and despair
Birds fall from the sky, broken voices call us home and youthful dreams are dashed against the transience of life in the band’s first new song in 16 years
Los Campesinos! review – a hero’s welcome for cult indie stars
Despite having only spent £190.86 on marketing their new album its songs are greeted with sweaty glee by new fans and old alongside the band’s indie disco stalwarts
The Last Dinner Party review – Victoriana pomp and bombastic baroque rock
Clearly having a whale of a time leaning into classic guitar rock it’s refreshing to see a group embracing the imaginative and unexpected
One to watch: Friedberg
The London-based four-piece led by Austrian singer-songwriter Anna F serve up the coolest dance punk this side of LCD Soundsystem
Morrissey claims Johnny Marr blocked new Smiths greatest hits album
Former Smiths frontman claims Warner Music proposed reissue programme including best-of called Smiths Rule OK!, but Marr rejected proposed artwork
Tindersticks: Soft Tissue review – still ruling their own twilit world after 30 years
From 70s soul to glowing strings, the cult outfit continue to inhabit their own quiet space on the fringes of the musical landscape, celebrating the beauty in small things
One to watch: Sarah Kinsley
The leftfield US singer-songwriter has turned grief into a life-affirming debut album that’s at once widescreen and intimate
English Teacher on winning the Mercury: ‘We are proof that arts funding works’
The Leeds-based band – and first non-London act to win the prize for a decade – were quick to highlight the part that regional funding played and lamented recent cuts
‘It’s schmoozing – but that’s nothing new’: how the record shop in-store gig changed touring
In-stores can be beneficial for bands, fans and record shops alike – but do they still hold the same magic, or have they become an obligatory part of an album promotion?
MJ Lenderman: Manning Fireworks review – joyously weird alt-Americana
(Featuring possibly his best track yet, the North Carolina guitarist-songwriter goes to the sparse and seamy side on this worthy successor to Boat Songs