The Charlatans – Modern Nature (BMG Chrysalis)
Why you should listen: After the death of drummer Jon Brookes in 2013 from a brain tumour, the Madchester-affiliated four-piece return with a soulful, and at times cheerfully arranged, album.
It might not be for you if … You’re not sure you’re ready for a slightly revamped Charlatans that includes members of New Order, Factory Floor and the Verve.
What we said: “From the saddest of starting points, the Charlatans have made a joyful eulogy – and possibly the best album of their career,” wrote Lanre Bakare in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Björk – Vulnicura (One Little Indian)
Why you should listen: The Icelandic producer and musician has made a devastating ode to the heartache of a disintegrating relationship, on her ninth album. If you’ve recently been through a break-up, approach with caution.
It might not be for you if … You’re convinced the Guardian is part of some conspiracy to unceasingly write about this album. Or, you’re just not a Björk fan.
What we said: “You could say there’s something gimlet-eyed about a woman who realises her relationship is collapsing and automatically thinks: still, great material. But it’s nothing if not honest,” wrote Alexis Petridis, in his lead review for the Guardian. Click here to read Kitty Empire’s quick-take review from the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Gaz Coombes – Matador (Hot Fruit/Caroline)
Why you should listen: The former Supergrass frontman flexes his songwriting muscles on this textured second album, bursting as it is with bold choruses and layered choral vocal arrangements.
It might not be for you if … You insist that Supergrass were perfect and don’t need any of this new material to appreciate Coombes.
What we said: “Matador’s sound textures are pulled together from a wide range of sources: a gospel feel on the chorus of 20/20, a touch of Neu! in The English Ruse,” wrote Jon Dennis in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Natalie Prass – Natalie Prass (Spacebomb)
Why you should listen: Prass, of comfortingly nostalgic record label Spacebomb, pulls together warm and soulful tones beneath confessional lyrics on this debut of Americana pop.
It might not be for you if … You don’t like lush orchestration and beautifully mixed arrangements of this retro sort.
What we said: “[Prass’ songs] take their cues from old masters like Carole King and Dusty Springfield while sounding as fresh as the hurt in [her] voice”, wrote Kitty Empire, in the Observer. Tim Jonze gave the album five stars in the Guardian, too.
Score: 4/5
Zun Zun Egui – Shackles’ Gift (Bella Union)
Why you should listen: The Bristol-based five-piece bring together a host of global influences – from highlife to crunching stoner rock – on a collection of energetic tracks.
It might not be for you if … Genre-sprawling tracks like this, the sort that fans insist are “growers”, often leave you exhausted and easily distracted.
What we said: “Their cross-pollinating approach seems to try and cram everything from highlife and reggae to post-punk into a funky, rock core,” wrote Dave Simpson in the Guardian. In the Observer, Paul Mardles handed the album three stars.
Score: 4/5
This week also sees new releases from Meghan “All About that Bass” Trainor, pop singer-songwriter Rae Morris and Americana-influenced Sons of Bill. What will you be listening to?
