Dan Deacon – Gliss Riffer (Domino)
Why you should listen: Experimental pop producer from Baltimore stretches out into some decidedly avant garde – but satisfying – territory.
It might not be for you if… Men in glasses twiddling knobs on synthesisers sounds like your personal hell.
What we said: “[Gliss Riffer] coerces elements of pop and madcap electronica into a convincing mix,” wrote Lanre Bakare, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Romare – Projections (Ninja Tune)
Why you should listen: Romare’s obsession with African-American musical forms seeps through this album, weaving between his sonic collage work and danceable beats.
It might not be for you if … The only Romare you pay attention to is the original: American writer and artist Romare Bearden.
What we said: “Reminiscent of the early-00s output of Saint Germain, Caribou’s side project Daphni, or even early Basement Jaxx, Perceptions might not feel entirely original, but it is thoroughly winning,” wrote Paul MacInnes, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
Dutch Uncles – O Shudder (Memphis Industries)
Why you should listen: The Mancunian indie five-piece have filled this fourth album with millennial sex, job-seeking and divorce – but not in a way that’s contrived, we swear.
It might not be for you if … You prefer tunes that tackle more abstract subjects.
What we said: “Although their previous albums were rich in angular indie, this fourth sees the best realisation of their ambitions yet,” wrote Harriet Gibsone, in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
The Pop Group – Citizen Zombie (Freaks R Us)
Why you should listen: After 35 years away, the genre-bending, post-punk band’s original lineup have reformed for a new album that takes in jazz, pop and politicised statements.
It might not be for you if … You either didn’t hear of the Pop Group the first time around, or are perfectly content to stick to their 70s material.
What we said: “With producer Paul Epworth at the helm, there is a new gentility here: softer jazz textures, postmodern dance grooves and even actual pop songs”, wrote Dave Simpson, in the Guardian.
Score: 3/5
Songhoy Blues – Music in Exile (Transgressive)
Why you should listen: This debut from the Malian group was produced by Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner – who first met the band in 2013 through Africa Express scout Marc-Antoine Moreau – and takes in desert blues and Songhoy traditions.
It might not be for you if … You ’re not a fan of so-called world music, or don’t have much of an ear for Malian blues.
What we said: “A band to watch,” wrote Robin Denselow, for the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
• What are you planning to listen to this week? Any of the albums here? An old classic you’ve been meaning to revisit? Let us know.
