Album Reviews – September 2024

Album Reviews – September 2024

Coldplay: Moon Music review – ‘live, laugh, love’ in album form

by Ben Beaumont-Thomas on 2 October 2024 at 04:00

(Parlophone)Their 10th album has epic songs that make you feel like you’ve climbed Everest – but they’re undermined by corny lyrics and ​ambient-orchestral waffle Continue reading…

Jonas Kaufmann: Puccini: Love Affairs review – will delight fans

by Fiona Maddocks on 28 September 2024 at 11:00

(Sony)The star tenor retrieves some of his old form – helped by six outstanding soprano partners – on this surefire hit spanning La bohème to Madama Butterfly Continue reading…

Willie Watson: Willie Watson review – a former hell-raiser finds his voice

by Neil Spencer on 27 September 2024 at 11:00

Known for his versions of old American folk, the former Old Crow Medicine Show singer finally puts his extraordinary voice at the service of his own material Continue reading…

Ezra Collective: Dance, No One’s Watching review – new moves with an emotive edge

by Ammar Kalia on 27 September 2024 at 10:30

(Partisan Records)The Mercury-winning quintet bring high energy to Afrobeat, Latin and soulful grooves – yet it is in the quieter moments that a fresh musicality emerges Continue reading…

Alan Sparhawk: White Roses, My God review – Low musician’s defiant act of creation

by Kitty Empire on 27 September 2024 at 10:00

After the death of his wife and bandmate, the US guitarist and vocalist turns his anguish – and his voice – into something unexpectedly playful Continue reading…

Alice Zawadzki/Fred Thomas/Misha Mullov-Abbado: Za Górami review – beautiful music and absorbing stories

by John Fordham on 27 September 2024 at 08:15

(ECM)Seven years after a supposed one-off gig, the jazz-immersed trio release their debut album full of uniquely conveyed songs drawing from European, Latin and Sephardic Jewish sources Continue reading…

Tag und Nacht: Strauss Songs album review – music for soprano is brisk, bright and light on its feet

by Erica Jeal on 27 September 2024 at 08:00

Kněžíková/Hrůša(Supraphon)Pianist-conductor Jakub Hrůša’s eloquent playing accompanies radiant soprano Kateřina Kněžíková above a surging Bamberg Symphony Orchestra Continue reading…

Rahim Redcar: Hopecore review – former Christine and the Queens artist plays to his fanbase

by Michael Cragg on 27 September 2024 at 06:00

(Because)There are flashes of brilliance in this roughly-hewn album, but also flaws hidden by production flourishes. It’s intriguing but not wholly enjoyable Continue reading…

Lady Gaga: Harlequin review – Joker companion album does jazz standards with a gaudy grin

by Michael Cragg on 27 September 2024 at 04:00

(Interscope)The pop superstar sounds fully in her element in these immaculately covered classics, but the whiff of big band week on The X Factor is hard to shift Continue reading…

Rodgers and Hammerstein: Carousel album review – welcome return from Broadway band of dreams

by Erica Jeal on 26 September 2024 at 14:00

Hackmann/Bennett/Boggess/Chiejina/Sinfonia of London/Wilson(Chandos)After’s last year’s Oklahoma!, John Wilson and his Sinfonia of London deliver another superlative recording of a classic musical, sung by a first-rate cast Continue reading…

Mustafa: Dunya review – poet’s songwriting is a little too beautiful for its own good

by Alexis Petridis on 26 September 2024 at 11:00

(Jagjaguwar)The multitalented Canadian renders his subtle songs in tasteful autumnal shades – but could have benefitted from more head-turning numbers such as Gaza Is Calling Continue reading…

Bruckner: Symphony No 7 album review – Jurowski’s live recording is one to cherish

by Andrew Clements on 23 September 2024 at 08:24

Berlin RSO/Jurowski(Platoon)Marking the centenary of the composer’s birth, this recording of the 1944 Haas edition sees conductor and orchestra combine to create an effortless natural flow Continue reading…

Nubya Garcia: Odyssey review – a rich, orchestral journey of self-discovery

by Kitty Empire on 22 September 2024 at 08:00

(Concord Jazz)The British sax star rekindles her love for scoring strings on her second solo album, with the help of Chineke! Orchestra, Esperanza Spalding and more Continue reading…

Paradise Cinema: Returning, Dream review – walking a fine balance between chaos and euphoria

by Ammar Kalia on 21 September 2024 at 15:00

(Gondwana)Portico Quartet saxophonist Jack Wyllie teams up with three percussionists for a thunderous, west African-influenced second album Continue reading…

Oxlade: OFA (Oxlade from Africa) review – an extremely likable debut

by Damien Morris on 20 September 2024 at 11:00

(Epic)Two years on from his viral summer hit Ku Lo Sa, the Nigerian singer’s debut album showcases his free-floating, mellifluous style Continue reading…

Joan As Police Woman: Lemons, Limes and Orchids review – stripped back songs of love and loss

by Michael Cragg on 20 September 2024 at 10:30

(Play It Again Sam)On her first collection of originals since 2018, Joan Wasser lets loose with an album of slinky vocals and live instrumentation Continue reading…

The Rheingans Sisters: Start Close In review – a radical leap into darkness

by Jude Rogers on 20 September 2024 at 08:00

(Self-released)With their golden voices, fertile soundworlds and evocative influences from across Europe, the Sheffield duo’s fifth album is admirably confrontational Continue reading…

Kate Pierson: Radios & Rainbows review – bops, balls and belles from B-52s singer

by Dave Simpson on 20 September 2024 at 07:30

(Songvest)Pierson’s mellifluous vocals radiate positivity in a dozen bouncy tracks that skip giddily between electro-pop, rock, dance and disco Continue reading…

Katy Perry: 143 review – wan Europop revival falls short of total catastrophe

by Alexis Petridis on 20 September 2024 at 04:00

(Capitol)Following disastrous comeback singles and videos prompting environmental investigation, Perry’s seventh album isn’t the calamity expected – but it isn’t good, either Continue reading…

Rameau: Les Boréades album review – crisp authoritative playing harnesses full-colour Rameau

by Andrew Clements on 19 September 2024 at 14:00

Devieilhe /Van Mechelen/Purcell Choir/Orfeo O/Vashegyi(Erato)Rameau’s lyric tragedy comes alive in the hands of György Vashegyi and the Orfeo Orchestra Continue reading…

Jamie xx: In Waves review – bright, blissful bangers for 3am on big speakers

by Alexis Petridis on 19 September 2024 at 11:07

(Young)Filled with guest stars from his xx bandmates to Robyn, this long-gestating second solo album picks up where In Colour left off, and deepens its dancefloor devotion Continue reading…

Astrid Williamson: Shetland Suite review – a beautiful enchantment

by Neil Spencer on 14 September 2024 at 15:00

(Incarnation)Playing, singing and producing, the Scottish musician pays tribute to her homeland and her late mother on this powerfully moving set Continue reading…

The Jesus Lizard: Rack review – Chicago punks return with pyrotechnics undimmed

by Phil Mongredien on 13 September 2024 at 11:00

(Ipecac)The Nirvana peers’ first album in 26 years is a masterclass in tightly controlled chaos Continue reading…

Fousheé: Pointy Heights review – a Caribbean-facing new direction

by Ammar Kalia on 13 September 2024 at 10:30

(RCA)The in-demand US singer-songwriter’s second album takes its cue from her Jamaican heritage Continue reading…

Daniel Inzani: Selected Worlds | John Lewis’s contemporary album of the month

by John Lewis on 13 September 2024 at 08:00

(Hidden Notes/Tardigrade)In his first major solo release, the pianist and composer explores the very different sides to his musical personality across three contrasting but connected LPs Continue reading…

Wendy Eisenberg: Viewfinder review – insightful jazz voyage into life after laser eye surgery

by Jennifer Lucy Allan on 13 September 2024 at 07:00

(American Dreams)Instrumental interludes and unexpected shifts in pace mix with Americana and jazz, while the singer-songwriter’s distinctive guitar sound drives a song cycle like no other Continue reading…

Benjamin/Crimp: Picture a day like this album review – jewel-like precision

by Andrew Clements on 12 September 2024 at 15:00

Crebassa/Prohaska/ Mahler CO/Benjamin(Nimbus)Recorded in Aix where the opera was premiered, with the composer himself conducting, the beauty of George Benjamin’s instrumental lines shine with this excellent cast Continue reading…

Mendelssohn: Piano Trios album review – celebrity soloists are a balanced delight

by Andrew Clements on 12 September 2024 at 14:00

Bell/Isserlis/Denk(Sony Classical)Two of the most celebrated trios in the repertory have power but also subtlety in Joshua Bell, Steven Isserlis and Jeremy Denk’s ego-free performances Continue reading…

Tindersticks: Soft Tissue review | Alexis Petridis’s album of the week

by Alexis Petridis on 12 September 2024 at 11:00

(City Slang)From 70s soul to glowing strings, the cult outfit continue to illuminate the fringes of pop music, celebrating the beauty in small things Continue reading…

Etienne Charles: Creole Orchestra review – jazz trumpeter’s big band dream come true

by Neil Spencer on 7 September 2024 at 15:00

(Culture Shock)The Trinidad-born musician and his 22-piece ensemble excel in all styles, from Benny Goodman and Eartha Kitt to Charles’s own Carib-flavoured compositions Continue reading…

Fred Again: Ten Days review – pop house with unfulfilled pretensions

by Alexis Petridis on 6 September 2024 at 13:57

(Atlantic)An album of lofty intentions and muttered musings from the dance artist de jour is saved by a gift for a nagging hook and uplifting melody Continue reading…

Nala Sinephro: Endlessness review – cosmic jazz musician’s cycle-of-life meditation

by Kitty Empire on 6 September 2024 at 11:45

(Warp)The harpist-composer follows her remarkable debut with 10 lush, spacey electro-acoustic tracks featuring guests such as Nubya Garcia Continue reading…

MJ Lenderman: Manning Fireworks review – joyously weird alt-Americana

by Damien Morris on 6 September 2024 at 10:30

(Anti-)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 Continue reading…

Mercury Rev: Born Horses review – a lush and serene return

by Phil Mongredien on 6 September 2024 at 10:00

(Bella Union)With a half-new lineup, the US rock band’s first album of new material since 2015 finds them in dreamy, reflective mode Continue reading…

Floating Points: Cascade review – an enthralling record of out-and-out bangers

by Kitty Empire on 6 September 2024 at 10:00

(Ninja Tune)The eclectic British producer returns with a more dance-focused album laden with giddy modular synths Continue reading…

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Party: Chain of Light review | Ammar Kalia’s global album of the month

by Ammar Kalia on 6 September 2024 at 08:00

(Real World)The late, great musician confirms his mastery of the Sufi tradition in a hitherto unheard and surprise-laden cycle that soars with spirituality Continue reading…

Fat Dog: Woof review – a boisterous debut with more bark than bite

by Shaad D’Souza on 6 September 2024 at 07:00

(Domino)Outlandish musical choices from oompah to sleaze should make the Londoners’ debut feel fresh, but they’re the latest interlopers in a crowded experimental field Continue reading…

72 Preludes: Chopin, Scriabin, Yashiro album review – Fujita’s no frills approach brings care and clarity

by Andrew Clements on 5 September 2024 at 14:00

Mao Fujita(Sony Classical)Fujita’s attention to detail serves the Scriabin miniatures well, although the Chopin needs more character Continue reading…

Elgar: Violin Concerto album review – Vilde Frang’s exceptional performance makes this one of the finest to appear on disc

by Andrew Clements on 5 September 2024 at 13:30

Vilde Frang/Deutsches Symphonie-Orchestre Berlin/Ticciati(Warner Classics)In a startling, authoritative performance of Elgar’s demanding masterpiece, the Norwegian violinist and Robin Ticciati are utterly convincing Continue reading…

Nala Sinephro: Endlessness review | Alexis Petridis’s album of the week

by Alexis Petridis on 5 September 2024 at 11:00

(Warp)The follow-up to Space 1.8 pulses with meditative, spiritual-jazz elements, but amid soothing orchestrations, tension and surprise upend easy listening Continue reading…

Meyerbeer: Le prophète review – wild operatic oddity is given a breathless ride

by Fiona Maddocks on 31 August 2024 at 11:00

London Symphony Orchestra/Elder(LSO Live)The composer’s 1849 work is one of extremes, but Mark Elder, the LSO and a top cast give as good as they get in this live recording Continue reading…

Ayom: SaLiVa review – a fierce, devotional celebration, from Brazil to Cape Verde

by Neil Spencer on 30 August 2024 at 11:00

(Ayom/Believe)This unusually diverse project bring together samba, accordion, stabs of brass and muscular percussion on a spiritually weighty second album Continue reading…

Laurie Anderson: Amelia review – return flight with aviation pioneer is a long haul

by Damien Morris on 30 August 2024 at 10:30

(Nonesuch)The US musician’s reboot of a 2000 work about Amelia Earhart is frustratingly slow to take off Continue reading…

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds: Wild God review – a different kind of transcendence

by Kitty Empire on 30 August 2024 at 10:00

(Pias)The Bad Seeds are back, if slightly muted, as Cave channels his grief following the death of two of his sons to often tremendous effect Continue reading…

Coco & Clair Clair: Girl review – girlish singsong with sizzle and spark

by Shaad D’Souza on 30 August 2024 at 08:00

(Nice Girl World)After years of lightweight pop, the duo are breaking new ground with their second full-length album Continue reading…

Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band: Walk a Mile in My Shoe review – perseverance and Philly pride

by John Fordham on 30 August 2024 at 07:30

(Imani Records)Evans’ soulful and communal album explores his health condition with the help of A-list instrumentalists and vocal stars including Bilal and the legendary Lisa Fischer Continue reading…

Imogen Holst: Discovering Imogen album review – expressive works from composer hiding in plain sight

by Erica Jeal on 29 August 2024 at 14:30

BBC Concert Orchestra/BBC Singers/Farnham(NMC)The daughter of Gustav and assistant to Benjamin Britten, Imogen Holst wrote her own imaginative and unsentimental music, gathered here for the first time Continue reading…

Huw Montague Rendall: Contemplation album review – young opera star justifies the buzz

by Erica Jeal on 29 August 2024 at 14:00

Montague Rendall/Opéra Orchestre Normandie Rouen/Glassberg(Erato)The debut album from the British baritone lives up to the hype, showcasing his velvet and nuanced singing with room to spare Continue reading…

Jon Hopkins: Ritual review | Alexis Petridis’s album of the week

by Alexis Petridis on 29 August 2024 at 13:34

(Domino)Originally written for an installation with mind-altering intentions, the producer’s seventh album is occasionally engaging but dissolves into drift Continue reading…

Mark Cherrie Quartet: Any Anxious Colour review – carnival-flavoured steel pan jazz

by Neil Spencer on 24 August 2024 at 15:00

(Windmill Jazz)The musician and TV composer channels his Caribbean heritage into an irresistible mix of ballads and rock-outs Continue reading…

Post Malone: F-1 Trillion review – rapper turns country crooner

by Ammar Kalia on 23 August 2024 at 11:00

(Mercury/Republic)The latest US artist to jump on the country bandwagon duets with Dolly Parton and more on his surprisingly enjoyable sixth album Continue reading…

Fontaines DC: Romance review – their best record yet

by Phil Mongredien on 23 August 2024 at 10:30

(XL)The all-conquering Dublin five-piece hit expansive new heights on an album full of highlights Continue reading…