Alexis Petridis's album of the week
The Guardian head rock and pop critic's lead review from each week's G2 Film & Music
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
Flo: Access All Areas review – skilful R&B revivalists need to get their freak on a bit more
The trio bring gorgeous vocals and spiky attitude to 90s-facing songs – but they need a little more of that era’s oddball invention, as well as an undeniable hit
Linkin Park: From Zero review – rock’s risk takers win big with punchy comeback
They sold millions as the most poppy and emotional band in nu-metal. Now, returning with Emily Armstrong as frontwoman, they remain just as dynamic
Peter Perrett: The Cleansing review – a late-career triumph that dances in the face of death
Despite its themes of decline and mortality, the 72-year-old former Only Ones frontman is full of joie de vivre on this wise and empathetic record
Amyl and the Sniffers: Cartoon Darkness review – Aussie punks still spit, but add a bit more polish
With their swearing and flashing, Amy Taylor and co’s return might seem like business as usual – but new melodic depths and lyrical concerns reveal themselves
Kelly Lee Owens: Dreamstate review – dancefloor transcendence by a true pop shapeshifter
The Welsh producer’s latest handbrake turn takes her from dark-hued ambience to hypnotic euphoria on her poppiest record to date
Jelly Roll: Beautifully Broken review – country’s newest superstar grapples with fame and addiction
As the gravel-voiced singer achieves mainstream success, his music is moving further from his back-country roots – but the grit in his lyrics lifts it above standard pop fare
Mustafa: Dunya review – poet’s songwriting is a little too beautiful for its own good
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
Jamie xx: In Waves review – bright, blissful bangers for 3am on big speakers
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
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
Nala Sinephro: Endlessness review – heavenly harp swaps easy ambience for agitation
The follow-up to Space 1.8 pulses with meditative, spiritual-jazz elements, but amid soothing orchestrations, tension and surprise upend easy listening
Jon Hopkins: Ritual review – cosmic catharsis lacks lift-off
Originally written for an installation with mind-altering intentions, the producer’s seventh album is occasionally engaging but dissolves into drift
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds: Wild God review – this masterpiece will make you fall back in love with life
Contemplating pain, death and suffering, rock’s former prince of darkness finds euphoria despite it all, on an album of contagious joy and thrilling melody
Fontaines DC: Romance review – arenas await, but on the band’s own strange terms
On their most approachable album the Irish rockers add pop melodies, nu-metal touches and lush orchestration – while their troubled view of the world remains
Ice Spice: Y2K! review – wilfully trashy wordplay from wily new rap star
The US star’s subject matter is lightweight and this debut album only lasts 23 minutes, but funny, snotty lines abound and the music is often viscerally exciting
Glass Animals: I Love You So F***ing Much review – bland bathos from one-time biggest band in the world
The British band’s fourth album smooshes interesting influences into pleasant homogeneity that won’t wash in today’s personality-led pop world
Cassandra Jenkins: My Light, My Destroyer review – a beautiful, brooding delight
Following her breakthrough in 2021, the singer-songwriter has overcome self-doubt to deliver a diverse album where loneliness is set against cosmic wonder
Kasabian: Happenings review – pivot towards pop could almost be Coldplay
The lad-favourites shift into neon hues on their second Serge Pizzorno-led album, as knockout choruses face off against some disappointing filler
Camila Cabello: C,XOXO review – Havana star’s bad-girl reboot is totally unconvincing
Leaving behind gooey balladry and family-friendly fare, the US star’s reinvention owes a clear debt to Charli xcx but leaves her grasping for space on her own album
Mabe Fratti: Sentir Que No Sabes review – rich, rewarding, spellbinding music from a true original
The full-blooded and emotionally driven fourth solo album from the avant garde pop cellist is abundantly melodic, constantly surprising and unequivocally fantastic
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