new, now, next

A round-up of the hottest album releases to listen out for

The latest albums to put on repeat.

GOLDFRAPP

Known for their experimental flair, the band’s frontwoman Alison Goldfrapp puts it best: “We’ve never liked repeating ourselves... The fans who have stuck with us are the ones who embrace that idea and are excited by the thought that they don’t know quite what to expect next.” Silver Eye is their seventh album, and sees the duo return to their ’80s-influenced, electronic roots (the same that brought them hits like “Strict Machine” and “Ooh La La”). Out March 31

KAREN ELSON

Model/musician Karen Elson’s sophomore effort is Double Roses, and her industry connections are as good (if not better) than those enlisted for her debut album – which was produced by her thenhusband, The White Stripes’ Jack White. The lead single “Distant Shore” features backing vocals by Laura Marling, while collaborations with the likes of Father John Misty, The Black Keys’ Pat Carney and Wilco’s Pat Sansone round out an impressive and emotional record. Out April 7

FATHER JOHN MISTY

Just when you think you’ve figured out Father John Misty – aka Josh Tillman – he goes and changes tack. Compare lyrics from “When You’re Smiling And Astride Me” on 2015’s I Love You, Honeybear – “Darling, I love you as you are when you’re alone / I’ll never try to change you / As if I could, and if I were to, what’s the part that I’d miss most?” – to those from “Ballad Of The Dying Man” on new album Pure Comedy – “Just think of all the overrated hacks running amok / And all of the pretentious, ignorant voices that will go unchecked.” Politically minded, lyrically charged but still the same brand of folk rock you’ve come to know and love. Out April 7

FUTURE ISLANDS

Pitchfork aptly describes their sound as “romance-swept new wave”, and fans of their mainstream breakout hit “Seasons (Waiting On You)” won’t be disappointed by their new record – their fifth studio album – The Far Field. Frontman Samuel T Herring’s voice is the band’s best asset, making their songs about love and life on the road feel like a gut punch. Perhaps most impressively, you’ll hear Debbie Harry duet with Herring on the track “Shadows”. Out April 7

MAC DEMARCO

The man known as the “Pepperoni Playboy” returns with his third album, This Old Dog, a 13-track selection of sentimental jams, synths and slacker rock. In theory, it’s his acoustic album, though Demarco calls it “an Italian rock record”. There’s a new maturity to his work, one that came about when he moved from Queens to LA. “Starting a new life takes time. Usually I just write, record and put it out; no problem. But this time, I wrote them and they sat.” Out May 5