Now Streaming
Mars attacks
Bruno Mars pays homage to his musical influences with a groovy, R’n’b-inspired collection that sounds straight outta the 1990s. 24K Magic (★★★★) is a party album that recalls Michael Jackson, James Brown, New Edition and retro boy-band harmonies. It’s just a shame it’s only 34 minutes long. Mars has said he hopes his first album in four years inspires listeners to dance, and 24K Magic succeeds. The title track (and hit single) sets the toe-tapping tone for the danceparty groove that follows. On Chunky, Mars sings, ‘‘If you ain’t here to party, take your arse back home’’. And even the late Godfather of Soul would shake his hips to Perm, where Bruno channels his best Brown over trumpet-tinged funk. – Sandy Cohen, AP
Summer starts here
This self-titled EP shows it’s no wonder Kings (★★★★) won Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Vodafone NZ Music Awards, or that he’s being touted as ‘‘the next Lorde’’. The six-track listen is summer pop on a stick, dipped in rap, and served up with a cool side of soul. The Auckland producer’s smooth vocal drapes effortlessly over songs which sway between pop influences (Don’t Worry Bout It), South American vibes (Different Levels), modern synth funk (What We Supposed to Do) and bass-dropping dance (Y.C.S.W.U). Get ready to hear Kings booming out of cars, backyards, and the beach this summer.– Hannah Mckee
Hold your Nerve
Just as they did with 2010 ‘‘documentary’’ Catfish, directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman have delivered one of this year’s most timely and terrifying films. Inspired by Jeanne Ryan’s 2012 techno-thriller, as well as cautionary tales past like The Truman Show and The Game, Nerve (M, is the Faustian tale of Venus ‘‘Vee’’ Delmonico’s (Emma Roberts) search for her own identity and desire for popularity. Dizzying, disorientating and seriously disquieting, the combination of visual flourishes, breathless pacing and a taut screenplay delivers a compelling and clammy ride. – James Croot
The Mcconaissance continues
Matthew Mcconaughey is at his charismatic and compelling best in the 19th-century drama Free State of Jones (M, inspired by the life of Confederate Army ‘‘deserter’’ Newton Knight. There is certainly a touch of the Bravehearts (here crossed with 12 Years a Slave) about the story which sees a larger-than-life figure taking on the authorities, fuelled by the good love of not one, but two women. – James Croot