Album releases

MADELEINE PEYROUX Anthem ★★★★

Modern jazz vocal maestro Peyroux’s eighth album may be the most complete and accomplished of her justly feted career. With former Joni Mitchell producer Larry Klein mapping out a wide and lustrous sonic soundscape, Ms P’s reach is wide on the majestic recreation of the Leonard Cohen-penned title track, and she exudes swagger on the sleekly suggestive On A Sunny Afternoon. These are warm and witty songs elegantly tailored to Madeleine’s unbeatable blend of starry-eyed wonder, graceful learning

IDLES Joy As An Act Of Resistance★★★

The Bristolians’ second album builds on the acclaim afforded last year’s Brutalism. Never Fight A Man With A Perm is a sarcastic and dizzying divebomb into the depths of warped masculinity. “These boots were made for stomping…”the aggressive and intense attack doesn’t let up as they pick barn door targets and proceed to give them a good kicking. It’s a ferocious world where The Sleaford Mods meet Faith No More and a pulverised Libertines – a reminder that a critically lauded band isn’t always the most pleasurable to listen to.

STONE FOUNDATION Everybody, Anyone ★★★★

Following up last year’s Paul Wellerproduced chartsmashing Street Rituals, the Midland soulsters amp up the funk and welcome the Modfather, who loaned them his recording studio, to add some tasteful piano and harmonies. Kathryn Williams guests on the elegant Don’t Walk Away, while the Average White Band great Hamish Stuart is another high point. Fruity blasts of horn and a nicely simmering organ etch out an upbeat message to please lovers of quality vibes and soul connoisseurs.