Album releases

BLACK GRAPE Pop Voodoo

One of the most influential groups of all time, the band’s first new material in 20 years will delight fans young and old. Frontman Shaun Ryder’s use of words is a testament to his reigning social and political commentary, and opening track Everything You Know Is Wrong uses big Manc beats as the background to take a huge swipe at Donald Trump. Highlights include the ultimate Happy Mondays throwback tune Nine Lives, and the laidback jazz of Whisky, Wine and Ham. It’s guaranteed to make you smile.

NICK HEYWARD Woodland Echoes

This is a far cry from his success in the 90s pop-explosion as frontman of new wave group Haircut 100. Here the singer delivers wholesome Americana-inspired pop. But it’s as catchy as ever. Opening track Love Is the Key by the Sea is classic pop – elegant, subtle and with uplifting lyrics conveying the wonder of finding inner peace. Mountaintop is an atmospheric track with the rootsy sound of Americana. I Got A Lot is a collaboration with ex-bandmate Blair Cunningham, and Perfect Sunday Sun has a belting rock chorus. Warm, personal and welcoming.

COLDPLAY Kaleidoscope EP

They’ve spent the last 20 years commanding stadium crowds and dominating the top 40 charts worldwide – and opening track All I Can Think About Is You assures us that the boys are here to stay. With signature dreamy piano and rock undertones, it’s a track that would fit in nicely with any of Chris Martin’s colourful current set lists. Miracles is your inter-genre collab with rapper Big Sean, while Hypnotized is the mellow, calming track that delivers the Yellow feels. It isn’t a new direction, but with a good thing going, why change?