New releases

VAN MORRISON: Roll With The Punches (Exile)

‘YOU don’t dissect the blues, you just do it,’ says Van of his 37th album, and he’s true to his word, bringing an intimate, ad-libbed feel to standards by Bo Diddley, Lightnin’ Hopkins and Fifties R&B queen Ruth Brown. He is prone to meander — his Bring It On Home To Me is twice as long as Sam Cooke’s original — but he spices the mix with five originals, the celebrity-baiting Fame being the pick. ★★★✩✩

THE HORRORS: V (Caroline)

ONCE a tumbledown garage band, Essex quintet The Horrors have evolved into something more riveting. This fifth album, framed by Adele’s producer Paul Epworth, is their most ambitious yet. They echo the heavy, electronic tread of Gary Numan on Hologram and dance influences on Point Of No Reply. The acoustic Gathering reiterates frontman Faris Badwan’s increasing confidence and the band’s continued progress as songwriters. ★★★★✩

MACKLEMORE: Gemini (Macklemore)

THE Seattle rapper’s first album in 12 years without his usual sidekick Ryan Lewis sticks to his traditional tactic of blending thoughtful lyrics with theatrical production. All but one of the 16 songs has a guest performer, so his introspective impact is diluted, though there are sublime moments: Skylar Grey adds heartfelt touches to Glorious; a resurgent Kesha shines on piano ballad Good Old Days. ★★★✩✩