A bluffer’s guide to the Mercury Prize shortlist

Arlo Parks

West Londoner Parks, 20, inset, has been praised as the voice of those her age, detailing depression and LGBTQ+ romance in her poetic lyrics.

Berwyn

Berwyn Du Bois plays the piano and takes rap away from braggadocio into startling honesty, recounting a mother in jail, stabbings and trouble with the immigration service.

Black Country, New Road

This wild London septet takes on post-rock, emotional balladry and head-spinning jazz, with frontman Isaac Wood proving himself one of the UK’s most quotable lyricists. It’s exactly the kind of thing the Mercury judges tend to reward.

Celeste

Brighton-raised Celeste Waite has the most mainstream-friendly sound.

Her smoky voice will thrill those still missing Amy Winehouse.

Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & The London Symphony Orchestra

The closest this year’s shortlist comes to classical music, though it’s a hybrid piece led by piano.

Ghetts

It’s about time 36-yearold Justin Clarke was credited with his pivotal role in the rise of grime. His first major label album is mature with fascinating autobiographical detail.

Hannah Peel

Northern Irish composer Peel veers from ambient electronica to vibrant techno.

Laura Mvula

Mvula is doing something very different from her past work, stripping away the grand orchestration and jazzy influences in favour of a retro synth style and sense of fun.

Mogwai

When it comes to beautiful guitar music that suddenly gets VERY LOUD INDEED, nobody does it better than this Scottish rock band.

Nubya Garcia

On her eclectic debut album saxophonist Garcia proves herself capable of everything, from dub reggae to psychedelic soul.

Sault

An anonymous group, thought to be led by Michael Kiwanuka’s producer Inflo, who mix classic soul and R&B and political themes.

Wolf Alice

Ambitious songs from this London indie band, who are the only past winners on this year’s list and have worked with Coldplay and Arcade Fire’s producer.