SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

SELF-TITLED MARCUS MUMFORD ★★★✩✩

Cannibal, the debut single from Marcus Mumford, contained the shocking revelation that he was sexually abused as a boy aged six.

From that starting point, his first full solo album outside of his long-time band, Mumford & Sons, explores the feelings of guilt and hopelessness he has experienced over the years.

It’s a tough listen, but there is also release, and sincere artistry that tends towards a stripped back take on classic American heartlands rock.

These songs, which range from the plaintive Only Child to the freewheeling Better Off High, come with their own power. They are solid pieces of song writing delivered with deep feeling, and bolstered with the help of female collaborators like Brandi Carlile and Phoebe Bridgers.

ANIMALS (2018 REMIX) PINK FLOYD ★★★✩✩

Forty-five years on from the release of Animals, the album remains one of Pink Floyd’s most highly regarded.

This album sees the five tracks available for the first time on 5.1 surround sound, which will please some of Pink Floyd’s more audiophile fans. And there is another update - Algie the pig now floats above the London landmark as it is swamped by cranes. Vinyl collectors will certainly enjoy this new, striking image.

Animals focused on what the band saw as the decay of British society in the late 1970s and is regarded as one of their most political statements.

GIRL OF MY DREAMS FLETCHER

★★★★✩ Hayley Williams meets Halsey meets Kehlani – Cari Fletcher is bringing together inspiration and fire into something truly brilliant.

Girl Of My Dreams is the former X Factor US contestant’s debut album, and one of the most intriguing, sexy and emotive you could hope for.

Fletcher is controlling the dialogue around her career, her relationships and her personal life, and she is doing it with passion and vigour – a debut like no other.