Julio Bashmore – Knockin’ Boots (Broadwalk)
Why you should listen: The Bristol-based producer, who’s released plenty of singles and EPs over the past six years, puts out his first studio album of hook-heavy, house-inspired dance music.
It might not be for you if … You aren’t easily excited by the smoothness of current house music.
What we said: “Beyond the history lessons, Knockin’ Boots underlines the simple joy of uplifting dance music”, wrote Kate Hutchinson in the Guardian. Killian Fox also gave the album four stars in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Georgia – Georgia (Domino)
Why you should listen: A battleground of clashing genres – synthpop, grime and post-punk among them – this debut highlights 21-year-old Georgia’s versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer.
It might not be for you if … Music this indecisive gives you a headache.
What we said: “With nods to hyperactive producers such as Rustie, it’s a collision of pop, grime and electronica that shows off MIA-esque magpie tendencies”, wrote Tim Jonze in the Guardian. Michael Cragg also gave the album a four-star review in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Dornik – Dornik (Island/PMR)
Why you should listen: Londoner Dornik, a producer and singer who used to drum for Jessie Ware, coats this debut album of 80s-tinged R&B in the sort of sleek production that’s quickly become label PMR’s trademark.
It might not be for you if … You don’t find yourself moved by that PMR sound – the likes of Disclosure, Ware and Jai Paul tend to leave you cold.
What we said: “The whole album brings to mind an 80s Hollywood fantasy, all swaying palm trees at inky dusk and music blaring out of convertible cars in the summer heat,” ran the Guardian review.
Score: 4/5
Mac DeMarco – Another One (Captured Tracks)
Why you should listen: Everyone’s favourite scruffy looking indie lad returns with a luscious mini-album of twanging guitar and dreamy, sun-drenched pop.
It might not be for you if … You didn’t understand why everyone was raving about DeMarco’s Salad Days album last year.
What we said: “This follow-up arrives quickly, and is small in its ambition, but still feels well-formed,” wrote Paul MacInnes, in the Guardian. Ally Carnwath handed the album three stars, in the Observer.
Score: 4/5
Fear Factory – Genexus (Nuclear Blast)
Why you should listen: Through all the lineup changes, the LA metal band have retained searing vocals, noodly guitars and more double bass-drum thumping than you can shake a stick at.
It might not be for you if … You either don’t listen to metal, or prefer your metal blacker than this.
What we said: “The best-sounding album of their career by some margin, this is a precise and vicious rush of syncopated kick drums, sci-fi keyboard surges and eerie but infectious vocal hooks, all underpinned by guitarist Dino Cazares’ flawless attack,” wrote Dom Lawson in the Guardian.
Score: 4/5
In what’s been a great week for new music from young Brits, we’ve also seen releases by Dr Dre, doom-pop singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe and Eton’s very own, Frank Turner. What are you looking forward to hearing?
