Imogen Lawlor

Legendary hip hop producer Alchemist’s latest EP This Thing of Ours Vol 2 is an impressive release, to say the least.  For a 12-minute experience, Alchemist packs in a huge amount of sensitivity, creativity and complexity. Working with a range of collaborators, each song segues into one another to form a singular experience, passing you by so quickly that you simply … [Read more...] about The Alchemist: This Thing of Ours Vol.2 – Review

Meek Mill returns to music with his fifth studio album Expensive Pain, a testament to his varied and prosperous career, which includes managing a music label and running a sports apparel retailer.  With Grammy nominations and a highly successful music career under his belt, Meek Mill uses this release to discuss numerous topics close to his heart, such as mental health, … [Read more...] about Meek Mill: Expensive Pain – Review

Natalie Imbruglia's latest album Firebird touches on themes of vulnerability, independence and burgeoning confidence post-breakup.  Recorded mostly in lockdown, Imbruglia describes recording the album as a “profound and satisfying experience”. If only one could say the same about the listening experience! While it would be to be overly negative about optimistic and … [Read more...] about Natalie Imbruglia: Firebird – Review

It feels almost sacrilegious to be so dissatisfied with the sixth studio album of one of the most prolific rappers of our time, yet here we are.  Given the similar problems plaguing Scorpion, however, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Drake’s Certified Lover Boy is a self-indulgent, 86-minute meander through an ocean of overwhelming Drakeness - which is fine, if you … [Read more...] about Drake: Certified Lover Boy – Review

Screen Violence, the fourth studio album by Scottish trio Chvrches, is a raw and honest reflection on regrets, lockdown life and vulnerability.  The title is both an allusion to the group’s musical past (a former contender for the band’s name) and the circumstances in which the album was conceived; being mostly produced remotely during 2020. As Lauren Mayberry notes, … [Read more...] about Chvrches: Screen Violence – Review

Brandee Younger releases Somewhere Different, a terrific demonstration of the harp’s capabilities and versatility.  The album covers an impressively wide range of genres and sounds from classical to hip-hop to jazz, all whilst placing her beautiful instrument in various roles; both through collaborating with other soloists and taking centre stage. Somewhere Different aims to … [Read more...] about Brandee Younger: Somewhere Different – Review