Back catalogue: Indie/Alternative

Review: Marking the 25th anniversary of The Magnificent Tree, Belgian trio Hooverphonic release a special limited edition of their third album, available on translucent blue vinyl. This edition comes strictly limited to 1,000 numbered copies, each with a commemorative insert; its four core singles 'Mad About You', 'Vinegar & Salt', 'Out of Sight' and 'Jackie Cane' became career milestones for the ethereal band, clinging to the Flemish Ultratop 50 for 107 weeks as they continued to hone and plane their established blue noir, post-trip-hop sonic vernacular. Also marking their 30th anniversary as a band, The Magnificent Tree is probably the best touchstone to describe their coming of age, ripping up the the comparatively innocent sonic formula of Blue Wonder Power Milk.

Review: This is The Horrors' first album since 2017's, V, which was recorded at Paul Epworth's church studios in Crouch End, North London and one of the best albums of that year. There's been some personnel changes since then: Faris Badwan (lead vocals), Rhys Webb (bass) and Joshua Hayward (guitar) have shed two members and they are now joined by Amelia Kidd (keys) and drummer Jordan Cook, who is well known on the London indie scene for having been the drummer of rock group Telegram. Having to make line-up changes plus follow-up an album as strong as V is a challenge, but one that they've taken in their stride. For this, their first in seven years, they sound like a band on their way to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some bands come and go like fashion, but the really, really great bands stick around. Recorded in Los Angeles and Tottenham, it's a darkly atmospheric feast for the ears, with singles 'The Silence That Remains' and 'Trial By Fire' sure to blow the ceiling off any venue they play. This is going to be an early contender for best album of 2025.