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3 July 2025

Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.

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carolineCaroline 2

"Each song is gloriously cinematic, intoxicatingly unexpected and truly powerful, even in its quietest moments" (9/10 - Far Out). "UK post-rock’s preeminent sentimentalists" (8/4/10 - Pitchfork)

StereolabInstant Holograms On Metal Film

"Lætitia Sadier et al pick up where they left off yet sound more timely than ever" (8/10 - The Guardian). "This is highbrow music for lowbrow times" (9/10 - Far Out)

Tune-YardsBetter Dreaming

"May just be their most uplifting and inspiring work" (9/10 - The Line Of Best Fit). "May emerge as one of the Oakland duo’s all-time great records after a few years’ passage" (7.8/10 - Paste)

Ezra FurmanGoodbye Small Head

"A record of unflinching honesty and unparalleled vulnerability" (9/10 - DIY). "There’s an urgency coursing through this startling album’s veins that confirms its creator to be one of the most exciting songwriters around" (8/10 - musicOMH)

Jenny HvalIris Silver Mist

"A personal journey through the past and self, focused on the power of scent in evoking forgotten moments" (10/10 - The Guardian. "An immersive album of beguiling charms about memories, isolation and dislocation" (8/10 - musicOMH)

Self EsteemA Complicated Woman

"Her most concentrated and burning record" (10/10 - DIY). "takes the best parts of Prioritise Pleasure and her debut Compliments Please, and turns it all up to 10" (10/10 - musicOMH)

Martin Simpson

Vagrant Stanzas

The latest solo release from the long-serving folk singer-songwriter and guitarist features Richard Hawley among its co-producers

ADM rating[?]: 8.0
Label: Topic
UK Release date: 29/07/2013
US Release date: 17/09/2013

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10.0 57216
10.0 | The Arts Desk

Few people can tell these stories with as well-judged a combination of silken tones and fiery steel, evoking the blood and terror with both passion and measure
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8.0 57217
8.0 | The Independent

Simpson applies his dazzling fingerstyle technique to a broad range of material
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8.0 57218
8.0 | The Guardian

Shows off his guitar, banjo and vocal skills in an intimate but varied solo set
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8.0 57219
8.0 | Daily Telegraph

Simply a delight
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8.0 57220
8.0 | Evening Standard

A record of austere beauty and purity
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