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2 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)

Richard Walters

The Animal

Delicate vocals and acoustic alt-pop from Oxford's 24-year-old ex Theremin frontman

ADM rating[?]: 6.5
Label: Kartel
UK Release date: 21/09/2009

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8.0 5848
8.0 | Uncut

Print edition only
7.0 4159
7.0 | musicOMH

A very accomplished, affecting record, and one that should give Richard Walters the recognition he so richly deserves.
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7.0 4160
7.0 | Independent on Sunday

Beneath that quiet exterior ticks a lyrical mind as dark as Florence Welch's.
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6.0 5762
6.0 | Mojo

Print edition only
6.0 13904
6.0 | Q

Print edition only
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