Roundup: What You Might Have Missed

With the print edition returning from its summer break, it feels like an apt moment to take stock and discover what’s slipped under the radar. The Arcade Fire argument has been done to death and everyone’s got a take on that LCD Soundsystem cover, so we’ve asked our writers to tell us what we’ve missed since we were last in paper and ink. Tasha’s found her obsession deepening with a certain Oxfordshire quintet, while Fred has had expectations upturned with a jazz and soul collage. Akeem’s impressed with one of reggae’s rising stars, while Samantha brings us 72 minutes of donkey talk. Meanwhile, Sams #2 and #3 have been digging fresh electronics from a UK veteran and the new one from Philly punks Sheer Mag. Check ‘em out. Listening to Chronixx’s debut Chronology, you’re reminded of where the finest reggae, and every other subgenre the music has produced, comes from. There are multiple standouts, such as 'Selassie Children', 'Big Bad Sound' and the unforgettable 'Skankin’ Sweet', but Chronology isn’t just great because it’s a broad mixture of good music. It’s truly enjoyable because it strives for optimism. Akeem Balogun In honour of their most renowned album’s 20th birthday, Radiohead released OKNOTOK in June, and my obsession continues. Thom and co can do nothing wrong in my heart, and hearing one of the previously unreleased tracks, ‘I Promise’, live at Old Trafford made my year – even if my pre-ordered vinyl bundle still hasn’t arrived... Tasha Franek One release stands tall this summer: Sheer Mag. Need to Feel Your Love is a brutal journey that mixes old school punk tricks with pop-laden hooks, making an album that is both dangerous and extremely catchy. Start with ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ and let the rest flow. Sam J. Valdés López I've never got to grips with Bombay Bicycle Club but God First, frontman Jack Steadman's first solo album, is a different beast altogether. Jazz and soul are sampled and blended with beat-building techniques borrowed from hip-hop, neo-soul and electronica, providing an excellent accompaniment to Steadman's soulful voice. Fred Oxby The film Do Donkeys Act? is 72 rhythmic minutes of donkeys and their incredible braying, with sublime commentary by Willem Dafoe. An enthralling cacophony of sound and image giving voice to creatures too often regarded as 'dumb’, David Redmon and Ashley Sabin’s film captures donkeys communicating with each other whilst healing from human cruelty and neglect. Samantha Holland I can’t stop listening to Four Tet’s tune, 'Two Thousand And Seventeen'. Reminiscent of earlier records like Rounds, it sees instrumental hip-hop drift past at a glacial pace, the foil for an eye-wateringly beautiful dulcimer melody. Its sequel, ‘Planet’, is cut from the same cloth, but with a pulsing kick drum for transcendent dancefloor moments. Sam Gregory

Soundwaves

Local ‘aggrobeat’ band Blood Sport have released a new 12” on Helena Hauff’s label, Return To Disorder. Harsh Realm is available on a limited edition 100-copy run with ‘Boiled in Dust’ on the B-side. Extended previews are available on the label’s Soundcloud. After ten years and four studio albums together, indie pop group The Crookes are disbanding after a farewell show at The Leadmill. The band, who count Richard Hawley among their fans, will play their final Sheffield gig on 30 September, with tickets available for £11. The refurbishment of The Leadmill continues, with the city-centre venue receiving a new dancefloor in the main room. The club, which opened in 1980, is being done up in stages, allowing it to stay open throughout the summer. Theatre Delicatessen is reopening on 20 October with ten days of festivities. Hosted in the old Woolworths on the Moor since 2014, the multi-purpose venue is moving into the old Mothercare store on St. Mary’s Gate, with details of the opening party still to be announced. )