A daring and adventurous album that can evoke a range of emotions in listeners—making them wince, laugh, and cry almost simultaneously. Melding sharp humor with a frankness that most artists merely pretend to embrace, these narratives of troubled relationships and self-hatred resonate through a cultural vernacular that is both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully understandable. In ‘The Jamie Oliver Petrol Station,’ the TV chef serves as a target for examining Thompson’s own critical inclinations. The title track sees her likening her struggles to those of Kerry Katona and the legendary Irish hero Cú Chulainn, while ‘Iceberg,’ with its ABBA-inspired sound, has her evoke the story of Titanic to stir up a disagreement solely for the sake of a reaction. At the heart of all this are a set of irresistibly sturdy melodies—from the country-pop flair of ‘Tree Six Foive’ to the leisurely folk vibes of ‘Coronation St.’—with Thompson's versatile vocals adding both captivating drama and a strong emotional core. Listening to her glide through 'When A Good Man Cries' leaves one with the impression that a Vegas residency might be just around the corner for her. Her most compelling performance can be found in the poignant ballad and title track, ‘EURO-COUNTRY.’ Starting in Gaelic and transitioning to English, she reflects on her complicated ties to Ireland ("Everything I thought that I could be / He cut it in half") and the devastating effects of the 2008 financial crisis on local communities ("I was twelve when the dads started taking their own lives all around me"). It's a genuinely heart-wrenching moment that highlights Thompson's audacious approach to pop songwriting. ‘EURO-COUNTRY’ stands as a bold, risk-taking album that can swiftly take listeners through a range of emotions.
American R&B icon D'Angelo has passed away. The songwriter produced three outstanding, influential albums over the span of three decades, each one a remarkable
Maribou State is set to headline the LIDO Festival next summer. The electronic duo has been confirmed as the first headliner for the upcoming summer edition, with
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.
UK soul artist Konyikeh has released her new single ‘Vulnerability,’ available now through FAMM. This marks the London artist's first official release since 2024.
Adult DVD, Y, and Before Close showcased impressive performances at the most recent edition of Middlesbrough's acclaimed day festival.
The ultimate guide to the 2025 Mercury Prize shortlist by DIY.