‘The English Debussy’ is well served by pianist Simon Callaghan, while upcoming star violist Bak excels in works ranging from Britten to Bright Sheng

(Frenchkiss)
The veteran five-piece’s first album in 14 years has flashes of the old thrill, but doesn’t quite hit earlier heights

(Polydor)
The Nashville rockers still sound great, but their lyrics seem bereft of ideas

(Big Dada)
Bey’s latest, written in mourning to her rapper father Grand Daddy IU and featuring his voice, includes catchy dancefloor bangers alongside soulful odes

(Fat Possum Records)
The Chicago trio go back in time and dip into big-chorused Americana, slacker indie and vintage soul – all with real feeling

Red Hook Records
In their album Central Park’s Mosaics of Reservoir, Lake, Paths and Gardens the two musical soulmates impressionistically reflect on John Lennon, Albert Ayler and more

Mullova/Beatson
(Signum)
The easeful interplay between pianist Alasdair Beatson and violinist Viktoria Mullova stands out on these three sunny sonatas

Brindley Sherratt/Julius Drake
(Delphian)
For the singer’s first recital recording he goes to Hades with Schubert, chills with Mussorgsky and closes warmly with English songs

(Pure Noise Records)
The Kentucky metalcore quintet cleverly channel pop – and even reggaeton grooves – to create an album of crushing intensity and vast scope

(Haggis)
The third album from this classy Bristol quintet keeps things fresh with funky rhythms, moody moments, a bit of rap and one live duet

(Warner)
Talk of a new musical direction proves unfounded as the Grammy-winning singer’s third album shares more retro-inspired dance pop and lessons from her love life

(Parlophone/Atlas Artists)
The new wave Britpop singer-songwriter includes a couple of old hits on an album that is in fact brimming with fresh ideas

Field/Wilson-Johnson/Jonsdottir/Kale/Lavender/Millennium O/Kell
(Toccata, two CDs)
Havergal Brian’s third opera, a reworking of Shelley’s play of renaissance corruption and incest, sparks only intermittently into dramatic life

(Matador)
The Nigerien guitarist and his virtuoso band set polemical fury to thrilling musicianship on this no-holds-barred release

(XL)
Input from George Clinton, André 3000 and Washington’s toddler daughter feature on his virtuosic, richly varied latest

(Broadside Hacks)
Born out of a London musical instruments shop where members worked, the Paul McCartney-approved band’s first EP is eager and theatrical, sometimes to a fault

(City Slang)
With her best songs yet, the Californian singer’s fourth album could transform her from fringe act to mainstream success

(Warner Records)
The British superstar has said her new album is influenced by Britpop, rave culture and Primal Scream, but you could go mad trying to find the evidence

(Decca)
The South Korean musician’s first recording for Decca features thrilling and original performances

(Verve Forecast)
Inspired by new guitars, and with guest spots from Roseanne Cash and more, the US producer-musician contemplates love and mortality