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The re-release will be made of two editions with the 1LP pressed on white vinyl and including bonus track ‘Take My Temperature’. The 2LP will feature 15 additional tracks including a selection of B-Sides and CD single bonus tracks as well as 2 previously unreleased songs, exclusive to the format.

Alongside the original album, the 3CD set will have 40 added tracks which will include demo recordings, remixes, radio sessions and live tracks.

‘Employment’ which came out in 2005, was the album to bring songs such as ‘I Predict A Riot’, ‘Oh My God’ and ‘Everyday I Love You Less And Less’ to the forefront. The album was remastered at iconic Abbey Road Studios, the band commented: “20 years ago, a brand-new song by a brand-new band was released. ‘I Predict A Riot’ was the start of something really special for some musicians from Leeds. And the album that followed, ‘Employment’, changed our lives and has soundtracked the lives of millions of others since 2005. In 2025 we are saluting 20 years of that album and everyone is invited. Come celebrate the 2000’s, loving everything less and less and stripey blazers taking over the world..”

Two years ago, on the 18th anniversary of the release, singer Ricky shared with Virgin Radio: “I mean, I don’t think I’ve changed too much. I do get a Hello Fresh box, and I brush my teeth at least twice a day, but apart from that, I haven’t changed at all. I promise you that!”

‘Employment’ peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It spent over 17 months in the Official Top 40 and was eventually certified 7× Platinum.

Coming from Shepherd’s Bush, Foxell got his start during the “SoundCloud era”, where he built an early fanbase on the platform that helped launch so many emerging artists. As part of the Elevation Meditation collective, he’s worked alongside other musicians to develop a sound that’s both distinctive and versatile. His music often taps into the highs and lows of young adulthood, painting a vivid picture of life in London with raw honesty. 

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The Elevation Meditation collective is a West London-based music collective that Finn Foxell is a part of, alongside artists like Lord Apex, Xav, and Louis Culture. The group is known for blending elements of UK rap, jazz, grime, and alternative sounds, creating a distinctive style that reflects the underground music scene in London. Each member brings their own unique influences, but they share a common ethos of pushing creative boundaries and staying independent. This has help shape the UK hip-hop movement, making them feel completely unique in the modern music scene.  

 Leading up to ‘Mamas Boy’, Foxell has dropped a string of singles that highlight just how much he’s grown as an artist. ‘Her Way’, released in September 2024, is a perfect example of his ability to pair introspective lyrics with smooth, melodic instrumentation. The track carries a sense of reflection and optimism, touching on themes of personal growth and resilience, exploring the complexities of modern life with lyrics such as, “She fills the gap with drugs and other things that are appealing”. 

Another single, ‘HEADSPIN’, which landed in July 2024 and took a totally different route. With its high-energy, punk-infused rap sound, the track (produced by Subculture) mirrors the chaotic, overstimulated nature of modern life. It’s punchy, bold, and a perfect showcase of Foxell’s ability to move seamlessly between different sonic styles. 

‘ALIVE’, which came out in May 2024, takes yet another turn, bringing indie-folk vibes into the mix. It’s a anthem that feels light and fresh while still carrying that emotional depth Foxell is known for, making it sound like a proper English summer tune. This kind of experimentation has become a defining part of his journey, and it’s a big reason why ‘Mamas Boy’ is looking to be such an exciting project. 

The album’s title, ‘Mamas Boy’, hints at a more personal and thoughtful side of Foxell’s artistry. Known for his sharp lyricism and genre-blending approach, this project is expected to showcase deeper storytelling and a richer emotional landscape. As he continues to experiment and refine his sound, the album marks a defining moment in his artistic journey. 

With ‘Mamas Boy’ on the horizon, Foxell is cementing his place as one of the most dynamic voices in the UK music scene. His ability to merge different styles with authenticity and depth sets him apart, making this debut not just a milestone, but a bold statement of where he’s headed. Fans can expect an album that pushes boundaries and leaves a lasting impact. 

In the Instagram post, the comedian-turned-musician shared the news of a mini tour they will be completing to go alongside the release of their debut. Commencing in Los Angeles’ The Regent Theatre, Martin will go on to perform exclusive shows in Toronto, New York City, before concluding in London, throughout late February and early March.

They expressed the excitement of the tour online: “Ohhh man I’m so excited to announce I’m doing a mini tour in support of my new album!”

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The Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter and musician is renowned for their self-aware works, often focusing on themes of sexuality and addiction. Martin co-created, co-wrote and co-starred in BAFTA nominated comedy-drama series Feel Good, where they starred alongside Charlotte Ritchie to play a fictionalised version of themself navigating addiction recovery and romantic fixations. Since then, Martin has expanded their creative portfolio by delving into the world of music, releasing ‘Good Dream’ and ‘Stowaway’, two sincerely introspective tracks that feature on their upcoming release.

The Canadian comic announced their debut earlier this month, stating it was ‘coming soon’ via Universal Music Canada (UMC). In anticipation for the release, Chairmen and CEO of UMC expressed the label’s excitement for the LP: “Mae is an incredibly talented, multi-disciplinary artist. They show up authentically, sharing their life experiences with openness, humour, honesty – and the result is a deep, personal connection with countless fans. Adding music to Mae’s portfolio feels like a natural extensions. The body of work they’ve created is intimate and inspiring. We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Mae in bringing it to the world”. Martin went on to reveal that ‘I’m A TV’ required time and space to reconnect with their past self to complete the album. With the desire for the completed album to be “an authentic extension” of everything they “write and do”. The forthcoming album is set to release on February 27, meaning the show in London on March 9 will allow fans to encounter Martin’s “earnest” creation exhibiting the comic at their most honest and vulnerable.

Comedian and star of the acclaimed series ‘Feel Good’, @TheMaeMartin, head out on tour in celebration of their debut album, ‘I’m a TV’. Don’t miss them here on Sun 09 Mar.

Priority Tickets are on sale now. Head to #O2Priority https://t.co/hhP6IBcfNj #MaeMartin pic.twitter.com/uwKogCsNDM

— O2 Forum Kentish Town (@O2ForumKTown) January 27, 2025

Tickets for the London show are currently on pre-sale, available to those who use ‘IMATV’ as the code. General sale will begin on Wednesday, January 29 at 10am GMT. Tickets and information can be found here.

The Backfires have built their reputation on the road, touring extensively with acts such as The Courteeners, The Criticals, and Phoneboy. Sharing stages with these well-established bands has undoubtedly left its mark on The Backfires, but their sound remains uniquely their own. Their music captures an infectious blend of the nostalgic 00s pop rock – made famous by the Killers and the Arctic Monkeys – with a fresh 2020s twist, offering soaring guitar work and driving bass lines that pulse with raw emotion. Embracing this 2000s edge in their promotion, the band offered fans the chance to win an iPod Nano preloaded with the album ahead of its official release.

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While the influence of their contemporaries is evident, The Backfires never fall into the trap of imitation. Their sound is crafted with precision and sincerity, blending addictive riffs, atmospheric textures, and a rhythmic heartbeat that makes their music instantly engaging. The guitars take on an almost vocal quality, intertwining with Alex Gomez’s lyrics to create a layered, immersive listening experience.

Bassist Matt Walter’s running bass lines and Max Wanduragala driving force on drums provides a foundation that is both melodic and powerful, driving songs forward with a restless energy that keeps listeners hooked. Meanwhile, Harry Ruprecht’s lead guitar work cuts through with clarity and emotion, adding anthemic touches that linger long after each track ends.

One of the standout singles from the album, ‘Replace It All,’ has already garnered attention from music critics, including a glowing review from Stuart Daley at The Pentatonic. He wrote that “The Backfires have created a solid foundation of their sound that is instantly recognisable with their energetic and powerful guitars, this song, along with other singles ‘Turn Off The Lights’, ‘Brighter Lights’ and ‘Dressed For A Funeral.’” The track dives deep into themes of redemption and emotional vulnerability.

“‘Replace It All’ is about surrendering yourself to someone else and letting them save you from your past,” explains guitarist Harry Ruprecht. “It’s how it feels to be lost at the end of the world, caught in between love and fear, needing to be rescued.”

The song’s driving rhythm and soaring chorus encapsulate The Backfires’ ability to blend heartfelt lyricism with anthemic rock energy, making it a highlight of the album and sure a fan favourite in live performances on their upcoming North American Tour. 

With ‘This Is Not An Exit,’ The Backfires have not only expanded their sonic landscape but have also set the stage for an exciting future. As they continue to write and perform, the band remains dedicated to pushing their creative boundaries while staying true to the authenticity that has endeared them to fans worldwide. The album is also available in a limited edition translucent blood-red vinyl, further solidifying its appeal among collectors and long-time fans.

Whether you’re a long-time listener or just discovering them, The Backfires’ new album is a must-hear for anyone craving rock music that is as heartfelt as it is electrifying.

Tickets for the show will go on sale this Friday (January 17) at 3pm. You can purchase them here.

DEBUT ALBUM
CANT RUSH GREATNESS, 24th JAN 2025https://t.co/pJk5UFWj3w pic.twitter.com/o40D51rWaR

— Central Cee (@centralcee) October 31, 2024

‘Can’t Rush Greatness’ is set for release on January 24 via Colombia records, and is available for pre-order/pre-saving on digital platforms.

According to a press release, the album was recorded in several locations throughout last year and will feature one of Cench’s previous collaborators, Dave – the pair joined together in 2023 to release joint EP ‘Split Decisions’, which featured the international hit ‘Sprinter’. It is currently the most streamed UK rap song ever on Spotify, and won ‘Best Song’ at the 2024 MOBO Awards.

Both fans and publications are feeling excited for the rappers first studio album, recognizing that there’s never been a hype quite like this for a British MC. Clash Magazine wrote: “For the first time ever a UK rapper is receiving the same rollout that Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J Cole enjoy without the guidance and Rap God protection of a Dr Dre, Lil Wayne, or Jay-Z. This is history in the making.”

GQ Magazine were given a preview of the album, while interviewing the Sheperd’s Bush songwriter for a feature. They wrote that “On Can’t Rush Greatness, his stream-of-consciousness flow flits between themes of bravado and paranoia, gratitude and betrayal, love and loss, with an even greater incisiveness than before.”

Cench first broke through onto the mainstream in 2020 with hits such as ‘Loading’ and ‘Day In The Life’, before dropping his debut mixtape ‘Wild West’ which hit number two on the UK Albums Charts. Since then, he has made international collaborations with artists like Ice Spice, Lil Baby and Jungkook, with his Lil Baby collab ‘BAND4BAND’ becoming the highest charting UK rap single in Billboard history. He’s without a doubt the most famous UK rapper out right now, earning nods from artists such as Drake to even Barack Obama.

Shortly after the release of his album in January, Central Cee will be battling it out with other big names at the MOBO’s. He’s picked up three nominations for the prestigious UK awards show – you can see our rundown of the nominees here.

Cementing themselves as next-gen alternative artists, the Merseyside four-piece (vocalist Holly Minto, guitarist Amy Woodall, bassist Liv Kettle and drummer Harry Breen) announced the series of shows on Instagram in November 2023, commenting: “We are doing an extremely intimate show crawl to celebrate ‘The Mess We Seem To Make’ out Feb 16th. We will be performing an acoustic set where you will be the first to hear the album’s songs…we will also be having a meet & greet with you all where we will sign your exclusive prints. All ages are welcome crawlies !!”

Kicking things off in Edinburgh, the first show will take place on February 6, with the band then travelling for subsequent performances in Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, London and Brighton. Tickets for the ‘indie store crawl’ are available here.

Final celebrations for the album launch will be taking place in their hometown of Liverpool at Jacaranda Baltic on February 21, followed by a show at Pryzm in Kingston in collaboration with Banquet Records on February 22. Each venue will present the opportunity for a meet and greet, album signings and exclusive merchandise available for pre-order.

Much to their fans’ delight, the individual member cassette tapes on sale will also feature eco-friendly packaging, a ‘fun fact deck’ and ‘band info package’ exclusive to each version, as well as signed art cards personally hand-illustrated by their vocalist Holly.

If that’s not enough for you, Crawlers will be going full steam ahead as they hit the road again throughout February and March to support Canadian indie rock band Mother Mother on their hotly-anticipated UK tour.

‘The Mess We Seem To Make‘ is set to be released on February 16 and will feature 12 tracks, including ‘Would You Come To My Funeral‘, and their latest single ‘Kills Me To Be Kind‘, which now has its own official visualiser. The loop of retro-style clips adopt an intriguing new aesthetic of garage-band-meets-candle-lit-vigil. Set in a crumbling, ornate townhouse, the four northerners ooze charisma and style in what appears to be the prelude to an actual music video. Watch below:

In a surprising turn of events, Lynks recently staged their own ‘funeral’ at The Social, a popular venue in Central London. The event featured tongue-in-cheek eulogies from various musical friends, adding an element of humor to the occasion. However, the real surprise came when Lynks revealed that they will be releasing their first full-length album.

‘Abomination’ will be released via Heavenly Recordings, and fans can already pre-order the album. This long-awaited release promises to showcase Lynks’ talent and creativity in full force. Additionally, Lynks has also released a new single titled ‘CPR’. This catchy track takes inspiration from the pop sounds of the mid-2000s, reminiscent of artists like Kelis, Missy Elliot, and Fergie.

Accompanied by visually striking and surreal imagery, ‘CPR’ is a testament to Lynks’ artistic vision. Lynks said, “There’s this temptation to shrink yourself and make yourself seem all helpless and vulnerable with those guys, so they get to feel like some Big Strong Man protecting you. CPR felt like the perfect metaphor for that weird dynamic.”

He added, “I first had the idea for ‘CPR’ while doing a first-aid course at my old job. I was mid-chest compression on my dummy, and suddenly the chorus just came into my head over the rhythm of my hands on the doll. I quickly ran to the toilet to do a voicenote, then got back to saving imaginary lives…”

The album explores various themes, with one of the standout tracks dissecting the concept of men with savior complexes. Lynks’ ability to blend humor and thought-provoking ideas is evident throughout the album. The ‘funeral’ performance concluded with an energetic and surprise-filled set, leaving the audience in awe.

Lynks expresses their growth and evolution as an artist, stating that this album allows them to explore different concepts and ideas beyond just humor. While their earlier work focused on creating hilarious concepts, ‘Abomination’ delves into a wider range of emotions and themes. He said, “Early on I was like, ‘Well, every song needs to be a hilarious concept.’ Whereas this album, there’s quite a few of those, but there’s also songs that aren’t necessarily funny, or they’re exploring an idea rather than being really specific.” 

With the release of ‘Abomination’ and the success of their latest single “(What Did You Expect From) Sex from a Stranger”, Lynks continues to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Fans can expect a unique and captivating experience when they delve into the world of Lynks’ debut album.

Prior to release, PinkPantheress shared three singles: “Mosquito,”, “Capable of love” and “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2” with Bronx rapper Ice Spice, the cutesy summer bop that vaulted up the charts earlier this year. While all three tracks maintained the signature glossy early-2000s club sound that had catapulted the singer to fame, they also unmistakably hinted at a new chapter in the artist’s musical journey.

Listen to “Capable Of Love” below:

Indeed, on Heaven Knows, much of the new material feels more mature and complete. PinkPantheress, a homemade superstar who initially rose to fame with viral internet pop bites that clocked in at under two minutes to appeal to the short-form media zeitgeist, largely dispenses of her original approach on this new record.

In an interview with NME earlier this year, the singer had expressed a desire to make “a shift towards other styles of music” – a vision that has now materialised on Heaven Knows. Here, PinkPantheress reveals the depth of her artistic versatility, flexing her abilities as a writer, producer, and expert curator of guest spots.

The long-awaited 13-track project sees the Bath-born artist enlist a crew of both familiar and new collaborators on writing and production duties, including two-time Grammy producer of the year Greg Kurstin, Caroline Polacheck producer Danny L. Harle and “Boy’s a Liar” co-writer Mura Masa, whose contributions as an additional producer are manifest on most songs.

Listen to “Boy’s a liar Pt. 2”, co-written by Mura Masa and featuring rapper Ice Spice, below:

Upon announcing her debut LP in October, PinkPantheress explained:

“This album is an accumulation of music I’ve made over the last two years, with some beloved tunes that might sound familiar and some cutie features who I can’t wait to announce. I love everyone here, I cried the other day thinking of how lucky I am to have people willing to listen to me, you are never taken in vain.” 

A press release further revealed that Heaven Knows is about “grief for a loss, but being at peace with yourself in your aloneness. Journeying from hell into purgatory, but I’m OK with being there.”

Appearing on Amazon Music’s +44 Podcast, Pinnock shared that, “Well, I mean, it’s definitely in the works. Yeah, to be honest, coming together quicker than I think anyone thought, which is good.” Listen to Leigh-Anne’s podcast episode here.

Pinnock released her debut solo single, “Don’t Say Love” back in June. Speaking on the influence behind the track, she said, “‘Don’t Say Love’ is about no longer seeking external validation and regaining my confidence and sense of self in a world where I often felt misunderstood and unheard. This video is a visual representation of me finding my voice. I’m excited to continue to do so with my first love, music.”

On the +44 Podcast, Pinnock discussed making the transition from being part of a successful girl group for over a decade to taking her first steps as a solo artist. She shared, “It’s incredible what Little Mix have done and what we’ve achieved, we’ve absolutely killed it. But now I am on my own and not all of the Little Mix fans are going to come along with me, I have to build a new fan base. Yeah, so I do feel like a new artist to some extent…”

Pinnock also shared, “It’s been a hard sort of transition. I remember, when we did ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ and when streaming started taking over and it really started coming in. I’m so old school, I’m trying to kind of get used to it I guess, but with social media and TikTok, that is such an important part of any campaign. We have to set time aside for that. Whereas before it’d be like oh, forget time, we’ll figure it out.”

Pinnock has also just released her second single, “My Love” featuring Ayra Starr which debuted at #32 on Billboard’s US Afrobeats Songs Chart.

Taking to Twitter, Leigh-Anne wrote, “I’m full of emotions but mainly EXCITED for you to finally listen and embrace me in my best self.”

My Love is finally YOURS! I’m full of emotions but mainly EXCITED for you to finally listen and embrace me in my best self. https://t.co/TXPHXwmFXf

I’m so thankful to everyone who made this song possible and a special thank you to @ayrastarr for jumping on this song. I cannot… pic.twitter.com/v5k11guloh

— Leigh-Anne (@LeighAnneMusic) September 7, 2023

Pinnock’s former band mates, Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards have both shared their support for her solo career, but have made no mention of solo music of their own being forthcoming any time soon.  

Jade Thirlwall (@jadethirlwall) shows support to Leigh-Anne and her music video for her single ‘My Love’. “@LeighAnneMusic so unbelievably proud of you This is epic!! Shoutout to the director, editor and everyone involved in this video […] it’s a fucking masterpiece lol” pic.twitter.com/HYuwFdxTHc — Jade Thirlwall Updates. (@JTdailyupdates) September 10, 2023

Leigh-Anne duetted with Perrie’s TikTok dancing to Don’t Say Love pic.twitter.com/6Dn4kn33BO

— Little Mix Tea ☕️ (@TheLittleMixTea) June 21, 2023

Conceived during the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic and recorded at his home studio in New York, initial sessions for the solo project offered Clarke an opportunity to experiment with different textures and explore the more abstract, ambient aspects of electronic music.

As evidenced in his newly released lead single – “The Lamentations Of Jeremiah” - Clarke’s latest studio effort sees him tackle the Eurorack – a modular synthesiser format known for its limitless configurations. The first taster of what looks set to be a particularly somber record features composer Reed Hays performing a haunting cello line over ominous Eurorack-generated synth drones. 

Watch the official video for “The Lamentations Of Jeremiah”, directed by Ebru Yıldız, below:

“When I first heard the song, I felt like it contained a whole lifetime within itself,” says Ebru, whose pensive, black-and-white shots of Clarke in an old house portray a brooding musician in various states of contemplation. “All of the drama and peace, anxiousness and calmness, tension and hope, and everything in between. I wanted the visuals to feel like all those extremes as well.”

For the writing process of the album, Clarke followed two rules: firstly, each song would be composed using the Eurorack, and secondly, each track would stay within a single key, with one note pervading throughout. Adhering to these limitations helped the “Just Can’t Get Enough” hitmaker tap into a creative flow that eventually blossomed into a fully-fledged album.

“I could have gone on forever, I could have not stopped,” Clarke said of his creative process in a press statement. “I was enjoying the process so much and wasn’t thinking about anyone else hearing it. But hearing it develop in my studio, in my head, learning new tricks — that’s been the best thing about this. I was in a state of shock, actually, when Mute said they wanted to release this album.”

Songs Of Silence is out November 17 on Mute and available for pre-order here.