Ben Lomax takes a preliminary dip into the mindset and ideas of Kendrick Lamar’s latest project, which may hold the key to as yet unknown depths

A devastating tribute to his dead wife, Phil Elverum’s reflection on love and grief still feels raw. It is his most powerful and complete work yet, and it is a tearjerker

Sophie Billington speaks to Rhys from the up-and-coming media network about the Manchester creative scene, student media and Women in Media

Rebekah Shaw on Laura Marling’s mature and emotional exploration of feminine experience, identity and the problems with love

The Pigeon Detectives show they can still kick ass in a sweaty, brilliant show in Manchester, writes Jay Plent

The Orwells please the crowd despite disappointingly short performance straight after a new album release, writes Irune Vega

Cosmo Calling are buoyed by a receptive audience and play a bright, enjoyable set, writes Callum Oliver

Reckless? Yes. Stupid? Yes. The best experience ever? Absolutely. Katie Shepherd writes about her experience following her favourite band across the continent

Rebekah Shaw affectionately looks back at the Canadian singer’s 15-year-old skater-rock debut

The indie rock titans return with their latest masterpiece

The industry influence casts a dark pineapple-shaped cloud over the Indietronica wunderkinds disappointing set, writes Ben Rout

All good things must come to an end — it’s our last print issue of the year! Let Joe Casson’s selection of album closers help you to wipe the tears away

In his memory, Tara Bharadia looks over the career and impact of the groundbreaking songwriter

Ahead of their 1st Birthday Party at Antwerp Mansion, Harrison Kersey finds out what makes Off Beat’s nights stand out

This week brings new releases from both well established and upcoming artists. Despite it being the beginning of spring, across all tracks darkness certainly prevails, writes Amy Matthews

Is pop punk dead? Meg Roberts takes a trip down memory lane at the State Champs’ gig

÷ is vintage Sheeran, but isn’t all that the charts make it out to be, writes William Bain

The Shins’ latest record will be a welcome return for their dearest fans, but others will find another record to add to the backend of a summer Spotify playlist, Christian Hurry writes

Nick Jeyarajah looks back on John Lennon’s solo debut, a painful and raw record that establishes a new identity for the former Beatle

The Hindu festival of colours is celebrated from India to Platt Fields Park. Charlotte Ridout recommends five rainbow records for this occasion