Whether it’s to get you out on the street or to sound cultured in front of your new friends, here are five politically-charged protest songs to give a listen

A series of high-profile, transgressive album releases have shown that 2016 is the year where mainstream music has got its mojo back, writes Frank Hillman

Ultimate Painting’s 1980s-indebted indie pop warms the band’s typically shy audience, writes Joe Taylor

The Kills thrill the Albert Hall with an electrifying rock show, writes Mattea Bubalo

Paak slacks in this week’s ‘Tracks of the Week’ feature

The shock of the cold is enough to make you want to never leave your bed but don’t worry – these tracks will help warm you up better than any coffee based, pumpkin-flavoured drink on offer

AlunaGeorge have returned with a brilliantly produced second album, writes Tara Bharadia

Rapper, Watsky, talks to Katie Shepherd about tackling fear in order to reach joy, ahead of a triumphant performance off the back of his latest album

Alex Halksworth reviews an emotional new release from Benjamin Francis Leftwich

Her sister may have beaten her to the finish line, but Solange Knowles’ effort is more cohesive and understated

Warpaint could have easily rested on the laurels of their successful 2014 self-titled album, but have progressed nonetheless with a little bit of inspiration from their R&B idols

Dust off your checkerboard suspenders — Less Than Jake are coming to the Ritz this Monday

Bon Iver’s third LP challenges every preconception about the artist, but comes off all the better for it, writes Callum Oliver

It’s not often that a band gets a second chance at a self-titled album, but Preoccupations use the opportunity to develop their dark sound

Danny Brown’s latest outing is as chaotic as it is brilliant, writes Cassie Hyde

Sundara Karma are more than teenage icons – their fizzy pop is a perfect escape from the encroaching Mancunian autumn, writes Meg Roberts

Feeling blue after realizing you are not going to stay with your school sweetheart forever? Fear not: these post-heartbreak songs will send you towards a speedy (and emotional) recovery

Benjamin Francis Leftwich delivered an emotional and reflective performance off the back of his latest album, writes Alex Halksworth

Who is Jez Dior? Katie Shepherd speaks to the unflinchingly honest rapper—who has seriously invigorated the genre—about his music, his contemporaries, and why you should remember his name

Jay Plent reports back from this year’s Pangaea Festival