Lady Gaga’s new album is a Wild West shock to the Little Monsters’ systems, writes Alexandra Bickell

After a kaleidoscopic performance, KT Tunstall is certainly no shrinking violet, concludes Jeni Lambert

Performing at the Museum of Science and Industry as part of Manchester Science Festival, the Robot orchestra, built by and for the community, used an eclectic blend of engineering and music to inspire the public to become more involved in science

Cassie Hyde reviews the new tracks of the week, with Marika Hackman excelling festively and a disappointing return for Japandroids

Charlotte Ridout helps us pretend Halloween isn’t over with this selection of ghoulish tunes

The Australian dance group have returned with a new member and a strong follow up to their 2013 debut, writes Tara Bharadia

Looking for new music? Ollie Clack finds the record labels with the best rosters so you don’t have to

Despite falling victim to a plateau of hate and internet trolls, Nickelback are a far cry from whimpering their swan song, writes Jeni Lambert

An energetic, pitch-perfect performance is the perfect gift from the Danish singer to her enthralled audience, writes Tara Bharadia

The one-time ‘biggest band in the world’ have little to lose or prove with their seventh output: Will the Nashville boys regain their title?

Bowie’s ghost haunts this week’s crop of new tracks

Polica are coming to Manchester and are bringing their inventive electronic, indie sound with them. Christian Hurry tells you why you should be there too

The punk two-piece deliver a sophomore album which, though impassioned, lacks imagination and fails to impress

Stockport’s Blossoms appear thoroughly uninterested by the prospect of a sold-out show at the Academy—so why should the crowd feel differently, asks Meg Roberts

The Mancunion speaks to the enigmatic electronic producer Iglooghost

White Lies have delivered an 80’s pop inspired record that is commendable, yet unremarkable, says Jacob Hopkins

As one of the most hyped albums of the 1990s is reissued, Callum Oliver asks: should it be remembered as the most disappointing too?

Rising star D.D. Dumbo tops this week’s roundup of new tracks

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