Music

The burden of the face: Why are so many singers wearing masks?

We can all name at least one musician who has performed behind a balaclava, helmet, or hood. Whether to preserve anonymity, cultivate mystery, or construct an entirely new artistic identity, masking the face is common among those under the limelight.

Beyond litter and emissions: The environmental costs of loud sound at music festivals

The music festivals of the summer have packed up and moved on. Stages and sound systems have been dismantled, litter cleared, and land reseeded.

Why ‘No Bad Memories’ is my album of the year

I didn't expect how perfectly my personal happiness would fit an album so preoccupied with the sounds of old advertisements and obsolete electronics, filled with the relentless optimism of a world that believed the future could only get better. 

CUSP’s Dan Stock on the memories behind ‘English Country’

On Friday, CUSP, a Milton Keynes-based indie rock band, released their debut album, English...

Spotlight: Bad Sounds

Will Cowie on new band of the week, Bad Sounds

Single of the week: Katy Perry’s ‘Chained 2 the Rhythm’

Natalia Bus discusses the latest Katy Perry release

Examining Oxford’s earthly pleasures

Daniel Curtis sees the city through the lens of the 2007 post-punk revival

Album of the week: Sampha’s Process

Sampha’s debut is an electrifying mix of emotion, says Natalia Bus

Spotlight: Boxed In

Will Cowie finds a promising spark in Oli Bayston's melancholic melodies

A melting pot of nature enthusiasts

Natalia Bus discusses beginnings and endings with Stornoway

In conversation with Loyle Carner

Ben Warren discusses the importance of family with the rapper

Spotlight: The Lemon Twigs

The Lemon Twigs are a band of sumptuous harmonies and odd thrills, says Natalia Bus

The Transports at Cecil Sharp House

Ben Ray is carried away by an epic tale of transportation told through folk music and stories

Single of the week: James Blunt’s ‘Love Me Better’

Emma Leech slates the pop singer's painful new release

A product of pointless nostalgia

Natalia Bus argues against the unfulfilling nature of musical reunions

Spotlight: Sal Para

Natalia Bus is captivated by this Oxford artist's authentic debut effort

Single of the week: Arcade Fire’s ‘I Give You Power’

Will Cowie remains unmoved by Arcade Fire's impassive anti-Trump release

Margo Price live at the Bullingdon

Emily Beswick is delighted by the raw energy of Price's live show

Four Gorillaz of the Ape-ocalypse

Natalia Bus on the anti-Trump rhetoric of the chilling Gorillaz release

The Price is right: Margo’s musings

Emily Beswick discusses gender with the rising country star

Review: The xx—A masterstroke of production

Dom Saad pulls apart the intricacies of The xx’s third album, I See You

Album of the week: Bonobo’s Migration

Bonobo’s Migration is a five star delight, says Natalia Bus

Remembering the King of Soul

Jeannie Stanley ruminates on the timeless power of Sam Cooke

Spotlight: Basic Space

Natalia Bus delights in the Oxford duo's relaxing sound

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