Following on from last year’s glorious Cavalcade, black midi are showing no signs of slowing down. The London group’s third album Hellfire is an avant-garde labyrinth of ever-growing intensity, featuring intricate arrangements and first-person monologues that reveal more with every listen. Across 10 tracks, frontman Geordie Gree channels the energy of old black-and-white newsreels with frantic tales of drunken soldiers on shore leave and murderers stalking their prey. Jumping effortlessly between jazz, post-punk and psychedelia, it’s a heady ride – and a gift that keeps on giving. 

Elsewhere, Beabadoobee shares a dreamy record, Lizzo shines on her highly anticipated fourth album, and Kode9 reveals his first full-length release in seven years.

BEABADOOBEE, BEATOPIA

BLACK MIDI, HELLFIRE

DEATH GRIPS, LIVE FROM DEATH VALLEY

KODE9, ESCAPOLOGY

LIL SILVA, YESTERDAY IS HEAVY

LIZZO, SPECIAL

STEVE LACY, GEMINI RIGHTS