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Week 13 of the year delivers another load of fantastic records…

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Everyone’s favourite Steve revitalises End of Beginning Saga with third as he goes full McCartney in The Crux – a homage to ’60s and ’70s pop in heartbreak, gratitude and reflective resilience. It’s a lot of fun and sets Joe Keery (Djo) to have a year to remember.

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British Math rock sextet specialists return to the fold with third album, Forever Howlong which is a testament to the bands’ resilience for the love of music following the immediate departure of their lead vocalist Isaac Wood – a key component that was seemingly impossible to carry on without.

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Geordies return with sledge metal magic as they invoke full Sabbath in parts and otherworldly grooves for most with successive sixth Death Hilarious. Set for roadburn on tarmac, the boys emboss the fact that metal really is the most precious. Amongst its surprises comes in the form of hip-hop legend EI-P from super duo Run the Jewels. Worthy of any list contender, that.

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Consecutive fourth from Brooklyn-based indie rock quartet comes off the back of the group going back to basics to really flesh out their sound. It’s gritty and forever alternative: this is Momma.

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