Year of the Monkey is simply stunning in terms of concept, execution and invention. Incredible.

It has been, I think, one of the best StrangeForms fests ever. If not the best ever festival, then possibly the best ever single day. . . The wildly varied line-up has been most excellent, curated to near perfection. . . I’m going home tired but happy, and my life is just that little bit better for having been here.

Born in Namibia, Emmaleen Tangleweed is a dark folk musician and songwriter whose work blends gothic Americana, traditional folk influences, blues balladry, and dreamlike storytelling. Her music explores themes of memory, displacement, folklore, grief, and human fragility through sparse arrangements and emotionally resonant songwriting.

Amulets remains a master of this sound, tape loops meshing with ambient guitar textures to conjure up evocative atmospheres.

Yes, it is an experimental album all the way, but experimental with a sense of purpose, making it music with substance.

Literally a game of two halves, this release. For the Lightning Bolt half, it’s another blast of sublime aural extreme greatness.

This is at times a mournful listen, but the songs may offer a little hope to lost souls, with their ornate beauty.

Weekends like this are a beacon of light in darkening times. . . Supersonic is a gem, don’t take it for granted.

Gavin Brown had the pleasure of discussing Temporal Shifter with the three members of Microwaves and getting an insight into Microwaves as a band.

This is an intriguing experiment that could really transcend into something special.

I’ll call it out, dälek are quite simply the most exciting hip-hop act on the planet right now.

Haunted Lives provides the first retrospective for enigmatic Scottish artist Grey Malkin – a “gathering of works” from 2009–2025.

Here, it all runs as a film noir soundtrack with its ups, downs, stress and calm, all placed in a seemingly perfect order.

Provocative and stimulating, URGH builds on their debut, I’ve seen a way, creating an intoxicating sound world of its own.

Luckily for Lowder and anybody who ventures into her improvs when you are able to find the way into this system, it is that mesmerising effect that wins you over, making this one of the more interesting releases at the start of 2026.

Gavin Brown had the pleasure of talking with Jessica Moss to get an insight into her new album Unfolding, her time touring with Swans and much more.

Gavin Brown caught up with Sara Niedorf from Mellowdeath to hear all about the album, its creation and influences as well as what they have planned for 2026.

It’s a feat of musical alchemy; and for everyone who made it out to witness it, it’s certain that not only will they be back next time SANAM stops through, but they’ll be bringing a few friends to share in the joy.

Just released via Cruel Nature Records, Songe’s debut LP, Daughters, awakens the listener with ambient soundscapes awash with darker noise and haunting folk. This is music for the lost souls, the lovers, and the wood sprites. Elise Price spoke to band members Phoebe and Ëlle to find out more.

In terms of atmospherics and sonic experimentation, this album is a startling and inventive collaboration from two creative forces.

It’s difficult to accurately describe the sound of BC,NR to the uninitiated, especially as an unmusical punter, largely because it’s so their own. All I can say is it should be in your ears, because as fast as it is in your ears, it is in your heart.