Max Pilley, Author at NME

Gabriels: LA trio’s classic R&B fusion meets silky, swooning soul

The three-piece's richly detailed combination of 60's R&B and gospel stylings has won them famous fans in Elton John and Annie Mac

Chubby and The Gang – ‘The Mutt’s Nuts’ review: subtle experiments amid the chaos

The London five-piece built a reputation for their deliciously wild punk spirit; their second album makes many sonic steps forward

Tkay Maidza – ‘Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3’ EP review: elite pop music

The final instalment in the Australian-Zimbabwean rapper's 'Last Year Was Weird' trilogy is flooding with winning moments

Kojaque – ‘Town’s Dead’ review: a shatteringly real reflection of Dublin life

The Irish rapper's fierce independent spirit permeates through this satisfying and often touching debut album

Max Bloom – ‘Pedestrian’ review: former Yuck frontman explores life in the slow lane

The musician evokes life in lockdown across this second solo album

Cherym: Derry Girls making fizzing pop-punk jewels

The Northern Irish trio on their local scene and why being women in a band is not a political statement

Kojaque: Dublin indie hip-hop hero finds beauty in the anger

On his debut album, Dublin's Kojaque tackles his city's contemporary social challenges through the prism of a New Year's Eve night out

Black Country, New Road live in London: a spiritual booster shot

The feverishly hyped band – who seem like a terrifying, seven-brained superorganism – wow with this roaring meta-gig

For Those I Love: Dublin artist tackles grief and politics with the respect they deserve

In the face of personal tragedy and a community ravaged by inequality, David Balfe combines profound insight with post-rave beats on his astonishing debut album

Billy Nomates – ‘Emergency Telephone’ EP review: dial into one of Britain’s most distinctive new voices

The DIY punk's lockdown on the Isle of Wight results in an urgent and emotional new EP