Max Pilley, Author at NME

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

Nuha Ruby Ra: “These songs saved my life in many, many ways”

The art-punk’s debut EP sees her delving deep into her own truth in order to find a way out of the darkness

Lynks – ‘Smash Hits Vol. 2’ EP review: playful anthems from Bristol’s queercore breakout

The self-anointed "drag monster" gleefully ups the game on outrageous new EP

Caro – ‘Burrows’ review: mischievous and meticulous art-pop on Leeds trio’s debut

Gallows humour and confessional tales make for a totally unique debut from Leeds trio

Chubby and The Gang: west London hardcore punks’ thrilling debut captures lightning in a bottle

The record that Charlie 'Chubby' Manning had wanted to make for 15 years is a breakneck collision of modern punk styles and direct storytelling

Keep Dancing Inc. – ‘Embrace’: Parisian trio’s electro-flavoured dancefloor fillers

The Parisian trio gleefully pinch sounds from indie heroes on both side of the Channel

Yard Act: Brutally hilarious No Wave-tinged bangers embracing political divides

The Leeds gang's first two singles are groovy, hardened and confront political divides with a knowing smirk