2020 | Matthew Mclister

Reviews and Features

New song and album reviews, featured articles and opinion from indie and alternative.

Why Liam Gallagher is an early favourite for Christmas number 1

Matthew McLister

Dec 1, 20203 min read

Why Liam Gallagher is an early favourite for Christmas number 1

A review of Liam Gallagher's 'All You're Dreaming Of'. Can the touching festive ballad be Christmas number 1?

How The Cribs overcame personal hell to produce a great indie rock return

Matthew McLister

Nov 25, 20206 min read

How The Cribs overcame personal hell to produce a great indie rock return

A look at why The Cribs are the quintessential indie cult band, the difficulties they've had to overcome and a verdict on Night Network.

'Chinatown' by Bleachers and Bruce Springsteen is the best song I've heard in a long time

Matthew McLister

Nov 20, 20202 min read

'Chinatown' by Bleachers and Bruce Springsteen is the best song I've heard in a long time

Review: New Jerseyans Jack Antonoff and Bruce Springsteen in Bleachers first new music in three years. Watch the brilliant new video.

Why 2020 has felt like the best year yet for women in indie

Matthew McLister

Nov 18, 20205 min read

Why 2020 has felt like the best year yet for women in indie

Women have led the way in the indie rock scene in 2020. Who have been the biggest players this year? Featuring Phoebe Bridgers and more.

Josh Robinson

Nov 10, 20204 min read

Wallows: Remote EP Review

The LA indie-pop trio's new EP is a super catchy, fun collection of songs from a care-free band with a Netflix star as their co-lead singer.

Watch Arcade Fire debut new song 'Generation A'

Matthew McLister

Nov 4, 20202 min read

Watch Arcade Fire debut new song 'Generation A'

The band marked their return with a political song on Colbert's Election Night 2020 Special on SHOWTIME. Here's the lowdown on the new song.

Josh Robinson

Oct 31, 20205 min read

Why Declan McKenna's Zeros is my album of the year | Josh Robinson

Declan McKenna's banger filled, critically acclaimed second album Zeros sees the 21-year-old artist provide a nod to 1970s glam rock....

Gorillaz: Why you should be listening to Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez

Matthew McLister

Oct 28, 20204 min read

Gorillaz: Why you should be listening to Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez

Gorillaz sixth studio album is a joyful and melancholic project. Here's the best songs, collaborations & why you should still be listening.

Matt Berninger: 'Serpentine Prison' review | Going solo from The National

Matthew McLister

Oct 21, 20204 min read

Matt Berninger: 'Serpentine Prison' review | Going solo from The National

The debut solo album from baritone-voiced frontman of The National is an intimate, heartfelt collaborative project. Just how did the...

Future Islands: As Long As You Are review | Overcoming Letterman

Matthew McLister

Oct 13, 20206 min read

Future Islands: As Long As You Are review | Overcoming Letterman

An album to remind you that you still have emotions, feel uplifted and accept yourself. Future Islands are definitely more than a meme.

IDLES: Ultra Mono review | Social class 'controversy' | Clumsy or quirky?

Matthew McLister

Oct 1, 20206 min read

IDLES: Ultra Mono review | Social class 'controversy' | Clumsy or quirky?

Bristol Punks IDLES return with their brilliant third album Ultra Mono and it's not without controversy. Here's the verdict on it.

Fleet Foxes: Shore new album first look | Best songs | 'Can I believe you'

Matthew McLister

Sep 24, 20203 min read

Fleet Foxes: Shore new album first look | Best songs | 'Can I believe you'

A first look at Fleet Foxes new album Shore and why the addictive third track 'Can I Believe You' is the best newly released song this week.