The godfather of afro-bashment is back. J Hus’ new album, Big Conspiracy, is a well-sequenced, gorgeously entangled mesh of genres. Interspersed with vocal features by Koffee, Burna Boy and Ella Mai, the album is all slick beats, thanks to London producer Jae5. J Hus’ winning formula of dancehall, Afropop and UK rap alongside other elements has evolved since the days of Common Sense – the music he’s making these days is mellower, his vocals gentler.

The godfather of afro-bashment is back

Dua Lipa has a new single out. In Physical, the darling of British pop pays homage to a slew of female stars, most obviously Olivia Newton-John but also Madonna and La Roux. Her most recent singles are edging further into nostalgia – Don’t Start Now channels 70s disco, whereas this number is driven by an 80s synth-pop bassline. I’m enjoying this new direction. 

In other news, Kieran Hebden, better known as Four Tet is back with a single featuring vocals by Ellie Goulding. Baby is the second single heralding the release of new album Sixteen Oceans, due in March (it will also include Teenage Birdsong). Like the effusive, well-loved Only Human, Baby represents Hebden’s recently developed inclination towards more dance-oriented tracks, but the inclusion of birdsong and running water sounds show he is still firmly rooted in his uniquely ‘organic’ style. The vocals found in both songs add another layer of appeal to his sumptuously textured tracks, giving them more hook and moving Hebden further towards the mass appeal he deserves.

Draag On is typical King Krule

(Don’t Let the Dragon) Draag On is typical King Krule. Raw, punkish baritone underlays the echoey expanse of the track; the music breathes with a life of its own. But it seems to grip/More everyday/Walls get taller/I self-medicate Krule growls, his lyrics seeped in melancholy. Draag On isn’t the most groundbreaking King Krule track, but it’s good to see Archy Marshall making music again. His new album, Man Alive! is due on the 21st February.

Nicolas Jaar has released new music under the Against All Logic moniker. The two singles released feature FKA Twigs (whose most recent album Jaar helped produce) and no-wave artist Lydia Lunch. Alucinao is comprised of an industrial, bass-heavy beat with clanging cowbells and heavily distorted vocals. AAL’s previous album, 2012-2017, is one of my favourite electronic albums of recent years, so I’m keenly awaiting new album 2017-2019, which is due out February 7th.

Also worthy of mention: Caribou’s Never Come Back, a summery-feeling house track with joyful synth chords and pretty vocal samples. It’s the third of a series of singles for new album Suddenly, which is due out February 28th.