DUAL REVIEW: BTS - THE COMEBACK - LIVE/THE RETURN - A DOCUMENTARY

4/5 (The Comeback)

4/5 (The Return)

Back To Seoul

62 Mins (The Comeback) / 93 Mins (The Return). Starring: RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook & V. Directors: Hamish Hamilton & Cameron Whitelaw (The Comeback) / Bao Nyguen (The Return). On: Netflix.

Switcheroo. Last week, Flea, candid and compelling, offered moving stories about his late, great guitarist bandmate in the Netflix documentary 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel'. The same time RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook and V of South Korea's very own leading K-Pop act BTS made their long-awaited after their mandatory military service. All for 'Arirang', their highly-anticipated, brilliant, brand-new album, featuring the streaming single 'Swim' and the 'Body To Body' opening dancefloor number. Giving us 'The Comeback' live on Netflix in the same weekend. Much like how fellow boy band phenomenon Harry Styles gave the streaming service 'One Night In Manchester' to coincide with his solo release, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally'. This New Music Friday, Flea blew the trumpet on his first ever solo album, 'Honora', in honour of the bassist's family. All on the same day we got ready for 'The Return' of BTS again, in their new Netflix documentary film. Don't call it a comeback...that was so last week.

Netflix may have lost out to Paramount when it came to the acquisition of Warner Bros. (thanks a lot, Trump), but look what else they've picked up. Most recently, not only being the only streaming provider to televise this year's World Baseball Classic, they also gave us the MLB opening night between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants. But it's the N x BTS deal that may just get an ARMY of new subscribers following. Disney used to be the Kingdom of BTS. From the 'Monuments: Beyond A Star' series detailing their hiatus, alongside the 'Permission To Dance' swan song live in LA, to all the documentaries about the solo work of J-Hope ('J-Hope In The Box') and Suga ('Road To D-Day'). Not to mention the hugely popular 'Are You Sure?!' travel series by Jimin and Jung Kook, which just sky-dived its second season in Switzerland. Yet that was the past and the best to come that was promised. And kept, as we see the future now, live on everybody's favourite streaming service that belongs to their best friend.

Now, what better way to debut their return record than with a homecoming in Seoul, South Korea, like no other...live? How about in the heart of the city, live from Gwanghwamun Square? The iconic temple that feels like a gate to the city featuring brushstrokes of projection mapping, added on to it for the effect at night, similar to what the digitally iconic TeamLab Borderless did to Kanazawa Castle and more, here in Japan. Classic, like the traditional dress of women singing the album title name's folk song as they sway in love, sorrow and endurance. Yet when the silhouettes of the magnificent seven appear on the map of the heart of Seoul, you just know it's on, like one of their biggest hits. Performing powerhouse records like 'Mic Dop', 'Dynamite', and other smooth like 'Butter' numbers, to go along with instant classic choice cuts off the new album. "Swim...swim." All as RM coolly took a seat, like this was a 'Yet To Come' performance, thanks to his going hard in rehearsals leaving him down on one knee, in matrimony with the Boyz II Men ballad seat.

In the engaging 'The Return', a documentary directed by Boa Nguyen ('Live From New York!', 'Be Water', 'The Greatest Night In Pop'), BTS debate whether they are using too long a sample of 'Arirang' in their album lead off track 'Body'. But as they sing, "my beloved/Who leaves me behind and departs/Your feet will tire/Before mine ever do," it's clear to hear that in-yun in 8,000 past lives, these boys would still be together. Most break...not this bulletproof squad. Candour and conviction are matched with a camaraderie that shows even the military couldn't tear apart what was already an army. And when they reunite on a beach, live online for their legions of fans, BTS behind the scenes like when Jimin asked Jung Kook if he was sure, you just know this one is more than just seven strong. Sealed with viral moments and a labour of love and trust of the process in a studio setting in Los Angeles, California. All the way back home across the shore and a live, studio plugged version of 'Swim'. A new lap for a group that has already taken its victory one and is about to run, run, run together again. The return has come all the way back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'BTS - Monuments: Beyond The Star', 'BTS - Permission To Dance: On Stage - LA', 'Are You Sure?!'

REVIEW: FLEA - HONORA

4/5

Flea's Bag

A Flea has 'A Plea'. To "build a bridge" and "shine a light", as the Red Hot Chili Pepper bassist and trumpet player makes something beautiful on the lead single from his debut album 'Honora', produced by Josh Johnson. "I don't care about your f###ing politics", he declares, running, jumping, and generally, just moving like the Flea that he is in an instantly iconic music video, directed by his own daughter, Clara Balzary. "Now we are all human beings here", he adds in a track that asks "who's your neighbor, who's your friend" to the hate that's all around. This is not 'Acid For The Children', like Michael Balzary's moving memoir, more inspiration for them to see the Californian sun, as the Los Angeles times of the Lakers superfan warns, in purple and gold, "you're scaring the kids, the beautiful kids," with "civil war" echoes in the background. More than just a "little scrap of squiggly crayon on a paper", Flea gives us one of the most innovative and influential songs of the first quarter with the indelible mark, "See the god in everyone/Everyone leaves out no one/And everything besides love is cowardice/You wanna be brave, you wanna be tough?/Peace and love is the toughest, hardest thing you can do/Build a bridge, it's where the courage is." 

Live for peace and love, because it really is all we've got. I bet you never thought BTS and the RHCP would have something in common, aside from an army of fans, but here they are, playing Netflix and Spotify (or wherever you stream your sounds) hot potato. Last New Music Friday, the South Korean pop powerhouse released their 'Arirang' album after years of mandatory military service for their members. All whilst filming 'The Comeback' live for Netflix from Seoul's legendary Gwanghwamun Square. On the same day, the most successful streaming service also gave us the documentary 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel', featuring moving accounts from Flea and Anthony Kiedis, the perfect precursor to this week's album from Flea. Not to mention a new BTS documentary, 'The Return', on, you guessed it, Netflix. Flea's album joining the likes of those boys, BLACKPINK, Harry Styles, Labrinth, J. Cole, Jill Scott, Willow, Mumford & Sons, U2, and Bruno Mars, who brought the Chilis out at the Super Bowl, as one of the best albums, and the most compelling, in an already complex calendar.

It's hard to believe it's been four years since the Red Hot Chili Peppers great comeback, with guitarist John Frusciante in tow. One that gave us two albums, 'Love Unlimited' and the 'Return Of The Dream Canteen', in the same year. And this doubling up, from doc to solo set, is definitive, too. Lucky for us, we've had thirteen albums from the Red Hots. Not to mention that many from Frusciante, and also a set of albums under his alias, Trickfinger. Finally, Flea is getting in on the act with an amazing album that is so iconic we can't wait until he blows like Miles again. All the way down to 'Honora's' (named after a loved family member) amazing album artwork, featuring Flea's mother-in-law Shahin Badiyan in sixties Iran with a bird on her shoulder. Sure, we know Flea as one of the best bassists around. Like Este Haim, or Ami Kusakari of Japan's Sakanaction. Known to defy the conventions of looking bored with the bass, as he moves across the stage, like the lines on a song-sheet. But his horn section is incredible too. So much so, this jazz album is even better than Outkast member Andre. 3000's iconic, Grammy grabbing 'New Blue Sun'. We're sure we'll see a Flea at the Blue Note jazz club, here in Tokyo, soon. Better put on a shirt.

All around the world, we're waiting, in concert, for a man who has laboured long enough for his own passion project. He started recording an album back in the mid-90s. He almost had it in '98, but scrapped his plan in order to make 'Californication'. Yet the scar tissue of his best laid plans remained. In 2012, Flea gave us 'Helen Burns', an epic EP, but this is an actual album. One that features Radiohead's Thom Yorke, like you've never heard him before, at the 'Traffic Lights', and the great Nick Cave (on the Western movie ready, 'Wichita Lineman') one week after he remade his 'Peaky Blinders' Red Right Hand theme for the bad seed of 'The Immortal Man' (yep...on Netflix). But it's the 'Morning Cry' precursor of the ten-minute 'Frailed' that might be the cinematic highlight of the set. Although this jazz album's cover of Frank Ocean's 'Thinkin Bout You', and its live performance with a small orchestra on Late Night Will Jimmy Fallon is really turning talking heads. Yet, reuniting with the great master of funk George Clinton, Flea really speaks on 'Maggot Brain' when he urges us to look at what we're doing to a planet that's rotting at the core.

"Mother Earth is pregnant for the third time/Because, ladies and gentlemen/You have knocked her up." Similar to that Andre Benjamin was saying when he said "mother earth is dying, and we continue to f### her to death" as he vibrated higher on 'The Love Below'. This Nonesuch label album wants to put down more for the record, too. And it shows and tells. Featuring all the players. Even some of his Hot Chili friends that have helped him get by with a little help. Inspired by Michael's love for jazz, the 'Golden Wingship' really spread its own, covering the greats like Ann Ronnell ('Willow Weep For Me'), and even taking us back 'Under The Bridge' to classic call and response Chili's with the closer 'Free As I Want To Be'. Like Yorke sings at the traffic stop, "The whole or just a part of it/Call us when you're sick of it/Other people's prejudice/Can you spot the difference?" There's a message to this music for you radio, heads. There's more playing behind the notes in a man who has never stuck to the hymn sheet, or script. Even when he's amazingly acted in everything from 'The Big Lebowski' to 'Boy Erased'. This isn't the first time the Red Hot wild card has taken a left turn. But it's his most personal and profound yet. Bass to trumpet, in your honour, this is the best Flea market. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'A Plea', 'Frailed', 'Thinkin Bout You'.

Spin This: Andre. 3000 - 'New Blue Sun' 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: THE RISE OF THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS - OUR BROTHER HILLEL

4/5

He Was Red Hot

95 Mins. Starring: Anthony Kiedis, Flea & John Frusciante. Director: Ben Feldman. On: Netflix.

Dave Navarro, Josh Klinghoffer, Will Ferrell? California's band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, have had more legendary former members than there are Lakers jerseys in the Los Angeles' rafters. Such is the nature of line-up changes in rock music, that feels like a sport in itself, the Grammy museum being just across the road from the purple and gold home in Figueroa. No past member, mind you, save the returning John Frusciante, was more of an iconic influence than late, great guitarist Hillel Slovak. The man that the great Frusciante based his own freaky styles on. He's here, on record, to tell you as such. One of the great guitar Gods we lost tragically in 1988, when he was just 26-years-young.

Next New Music Friday, Flea will finally give you his own solo project, 'Honora', that we just have to honour and trumpet. Set to be an instant classic like its iconic album artwork of record dedication love in black and white. The first RHCP release we've been peppered with since 2022's double-delight return of 'Love Unlimited' and the 'Return Of The Dream Canteen'. And this documentary, 'The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel', directed definitively by Ben Feldman, is the perfect precursor to this. Even though the band's official Instagram confirmed that this doc was actually unofficial, despite testimonials from Anthony Kiedis, Flea and John Frusciante...this was before the great Chad Smith's time to shine on the skins. Streaming on Netflix, for their own big weekend, after hitting a home run with the World Baseball Classic, following their strike-out on the Warner Bros. deal. Giving us not only their long-awaited 'Peaky Blinders' movie, 'The Immortal Man', but 'The Comeback' of South Korean pop juggernaut BTS for 'Arirang'.

Slovak was a sweet, sensitive soul, who was taken far too soon by the influence of drugs. In those LA times he was a rider of the storm, without a shirt, like the murals of the legendary Jim Morrison that open the doors to Venice Beach...wide. Hillel would journal like a beat poet and even scrawl sublime sketches that will remind you of the art of John Lennon...all in his own style, mind you. He had such an inspired impact on others. Especially Anthony and Michael...just wait until you hear the story of how he became "Flea". And why for this rise of the Red Hots is this film the perfect set-up for Balzary's solo set, next week? Because Hillel was the one who told Flea he should pick up a bass and slap it, like Este or Ami. Seeing Flea get emotional will break your heart in an utterly moving and sad story as Kiedis gets candid and compelling, too. Hillel Slovak appeared on four Chili Peppers albums, appearing on one track of the magnificent 'Mother's Milk', and the crosswalk with their sock of c###s out, 'The Abbey Road E.P.', but his memory and impression is still on the strings, punctuating their percussion to this day. The Red Hot Chili Peppers don't rise without their brother. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Devo', 'Keith Richards-Under The Influence', 'Red Hot Chili Peppers: Woodstock '99'.

REVIEW: BTS - ARIRANG

4/5

Back For Love

ARMY, rejoice and stand up, as the military service stands down and discharges. BTS are back in your area, about to cause mass hysteria. Almost a mere month after fellow K-Pop phenomenon BLACKPINK! returned to meet their 'Deadline' with an EP to make you 'GO!' All on the same weekend they will air 'The Comeback' of their 'Arirang' album live on Netflix. Much like the 'One Night In Manchester' Harry Styles and the streaming service gave us to mark his new perfect pop album, 'Kiss All The Time, Disco, Occasionally', a fortnight back. His One Direction were the Backstreet Boys biggest boy band of all-time. That was until BTS became the most fantastic since the fab four of The Beatles. Take that! And now after all members, RM, Jin, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin, Jung Kook and V, have finally completed their mandatory military service for the South Korean army, here's proof that they're back for good...and love. 'Arirang' in Korean being a traditional folk song passed down through generations of longing, separation and resilience. Found in translation to the devotion of a "beloved one." In-Yun, 8,000 past lives.

Let it ring out, as the bells of 'No. 29' toll. This album title's folk roots also serve as a symbol of peace between the north and south. These Bangtan Sonyeondan, "bulletproof boy scouts" already know how to bring the watching world they dominate together, from speaking at the United Nations to ones across the world knowing their big hits, word-for-word, like they were learning Korean. Add the sensational single 'SWIM', on a stunning ship, to the streams, as this sweet song is even sung in English. And guess what her name is, as 'Riverdale' and 'Hustlers' actress Lili Reinhart co-stars? "Swim, swim/Water falling off your skin/Swim, swim/I could spend a lifetime watching you", sung by 'Are You Sure?' Disney + travelogue cohorts Jimin and Jung Kook ("cham, cham, CHAM!"), probably written whilst they were taking in the scenes of Switzerland. Solo sets from all members, most notably RM, J-Hope and Suga, have tided us over during their four-year hiatus. But now they return to a crowded calendar that's already given us Labrinth, friend of Hope, J. Cole, Jill Scott, Willow, Mumford & Sons, U2, Bruno Mars and many more, like Red Hot Chili Pepper Flea going at it on his bass own for next week's trumpet solo.

Play the horns for this one though, because the moment the outstanding opening of 'Body To Body' goes skin-to-skin with your speakers, you know it's back on. Instant repeat. All for an American pop inspired left turn for these chopped and screwed, hardcore 'Hooligan's' calling themselves crazy with Britney Spears shout out respect, no toxicity. These idols brought us back up from a modern-day system of a down, teaching us to love ourselves. Now they return with a much grimier, gutter set, albeit still suited up in trademark garb to go with their new album logo that has already become ARMY member iconic. Sure, you'll miss the smooth sounds of 'Butter' and the hits that exploded on the charts like 'Dynamite'. Maybe the cute, pure pop days left the day they shaved their scalps for another army. The bubblegum has perhaps burst. But they already told us the best was yet to come. And this could be it! It might not be their biggest and best (a new, nuanced 'NORMAL' on their instant hit-making 'Merry Go Round'), but from version '2.0' dialling it up, to the sick sample of 'they don't know 'bout us'', this could be the most compelling and cohesive set that finally garners them the Grammy they should have been granted by now.

All the way grown up, 'Aririang', long-awaited and highly-anticipated, like nothing else, is something else. Something more. More mature. Whether out of this world 'Aliens' or acting 'Like Animals' with feral feeling, these boys who will always be like themselves have become your valentines again, akin to their rose installations in London, Los Angeles, and of course, Seoul. That's all they needed to promote an album that already surpassed four million pre-orders before it even hit shelves and streams. No song snippets of the saccharine 'One More Night', or sincere 'Please', 'FYA' (sublime). No single until 'SWIM' hit shores at the same time. But it barely mattered. The ARMY knew, and in turn we trust this. To follow 'Into The Sun', like Icarus, singing, "Twenty-four, 24/7 feel like twenty-four (Twenty-four)/태양을 향해 뛰어도 (뛰어도), 가까워지진 않아도 (않아도), oh, no/Don't be afraid, 기억해, 그저 잠시뿐인 걸 어두운/밤을 지나/아침이 오는 걸 맞으며 눈을 떠 into the sun" with sugar and hope. And if you miss the anthems, never fear. They're all here until the 'ARMYRANG' last call of dedication. The big hits are back with Hybe hype. The reunion is done. Here is the 30th Korean national treasure. It's time to enlist this. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Body To Body', 'SWIM', 'They Don't Know 'Bout Us'.

Spin This: BTS - 'Proof'

REVIEW: HARRY STYLES - KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY

4/5

Kiss

Disco ain't dead, at least not occasionally, on the brand-new album from Harry Styles, 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally', released this New Music Friday. One that you actually will listen to all the time for its pure pop, popping candy of compelling hits. Four years after we're still recovering from the party at 'Harry's House', 'As It Was', and that lead single we still can't get off our minds or playlists. Ever since the One Direction lead star and occasional actor ('Dunkirk', 'Don't Worry Darling' and a Marvel project in the works(?)) gave us the 'Sign O The Times' of his self-titled debut, we knew there was a 'Fine Line' between this young prince's solo sets and the biggest boy band, bordering between The Beatles and BTS, dripping in 'Watermelon Sugar'. Rest peacefully to his band brother, Liam Payne.

Now, this young Jagger (get that biopic ready) proves, with moves, that he really is a movie star, who can dance his way through an all action set-piece, too, with the amazing 'Aperture' single. Singing, "I've no more tricks up my sleeve/Game called review the player/Time codes and Tokyo scenes/Bad boys, it's complicated/It's complicated" to a Hollywood music video. All as he and super-producer Kid Harpoon play Elton John and Bernie Taupin again. 'Harry's House' garnered him a Grammy. This 'Kiss' may just add another trophy to the family cabinet. Complete with sure-fire singles ready to go, as he bobs and weaves under the disco ball, holding his glasses in the middle of a cold countryside. Album art to go alongside the big, BTS like Netflix debut, and the forthcoming 'Together, Together' tour that really brings them out, like the blingy suits that would do Bowie proud. This album from the great Brit, performing at The Brits, taking cues from Ziggy, and of course, the purple one, for this young star's reign. The outstanding success of One Direction may have led to all of this, and rightfully so, but this new one will have you calling the Timothée Chalamet cheeky chappy of music by his own name.

"We belong together", like Mariah Carey, Styles said, on some promotional posters and billboards in New York, Manchester, Palermo, São Paulo, and Berlin that teased this new project, back in January. And now, Harry follows Labrinth, J. Cole, Jill Scott, WILLOW, Mumford & Sons, U2, Bruno Mars and BLACKPINK, with another album marching in to help 2026 GO! A dozen delightful tracks of 'Pop' pleasure from the setting off single to the 'Carla's Song' closing dedication. There are anthems, like 'American Girls' (for all those who can't get enough...get your hands up), on this Erskine and Columbia record, but when it comes to sweet smelling songwriting, it's 'Coming Up Roses' that will be your late Valentine, as Styles sings, "Just for tonight, let's go hangover chasing/And I'll talk your ear off about why it's safe/As I fumble my words and fall flat on my face through the truth/Just say the word and we'll take up the test/Where we flirt with the bad ones and skip all the rest/But we see out the night with your head on my chest, me and you." Lyrics to go from a man whose work mirrors the circular artwork designs on its YouTube videos. Get ready to turn your screen around, like photo taking frustration, and sing-a-long.

Learning all the words, from 'Ready, Steady, Go!', to the moving 'Dance No More', 'Are You Listening Yet'? Because for all those who still write him off as boy band material (but look at all OD made), you don't know your basic facts (in an "oh, oh, oh", Paul Rudd SNL superfan voice). And you're missing out on some of the best music you'll hear, straight out of London (and in Italian) crossing Abbey Road, in pop's golden era. This is anything but 'Paint By Numbers' with subtle powerhouse tracks like that. With the Kid, Harry harpoons songwriter Tyler Johnson, and even beautiful backing vocals from Wolf Alice's Ellie Roswell and the House Gospel Choir. This "life mantra" inspired by LCD Soundsystem and Stardust's own 'Berlin Trilogy' really gets the 'Taste Back' ("must be lonely out in Paris") after a 22-month tour supporting Styles' last two albums. 'The Waiting Game' telling you it was worth it with words that are wise ("You can romanticise your shortcomings, ignore your agency to stop/Write a ballad with the details, while skimming off the top/A personality, considering you've been a little overhonest lately/And you apologise, a dirty clown"). On 'Season 2 Weight Loss', that has nothing to do with The White Lotus, Harry harmonizes, "Aren't you for sale if you're cashin' in cold?/You've got to sit yourself down sometimes/It's hard to tell when the thoughts are my own/And the old hat gets harder to hold." But with his in his hands, he holds on to a style that is uniquely his own. It's a grand occasion sealed with a kiss. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Aperture', 'American Girls', 'Coming Up Roses'.

Spin This: Harry Styles - 'Harry's House'/

REVIEW: BLACKPINK - DEADLINE EP

4/5

Deadline Day

"BLAAAAACKPIIIINK! BLAAAAACKPIIIINK! BLAAAAACKPIIIINK!" 2026 may be the year of 'Arirang', from South Korea to the rest of the watching world it now dominates in entertainment, more than Hollywood right now, thanks to the return and reformation of BTS and their ARMY, after the men have completed their mandatory military service for their country. But look who just came in and spoilt the party...or should we say joined it for K-Pop at its finest! BLΛƆKPIИK ( 블랙핑크) are back in your area, following their own solo sojourns, as Lisa, Jisoo, Jennie and Rosé reunite for the first time since they were 'Born Pink' in 2022. All on the same New Music Friday that Rosé's 'APT.' anthem partner Bruno Mars returns with his own album, and his first solo set in ten years. Save his Silk Sonic group with the amazing Anderson .Paak. How apt.

This pack are a fantastic four with five famous in an instant tracks to track their progress. Their debut, lifting us out of quarantine in 2020, alongside Lady Gaga's 'Sour Candy' (she also knows Bruno and new music) was called 'The Album'. Call this mini one, The EP, as BLACKPINK have more than just met their 'Deadline' in all black. They've aced the test. Solo wise, just like their BTS brothers tiding us over before they came home, this YG group were nothing to sniff at either. Jennie, headlining Tokyo and Osaka's Summer Sonic festival this Summer with The Strokes and Japan's own Sakanaction and BABYMETAL, and her 'Ruby' red classic. Rosé's 'Rosie' showing she was your 'Number One Girl', Lisa's amazing 'Alter-Ego', and my favourite (just saying) Jisoo's 'Me', not to mention her darling Dior campaign. You can see it on the billboards of history, before they take the chart of the same name for their '뛰어 (JUMP)' single sensation, telling you to bounce in Korean and buy the t-shirt that's sure to be a 'Number One' merch hit from Seoul and a train carrying goods to Busan. Not to mention the rest of the international shipping world. Bruno may have the classic cohesive album, but Blackpink have the best tracks.

The kinetic classic music video is amazing, and something K-Pop legend CL would be proud of as these singers rock and rap. Referencing everyone on this EP from Bruce Springsteen and the Spice Girls (those that paved the way for all wannabes) to Golden State Warriors NBA star and winner Draymond Green (just wait for his next Instagram story with the King in him). Speaking of 'Champion(s)', BLACKPINK are also that, reaffirming this on an instant verse, chorus, hook, line and singer earworm. Burrowing with lines like, "If I ever, ever fall down one time/I'ma keep going on, 'cause I know I'm a champion/And if I take a, take a L, I'll still fight/'Til the bitter end, I'm strong, 'cause I know I'm a champion", and the new PINK chant for your area. All to prolific, powerhouse production from Dr. Luke, attending to the boards. You should really press 'GO' on all these album artworks and singles that now become new BLACKPINK classics, even though this is not an actual album. The confidence and empowerment are now at an epic level. And they can't come down. They won't come down. The comeback is complete.

"When your heart is broken, baby/Darkness on the edge of town (BLACKPINK'll make ya)/Try to keep it open, baby/Try to let your walls come down (BLACKPINK'll make ya)/I know you're frozen, baby/Love can make you turn to stone/You could stop and be alone/Or you could (Ah, ah, ah)." The impossible mission is complete, Tom, as these wonder women row the same boat that Aaliyah rocked for the record. On 'Me and My', they give it up for their boos, like Usher and Alicia Keys, each other. Singing, "Just me and my day ones, pretty girls walkin' (Walkin')/Golden like we Draymond, they pay us for a walk-in (Walk-in)/Step (Step), step (Step), step into some commas/Yeah (Yeah), yeah (Yeah), boys all wanna holla/I'm one-of-one, not two, in my hottie season (Season)/Givin' 'tude to ya, I don't need no reason (Reason)/Daisy dukes make me speak my mind, I'm beamin' (Beamin')/Kinda cute, glistenin', it's in her being (Hahaha)." They can even make a 'Fxxxboy' record sound sweet, taking the power back like, "If my signals mixed and messy/Bet you think it's destiny/Call my ex, send late night texts/'Cause I get off on jealousy/Keep your expectations/Underneath the pavement/Guess karma's a b####/How's it feel? Now I'm the f###boy." Even the National Museum Of Korea is getting in on this 'Path To History'. Forget about the man in the arena. These are the women in your area. Born again. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: '뛰어 (JUMP)', 'GO', 'Champion'.

Spin This: BLACKPINK - 'The Album'

REVIEW: BRUNO MARS - THE ROMANTIC

4/5

The New Romantic

Earth to Mars. It's crazy to believe that it's been ten years since his last album, '24K Magic', and the Sin City anthem of the same name (even longer since he was giving us that 'Uptown Funk' earworm with Mark Ronson in a pink suit and fedora), but Bruno is back, ladies and gentlemen! After what seems like a Presley permanent Vegas residency to pay off some bills, and making more duet hits than Tony Bennett, see 'Die With A Smile' with Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars returns to mark the end of February's lovers and make 2026 his calendar. We already told you about the big-three releases to start this year. Labrinth, J. Cole and Jill Scott. And even the big-three last week (Mumford & Sons, U2 and perhaps the best release of the first quarter from WILLOW). But this New Music Friday may just be monumental. Perhaps one of the biggest hits of the last few years was New Zealand and South Korean singer Rosé's 'APT.' with Bruno Mars. I even use it as a teaching tool for kids in my English lessons for "on, under, next to, in." Aha, aha. But now for the same weekend where we get 'The Romantic' Bruno Mars, Rosé is back in your area with her BLACKPINK army to meet the 'Deadline' of a new EP.

Resisting the temptation to include both of his recent and biggest hits ('Die With A Smile' and 'APT.'), he's about to put them on 'The Collaborations' compilation for Record Store Day, next month, Bruno Mars gives us an amazing album, of nine straight-shooting classics for his fantastic fourth. Returning to his roots and extending the love of South American music given to us by Bad Bunny at his super Superbowl Halftime Show that brought everyone together, for better over worse. It's a shame though, because the man who once headlined the biggest event in the NFL in 2014, bringing out the Red Hot Chili Peppers, for Coldplay to then bring out him AND Beyoncé at their own half-time show, missed a trick not appearing alongside Lady Gaga for her Latin flared version of their signature 'Smile' song. And in turn, putting said version on here. But that's alright. The man with the best backing dancers in the biz, proves that he only really needs himself, like Andre 3000 in 'Hey Ya!' green, for his sensational new single 'I Just Might'. Yet it's the second one, and its absolutely beautiful music video, that's the sweetest as soon as you see red, ready to 'Risk It All'.

"I would run through a fire/Just to be by your side/If your heart's on the line/You could take mine", the man who said he'd "catch a grenade for you" says, when most men will just leave you on red. This is Bruno Mars fourth solo set, and first in a decade, as we said. But it's his fifth if you include 'An Evening With Silk Sonic' and his collaboration with Anderson .Paak back in 2021. And most of this music sounds like Silk Sonic styles flowing on beautifully through your speakers until you 'Cha Cha Cha' with the one you love and hold closer than Rosie Gaines. Mars has been attacking this album for the last two years and gives us the sweetest sketches for this album artwork. Boasting for his girl that 'God Was Showing Off' when he makes lines like "Is it your eyes that light my sky?/I bet in the pourin' rain, you still shine/Is heaven your name (Is heaven your name)/Or is it divine? (Or is it divine?)/Don't matter, girl, it's gonna look good next to mine." Now 'Why You Wanna Fight' that, like this delightful, definitive D'Mile produced album.

Soft-soul has never sounded so sensual and sweet, all the way until the man, who moves like no other, tells you to 'Dance With Me', like 112, clapping your hands because you're sexy and you know it. Searching for the seventies like the sonic sounds of silk, Bruno best himself 'On My Soul'. But it's 'Something Serious' that stirs even more. "I’ll be there (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)/Say that you need me, girl (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)/Say that you want me, baby (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)/Come on, come on, come on, baby, yeah (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)/Come on, come on, come on, baby, yeah (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)/Let’s talk about me and you (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)/Talk about you and me (Ooh, yeah, yeah, yeah)." Simply put, like the complications of desire itself, yearning has never been this burning on this outstanding outro. Taylor Swift talked about the new romantics, but even she can't quite make a hit like the man who practically gives them for free. Until there's nothing left in a classic cohesive album. "The fire don't burn like it used to, girl," he says on said song. But for the red planet names singer's style, it's an eternal flame. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'I Just Might', 'Risk It All', 'On My Soul'

Spin This: Silk Sonic - 'An Evening With Silk Sonic'

REVIEW: U2 - DAYS OF ASH EP

4/5

Ash Wednesday

It may not always be a beautiful day, but U2 are back in play. In these times of war and disorder, we need a voice, like the people that are fighting the power that corrupts, and Bono are the boys are offering a helping hand with theirs clasped together in coming together, comeback solidarity. Yeah, yeah, you may cry "f###, U2" (who? me and who?), like Tyler, The Creator, because your iTunes automatically gave you an album ('Songs Of Innocence') that literally felt forced, but I didn't even have a laptop with an internet connection back then. I wanted that. Is this really guilty of being controversy on the same New Music Friday where we get albums from artists no stranger to that? Although I stand firmly behind the man who told Bono to "stop f###ing clapping your hands" when he talked about people dying of AIDS every time he put his hands together.

Self-righteous? Indignation? In this age of virtue signalling online, it's hard to tell what's real and who genuinely wants to help, but you can't deny all that Bono and U2 have done. Even if at times they've hit 'Elevation' insufferable levels like Coldplay. Yet you can't deny either acts amazing anthems. There's always going to be cynical comments, but at least this band on the run against hate is fighting the good fight like friend and E Street neighbour Bruce Springsteen's ICE out anthem 'Streets Of Minneapolis' to go alongside his Philadelphia avenue, that along with the Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington movie it won Academy Awards with, looked to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS without a round of applause. Here, U2 enlist more famous friends for their urgent 'Days of Ash' EP. Their first album of original material since 2017's 'Songs Of Experience' (2023's 'Songs Of Surrender' in their chronology and 'Songs Of' trilogy was a reworked album for the Irish act who always did this on their greatest hits) had to come now. Released on Ash Wednesday, a day after Willow's surprise drop of 'Petal Rock Black', before the New Music Friday of Mumford & Songs and all the other prize-fighters.

Ed Sheeran, until he's seventy, plays on 'Yours Eternally', but it's Ukrainian singer Taras Topolia who has a much more indelible impact on this track. One written as a letter from a soldier, in closing of this six-track extended play, reading, "Dearest friends or whatever/We are callin' ourselves these days/My current location/I cannot disclose/Geographically/It's nowhere that I've been before/But emotionally/We're on the same road", hiding in the plain-sight of fear. The same can be said for the spoken-word track of 'Wildpeace', a poem by Yehuda Amichai, read by Nigerian artist Adeola, telling us, "I know that I know how to kill/That makes me an adult/And my son plays with a toy gun that knows/How to open and close its eyes and say Mama." A stark reality for a band who once opened a live show with a video of a child tentatively taking a handgun out of high-street shopping bag. Produced by Jacknife Lee, and recorded as an "immediate response" to current events, in the Curlews and Universal studios, Bono is ready to write an 'American Obituary' with an incendiary video.

All for the likes of Renee Good, who lost their lives to bad men and the coldest ICE. "I love you more/than hate loves war", Bono sings in this anthem call to arms that embrace instead of disgrace. Holding up a mirror to the current state of America that shows, "930 Minneapolis/To desecrate domestic bliss/Three bullets blast, three babies kissed/Renee, the domestic terrorist???/What you can't kill, can't die/America will rise/Against the people of the lie." The political urgency, and hope amongst the hurt, continuing on the Richard Rohr book based 'The Tears of Things'. Or the 'Song Of The Future' that sings for the Iranian Women, Life, Freedom movement led by Sarina Esmailzadeh. Hoping to change things, 'One Life At A Time', with a dedication to Awdah Hathaleen, a Palestinian activist killed in the West Bank. Released to coincide with a special edition of U2 fanzine 'Propaganda', the struggle and resilience is clear to see. This band just being a microphone for the people with the megaphones. We know where the real courage for freedom lies. Hate has no home here in heart. Lend your hand in art. Don't play your part in scars. Ashes to ashes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'American Obituary', 'The Tears Of Things', 'Yours Eternally (Feat. Ed Sheeran & Taras Topolia)'.

Spin This: U2 - 'War'

REVIEW: WILLOW - PETAL ROCK BLACK

4/5

Flowers For Willow

Hands across America, holding in beautiful black and white for the amazing album artwork, reach out to you with love, peace and understanding during these troubling and turbulent times. Look (shout out to my poet, Stock), I know I always call every New Music Friday release the album of the year, although it's only February (and with the latest drops from Labrinth, J. Cole and Jill Scott, can you blame me?), but I may not be over exaggerating here. Besides, at 25, WILLOW Smith is on a tear, and perhaps the best turn of her career. Seemingly releasing an album, of redefining difference, every year in her young Prince genre blend (and check out the 'i would die 4 u' terrific tribute here). Her latest, released on a New Music TUESDAY (?), 'petal rock black', changing the game again with a subtle, beautiful bloom.

More music heads need to whip their way to this willow wisdom at the same time her famous father follows 'Welcome To Earth' with another National Geographic great documentary series, 'Pole To Pole', Will Smith fancying himself as the next Michael Palin. We can't wait for a familiar collaboration, Will, his 'After Earth' and 'The Pursuit Of Happyness' co-star Jaden, or Jada, and her heavy metal outfit. But right now, nobody is making music in the Smith family like Willow, and the parents just DO understand. Compelling collaborations come here with the legends of the game. A Funkadelic George Clinton on the spoken word, album-title introduction, the eclectic Cali outfit Tune-Yards (on the powerhouse 'omnipotent') and new age jazz maestro Kamasi Washington letting it 'Play' like you should press. Because this seventh seal from Smith, following her jazz-infused 'Empathogen' is another epic that might best the rest.

Instantly iconic from the moment the butterfly effect of the artwork hits, looking like a young Willow "is a player" herself. This Three Six Zero and Gamma ray of a record coming two years after her last cut went classic. All for an incredible decade of her twenties as she's roared through ours with albums like the isolation helping 'Lately I Feel Everything' and 'Coping Mechanism' influence. Not to mention 'The Anxiety' she shared with Tyler Cole. This is pop at its most progressive from the 'Ardipithecus' artist, who, ever since 'The 1st' album and her self-titled one, has always been about more than their hair she shaved off in a statement in solidarity with herself, and uniquely her own. Throwing guitars into your MTV or BET. This avant-garde electro-funk is art heard to the 'ear of the cocoon' and her mother's love. A definitive dozen tracks, less than a half-hour, but all power. What more could you expect when this album was produced by Grammy winning, 'Soul' and music man Jon Batiste?

The surprise digital drop of the shortest, but best month of love, WILLOW dubs this "personal offering" as one that "honors the labor of creation" in her "artistic dedication". Recorded in isolation over a calendar and change and garnering critical comparisons to Erykah Badu and Tori Amos (now that's elite, deserved company), after highlights, like 'Vegetation' and 'nothing and everything', you need to hear this out like, "Gate gate pāragate pārasamgate bodhi svāhā" in repeated refrain. Most tracks are quick, like the incredible 'living in the heart' interlude. And there's a beautiful 'holy mystery' with the religion of, "Lay me down on your altar (Uh, ayy, ayy, uh, ooh)/Lay me down on this altar of love (Uh, ayy, ayy, uh, ooh)/I am an offering (Uh, ayy, ayy, uh, ooh)/I am honoring thee (Uh, ayy, ayy, uh, ooh)." Like water, this album is 'not a fantasy' or conditioned love Willow will not vow or bow to. 'Sitting Silently' on her soundboard she says it best, "Sitting silently, sitting alone in my room/Focus on my breathing, try to hear love speaking, keep on." This music and artist reaches for more. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Vegetation', 'Play (Feat. Kamasi Washington)', 'i would die 4 u'.

Spin This: WILLOW - 'Empathogen'.

REVIEW: MUMFORD & SONS - PRIZEFIGHTER

4/5

Mumford's The Word

Click...click...spark! It's just almost marching to the time last year when 'Rushmere' was here, yet best of British folk rockers Mumford & Sons already have another album out this New Music Friday. And this killer is a 'Prizefighter', with a lighter of album artwork, after the group have been through it all, solo albums and controversial bandmate departures, and then some. Beautifully they 'Begin Again' with some of their best work since they wanted us to 'Believe' in their Dylan like electric turn. Fellow the U.K's own Labrinth, J. Cole's last album, Jill Scott's grand return. The last month of this brand-new year is already giving us some of the biggest releases of the calendar. And this one doesn't pull any punches.

Coming out of the corner with the album titled single, a 'Rubber Band Man', like T.I., and 'The Banjo Song'. It just feels like old times for the amazing act again. The beautiful 'Banjo' video featuring a Streets Of Soul casting of people from club nights in Bristol. Soul telling us, "these are the dancers that always brighten up our dancefloors, the ones that love to dance. We brought them together with their different styles, energy and flair. We saw how quickly they all became one... Their differences became their joy and connection." Now, that's the gold like the ZIPPO on this CD's cover. Snapping back to the 'Rubber Band', not only is this song penned by a top artist, hitmaker Brandi Carlile, it also features the great Hozier, no stranger to unearthing folk album after folk album himself. It's the perfect collaboration made in iron and wine heaven as Marcus Mumford sings, "You're a world away/But you're still the same/I know by your heart/I will call you by your name/And it's a long way/From the crack to the break/You know that I remember everything."

The compelling collaborations don't end 'Here' for a band who are travelling all over the Delta, see the opening track with country strong star Chris Stapleton. The American dream for one of Obama's favourite bands continues on the Gigi Perez assisted 'Icarus' ("It took me all I had/To turn away from this one/Thought I'd take my chances/I was blinded, I was young/But then all at once/I was back to where I'd begun/I was burned by the morning/I got too close to the sun") that flies close to the Floridian sun. Whilst Taylor Swift co hitmaker Gracie Abrams heads into the Bruce Springsteen like 'Badlands' with this band, singing "Set myself up to become a man/Who wasn't there for the backhand/Getaway car in the quicksand/I think you may never understand." Yet despite the American apparel, this still feels fondly familiar to Mumford and all those sons. And despite the big budget guest features, it's still one of the band's most personal projects to date. The gangsters and angels of 'Conversation With My Son', for all the Cat Stevens father and sons, could even find itself on the new 'Immortal Man' of a 'Peaky Blinders' movie in-between Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan's Shelby's.

Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon wrote both 'Badlands' and the 'Prizefighter' title-track. Whereas Billie Eilish's very own brother and new age Bernie Taupin, Finneas had the song 'Run Together' in his back pocket. Stalking like an 'Alleycat', this is still a Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Ted Dwane, and Aaron Dessner written affair, however, at their New York Long Pond studio home. This Gentleman of the Road, Island record plays for tracks that are keeps. The only trick missed, like last March's release, is that this band feels like a fall favourite, driving that notion home, like Christmas (rest peacefully, Mr. Rea). On the sweet 'Stay', like this band seem determined to do, Marcus carries on serenading us, like he does Carey Mulligan. Bleeding hearts of crimson all the way to the 'Clover' closer. But before he tells you everything, it's the 'Shadow Of A Man' that really resonates, his hand shaking as he writes these lines, "Old town behind us/I used to fly/Pour yourself a drink/That's when I slide/Always looking for another way out/Never just at ease/When everybody settles down to revel/That's when I have to leave." This fighter will floor you. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Rubber Band Man (Feat. Hozier)', 'Conversation With My Son (Gangsters & Angels)', 'Begin Again'.

Spin This: Mumford & Sons - 'Rushmere'

REVIEW: JILL SCOTT - TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN

4/5

Great Scott

For whom the bell tolls, the freedom of Philadelphia soul is back. Stand up! It's been just over a decade since this 'Woman' gave us a record. Pardon me, it's been eleven years since the one and only Jill Scott graced our speakers and headphones with her most personal and intimate music. Yet the words and sounds of the real thing are an integral part of music like another Gil Scott. Whether showing us 'It's Love' on a Michael Jordan DVD, or performing incredible versions of her greatest hits at Dave Chappelle's Block Party, live from Brooklyn, New York, like a Donny Hathaway or Sam Cooke. Have you seen her perform? This is Jill Scott, everybody. Oh, Jill Scott, everybody. Still living her life like its 'Golden', Jilly from Philly even told us this was 'The Way' way before 'The Mandalorian' did. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' star and model still sounds as fresh as she did when she unleashed 'Bedda At Home', or the morning breeze intro to 'The Light Of The Sun'. And now we're 'Blessed' to be a witness again.

The DC Lady Eve ('Black Lightning') and 'Get On Up' James Brown biopic star (alongside the late, great Chadwick Boseman) gives us 'To Whom This May Concern' (YOU!). Completing a big-three of music releases to already begin 2026 after part one of Labrinth's 'Cosmic Opera' and J. Cole's final album 'The Fall-Off'. And this one trumpets them all with a grand return over amazing African album artwork and sketches that will have you repeating the affirmations told, like, "we can save ourselves", "your rules are nothing", "I am my own body", "you can not touch me" and "I'm free". Strengthened by the singles 'Beautiful People' and 'Pressha', 'To Whom' gets by with a little help from her friends. Whether it's Maha Adachi Earth on the 'Dope S###' intro, Trombone Shorty on the bold 'Be Great', the Tierra Whack assisted 'Norf Side', a darling Ab-Soul on an 'Ode To Nikki', JID co-signing 'To B Honest', or 'BPOTY' featuring the legendary Too $hort.

The poet's prose lights up nineteen tracks produced by frequent flyers and absolute legends like Andre Harris and DJ Premier coming off his own 'Light-Years' epic with Nas to close the calendar of last year's mass appeal. But this neo soul legend still has it too, one day before Valentine's Day. This Friday the 13th really was lucky for us, Freddy! It's love again. On this Blues Babe record you know longer have to ask what happened to that girl, after a decade going dark, when you hear the Baby and Clipse sampling 'Me 4'. Brrrr! This is a legend that's so iconic that the great Alicia Keys even had a song called 'Jill Scott' (on the criminally underrated 2021 (it was COVID time) 'Keys' album), featuring Jill Scott herself. But now, there's so much heat on this record, it's hard to pick a big-three for our playlist picks below. 'The Math' you need to calculate. 'Pay U On Tuesday' that throws it back like 'Sinners' for the traditional music fellow white people shouldn't try to assimilate and suck dry like vampires. The 'Offdaback' tribute to all those that came before. The 'Disclaimer' that needs to be said. The anthemic 'Liftin' Me Up'. All the way to the 'Sincerely Do' outro to this love letter to who else, but music?

She 'Don't Play', like Wesley Snipes' Blade talking about Cassandra Nova. And you ain't a jackhammer, and she, no city street.  Focussing on patience during her hiatus, it's so nice to be back in 'A Universe' where Jill Scott records are released. Singing, "I can love, and I can check me/I can choose character over every f###### thing/I can forgive, I can forget if I want to/I can better begin all over again/I was singularly minding my business/I felt like my love life was finished/I was satisfied, believe me/I got my music, my family/Genuine friends who love me/Check up on me, pray for me/I wasn't even feeling lonely/Then you pulled up on me," in that unmistakable powerhouse of a voice. That sound is uniquely hers, too, like on 'Àṣẹ', where she chases lines with positive feeling of love like, "I see you, you got love on the brain/It's all in your hands, all in your veins/In every part of you, in every molecule/I see you, wiggling your toes in the rain/Joyful freedom, it belongs to you." Don't sleep on one of the greatest in the game. It's "bedda" that we have her back home. 'Right Here, Right Now' under The Orchard like, "Ain't no shame in my game, I'm here to stay/I have the answer to your questioning/Mm, does love still exist? Oh, yeah/I am love, I can take it/I might get weary, but I won't break it." This may just be the best of the rest. This concerns all of us. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Be Great (Feat. Trombone Shorty)', 'Pay U On Tuseday', 'The Math'.

Spin This: Jill Scott - 'The Light Of The Sun'.

TV REVIEW: THE BEATLES ANTHOLOGY

4/5

The Anthology Album

9 Episodes. Starring: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr. Create By: The Beatles. On: Disney +.

Get back to Disney Plus, if you want to spend more time with The Beatles. Mickey Mouse has given the Fab Four from Liverpool a lot of real estate in Disneyland over the last few years. Almost like the Marvel of superheroes, Star Wars and, cue the clouds, 'The Simpsons'. Now, if you thought Taylor had her era here, and from 'The Final Show' of 'The Eras Tour', to 'The End Of An Era' six-episode docuseries coming at the same time, the biggest musician since John, Paul, George and Ringo really does, wait until you see these lads. 'The Lord Of The Rings' director Peter Jackson's almost nine-hour 'Get Back' documentary, taking a look at the making of their landmark last album 'Let It Be', and their final show on the rooftops of downtown London started it all, saving us in our social isolation, coming out of COVID. But over the last few years, Disney Plus have also given us the remastered 'Let It Be' documentary, thanks again to Jackson, and the year that was, the 'Beatles '64' epic. 

Count on more 'Help!' to come from The Beatles original movies before we get the fabulous four ones from Sam Mendes starring Harris Dickinson, Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn and Barry Keoghan. Not to mention Saorise Ronan and 'Shogun's' Anna Sawai as Linda McCartney and Yoko Ono, respectively. A Starz Original on the streaming service even gives you McCartney's '3, 2, 1', with a little help from his legendary producer friend, Rick Rubin (The Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash's 'American Recordings'), but this is The Beatles 'Anthology' that you've been waiting for, created by the band itself. Nine episodes in the biographical docuseries like no other, not even Tay, Tay, gives us a backstage pass to the life and times and highs and lows of the greatest group of all-time. From studio creation to commercial success. Bowl cut to bohemian look. This Apple Corps series tells the tale of Beatlemania, from the scream of teens, to behind-the-scenes. All restored with love by Peter Jackson's Park Road Post.

The long and winding road of this eight-year band (that was it?!), that will last forever takes you through plenty of twists and turns through their eight day week. But all you need is to come together over the love. From coming to America, The Ed Sullivan Show and Shea Stadium, to causing uproar in Japan when they became the first band to play Tokyo's 1964 Olympic martial arts venue, the Nippon Budokan. Now a regular concert fixture in the city, this writer seeing Norah Jones and The Smashing Pumpkins there in just one-week, last September. But from The Cavern, to the Budokan, these Liverpool lads faced trouble in The Philippines when they didn't make a royal appointment for lunch. Frenzied fans full of tears are bound to break some hearts, and some thought that would be it for the Fab Four, but then 1967 came. And an outstanding output like nothing before, or since. After reloading the 'Revolver', they visited 'Sgt. Pepper's' on a 'Magical Mystery Tour', all whilst giving us 'The White Album' and taking a real trip on a 'Yellow Submarine', before they crossed 'Abbey Road' to 'Let It Be'. And now, a new ninth episode reunites Paul, Ringo and the late George as they try to make new music with old Lennon recordings. One that you can hear, added to the anthology, now and then. Always to return. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'The Beatles - Get Back', 'The Beatles - Let It Be', 'Beatles '64'

TV REVIEW: TAYLOR SWIFT - THE END OF AN ERA (The 6 Episode Docuseries)/THE ERAS TOUR-THE FINAL SHOW

4/5 ('The End Of An Era')

5/5 ('The Final Show')

Era Redefining

Swiftly, the word "era" has become Taylor's. Even though all of us, not this 40-year-old though, are using it always to describe our everyday life. "I'm in my cream cheese on bagels era." No, you're not, Jack, you're just having a nice breakfast. Enjoy it, whilst we run to work with toast hanging out our mouths. We're in our, "oh DAMN! I'm late again" era. Don't let it go cold for Instagram. Seriously though, Taylor Swift is redefining everything. Music, culture, the economy of some countries. From rerecording her own albums to take back ownership of her masters from the man. To performing all of these albums, or eras, in concert for the biggest tour the world has ever seen on a sold-out stage across the hemispheres. The star who was born to do this is our generations Elvis. And coming out of the cage of COVID, we've never seen a tour quite like this, thank you very much.

I missed it here in Tokyo, but I could still feel the atmosphere outside of the Giants Dome that held Taylor's version two years back. Not sure if I regretted not taking up the offer to digitally pay for tickets from the various X accounts that would be suspended a day later. Anyone in attendance knew they were the lucky ones, mind you. Even the Japanese government reassured the watching world that Taylor would be here just days after she watched her now fiancée Travis Kelce win the Superbowl with his Kansas City Chiefs, like the jerseys that adorned the crowd. If you missed out on a once in a lifetime experience (how does she follow this?), then Disney Plus already has you covered with the concert movie to go along with Miss Americana's 'Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions', behind-the-scenes look at her quarantining to create one of her deepest and best albums to date. But last Christmas, Disney also gifted us with the mammoth three-and-a-half-hour final show of The Era's Tour from Canada's Vancouver, BC.

Now, if that wasn't enough, as a plus, the house of mouse has also given us another documentary to go along with Glen Weiss' great directed showstopper that's available in 4K and Dolby Atmos for all your home cinemas. Featuring, as a treat, the entire set of her album 'The Tortured Poet's Department', that we didn't get from the showgirl's previous set. But the real find for the fans is 'The End Of An Era', 'The 6 Episode Docuseries'. A backstage past to all the inner workings and planning that go into creating and crafting the biggest concert of all-time. Fondly featuring family and friends, this intimate and inspired doc also stars Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, Florence Welch, Ed Sheeran, and of course, Travis. Around three quarter of an hour each, these episodes are epic, but they become something else when they introduce us to the cast and crew that Swift states she couldn't do without. Tears will be shed, like when Taylor was deeply affected by the attacks that happened in my hometown of Southport at a Taylor themed dance event for children. And we can't thank her enough for reaching out to meet the families. Purists will love the songwriting process. Fashionistas will say yes to the dress. Yet it's the Emmy worthy, standout episode for Marjorie that gets the most personal. An era to her own. World, welcome back to 'The Eras Tour'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Taylor Swift - The Era's Tour (Taylor's Version)', 'Taylor Swift - Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions', 'Taylor Swift - Miss Americana'.

REVIEW: J. COLE - THE FALL-OFF

4/5

Fall Through

It's a cold world, but it's still a Cole one. Even if some fans lost respect for Jermaine when he gracefully bowed out of the big-three beef with Kendrick Lamar and Drake...but we all knew who the big he was anyway. Cole's move showed class like his concert speech. I'm just mad at him for saying that Kendrick fell-off "like 'The Simpsons'". I sit on that sofa every day after work to watch the Evergreen Terrace family. I know it ain't like it used to be, but I still love them the same. Well, falling through like coins in the couch (thank you, Drizzy), J. Cole is back with 'The Fall-Off'. His seventh seal and first album since 2012's all-star weekend of 'The Off-Season' coming in around the same time he got a SLAM cover and contract with the NBA's Africa league. Following his fourth mixtape, 'Might Delete Later' in 2024, that he took back like his K.Dot diss.

Preceded by the sensational single 'The Fall-Off Is Inevitable' and it's classic continuing and compelling music video, Cole purists are in for a treat, as 'The Fall-Off' is a double album. But wait...word on the street, confirmed by Cole, is that this double delight is actually his final studio album. Well, if that's so, he goes out with a bang! Like Kobe, there are 24 new tracks to remind you who the G.O.A.T. still might be. Conceived over a decade in a room that looks like the awe-inspiring artwork. Just one wooden easy chair and the hard work of a lot of wires, 808s, CDs and tapes in the deck. The instant vintage that powered Jermaine Cole to be the powerful platinum artist that he is and you can see in the amazing alternative artwork's perfect portrait. Beautiful beats ('Drum N Bass') and lasting lyrics ('Bombs In The Ville/Hit The Gas') lace these changing CD's, as J. Cole gives it up for various legends that came before him, covering and interpolating lyrics from the likes of DMX and OutKast.

This one hour and one-minute long album shows that 2026 is already going to be a big one, just one week into the second month. Coming seven days after the UK's finest Labrinth also gave us part one of a two disc special with his 'Cosmic Opera Act I', coming after last year's 'Prelude'. And Cole had his own precursing EP with last month's celebrated 'Birthday Bash' with DJ Clue. After the '29 Intro', featuring a serious sample of James Taylor's 'Carolina In My Mind', the NC rapper gives us what he's known best for, a hive of active lyrics that sting like a hornet's nest. The man that once boasted about having no features, also has uncredited cameos from Future ('Run A Train', 'Bunce Road Blues' (also with Tems)), Erykah Badu ('The Villest'), Petey Pablo ('Old Dog'), Burna Boy ('Only You') and Morray ('What If'). Not to mention, production from the legendary likes of The Alchemist and many, many more. From 'Two-Six', to the beautiful bonus of 'Ocean Way', the 'Safety' if off as Jermaine unleashes lines like, "Congruent with s### that I do to rhymers/On Deuteronomy, ain't s### n####s can do but honor me/What I'm quotin’ is God sculpted, come view the pottery" for all you 'Poor Thangs' like a "punk b####!"

The 'Legacy' has already been set for this legend of the game, but tracks like 'The Let Out' will make you wish for another album of the same name. Let it be so, Jermaine. Because it's 'Lonely At The Top', but it's never been this compelling. This player's tribune gives us a 'Life Sentence' of dedications ("My flow switch, slow the pace, this the Ma$e one/I'm not a player but I'm crushin' like the late Pun/Let's take one, go"). Pointing to the only one that can judge, the most high, as the 'Man Up Above' offers the terrific Saturday to Sunday, night to mo(ur)ning testament of, "Certainly are, while y'all prefer to be hard/Memories of my dog's wake, it's hurtin' me, y'all/The windows to his soul closed, saw its curtains be drawn/Innocent as a child, but weren't we all? Before the h##s and the smoke." 'I Love Her Again' takes you even further into the heart of a man who delves deeper. And even a 'Quik Stop' offers the quotables of, "We need to change our ways, doin' the same thing we did yesterday/Making beats, gettin' high, chasing freaks, feeling fine/It's still the same old s### (The same old s###), but I think we ain't gon' quit/Making a rhyme, climbing a hill, stayin' alive, tryin' to live." Wise words to ponder before that's it for all of us. Trust, 'and the whole world is the Ville' as Fayetteville's finest signs off with his last sports adjacent album. The Friday night lights are shut off, but the sideline story will still be told. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'The Fall-Off Is Inevitable', 'Legacy', 'Ocean Way'.

Spin This: J. Cole - 'The Off-Season'

REVIEW: LABRINTH - COSMIC OPERA ACT I

4/5

He Is The Cosmos

Past is prelude, and it only seems like we've just been woken up from the September that British singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer, Labrinth, gave us his sonically charged 'PRELUDE' E.P. The perfect precursor to this. His new album, to awaken the love of a calm January, 'Cosmic Opera Act I'. It's time to act right in 2026, because the great Brit legacy maker is promising us even more to follow with their part one. Just like the seasons of his soundtrack. From Simon Cowell to Tinie Tempah. An 'Earthquake' up in here, to a 'Euphoria' with Zendaya, this cosmic boy has gone out of this world. Labrinth is now a legend. Going forth with his fourth album, and first since 2023's 'Ends & Begins', the LSD member (him, Sia, Diplo) is given us a whole new electronic earth. The imagination of this misfit kid is inspired.

Back to black, like Winehouse, with a deep, blood wine shirt on backwards to cover, this is album art. As soon as the for the record intro tells us this is 'Something Like An Opera', we know it's exactly, outstandingly, that. And the bass dominant 'Debris' that follows and falls like 'Get Out', will shake you to your core. "The roof is on fire/Nothing left of me/Party at my house/Now it's all debris/Now it's all debris/Picking up the pieces/Just another morning/Same old routine/Now it's all debris/I don't know these people/Welcome to the ruin/I'm the centerpiece/What the f### am I doing?", Timothy McKenzie asks. Right now, nobody mixes the Saturday night fight with Sunday sacrament quite like this Tim. This modern day classical influence continues on the INCREDIBLE 'IMPLOSION', in all-caps. Not to mention the mad scientist single, and sensational music video set of 'S.W.M.F.' ("Star Wars, motherf#####", indeed!) and the heavenly highlight, 'God Spoke'. Like this will, to you.

Space feels like the first and foremost frontier (I know that's 'Star Trek', quit your Jabb-ering, fans of 'Wars'), on this album that reaches for infinity like the cosmos. Delving deeper at an 'Interstellar' rate, further into the labyrinth, 'into the black hole' searches through your subconscious. All before the 'Big Bad Wolf', huffs, puffs and blows your house on the hill, all the way down, with lines like, "I'm f#####g awesome/My head get bigger than Austin/Hear my ego contorting/Feel myself like I'm choking/I eating on your offspring, I'm Mike Tyson, no cocaine/Make you feel those endorphins, man, I'm just too important/Now they're all saying there's something wrong/I got my head in the f#####g sun/All of my dreams get undone/I walk around like an unsung." Now, if you thought the sensational singer and songwriter had given up on the lyrical licks of rapping, then like a notorious one, you're dead wrong. 'I Keep My Promises' and McKenzie keeps moving in any direction the music in him takes him.

After the opulence of an 'Opera Interlude', Labrinth conducts an 'Orchestra' that will have you on your feet and up in applauding arms like the Royal Albert Hall. Just imagine how this set would sound here for the Hackney hometown hero. "Trumpet, trombone, violin, check/Here we got the sound of a feeble attempt/Begging for applause that I need to exist/When I bring the sound that will keep you possessed/I give you the horn, and I give you the bass/Larger than life when I'm hiding my pain/I'm the f#####g best 'cause I claw for my fame/Praying it's the cure to my sizey charade (Go)." Moving in a time lapse, like the singles cover art. This might just be Labrinth's best yet, from an artist whose magnum opus might just be his whole career, up in here. He understands the loneliness of 'Euphoria' and brings it all back for 'Still In Love With The Pain'. But when he is left 'Running A Red', akin to the shirt, that's when his heart bleeds all over the studio's floor. "Yeah, baby, I'm a slave to living on your medicine/'Til I walk upon that day/'Til I run up on that." There's a hidden yearn that burns here. Thank God, it wasn't left on the cutting room floor. We can't wait until he acts again in this opera. Like the prelude, this is just an overture. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Playlist Picks: 'Debris', 'God Spoke', 'Running A Red'.

Spin This: Labrinth - 'PRELUDE E.P.'

LIVE REVIEW: TsuShiMaMiRe @ TOP BEAT CLUB, Tokyo, Japan (12/01/26)

4/5

Punk Power

Austin, Texas, USA. Renowned as the Live Music Capital of the World. That's where TsuShiMaMiRe, the Japanese all-female rock trio, made their name Stateside at the South By Southwest music festival. Punctuating this with performances with the Suicide Girls and at anime events for these Japan girl's nights. The only other city in America, apart from the jazzy likes of New Orleans and New York's hip-hop, that has quite an effect on the world's soundstage is Music City itself, Nashville, Tennessee. Such an iconic landmark of country and western music, that even Detroit's own Rock and Roll Hall of Fame White Stripe, Jack White, had his first Third Man record store there. 

Last March, TsuShiMaMiRe (abbreviated as TSMMR) supported White during the Tokyo set at Toyosu Pit of his brief but brilliant tour of Japan that also saw him make a surprise stop at the Shibuya store Hysteric Glamour, that just looks like an album cover. This gig, albeit getting in late because of the number roll call (I can only count to ten in Japanese...I'm just kidding...five), was my first introduction to Tokyo's perfect punk trio. Their bassist bending backwards with ease. Pulling better faces than Haim's Este, whereas I pull my back out these days, even reaching into the fridge. The lead singer, unafraid to cede some of the spotlight to a fellow star because we all know the bassist is the underscoring soul of any band.

Originally hailing from Chiba Prefecture, these jets, not to be confused with the Tsushima island in Japan, are art punk all the way down to their nuanced name. A neologism of their bassist, Yayoi Tsushima's family name combined with "Ma" (for vocalist and guitarist Mari Kono, with a style and pixie cut Yayoi Kusama would be proud of) "Mi" (for original drummer Mizue Masuda) and "mamire", which means "mixed up". Well, now TSMMR can add Hokkaido's own Addy, AKA, Asami Suzuki to their iconic name. Their new drummer, who won her sticks and is absolutely amazing on the skins. 

Influenced by the likes of Rage Against The Machine, this band have even had songs on Fortnite ('Break The Curse'). Now, sandwiched between last year's American tour, and this year's Ice Cream Punk Tour of Australia (starting at Shotkickers in Melbourne, February 19), they have just performed at Tokyo's Top Beat Club to start the working week. And this was one Monday you would have liked in one of the town's best hidden gems of a venue, serving drinks, music and damn good coffee. Their plectrum drink token (a 1,700 yen cover) being the perfect memento for those like me who don't drink (I still have my gold coin from Toyosu Pit), as all the acts strummed the night away.

Getting there a little late for this battalion of bands, I caught the tail end of my own country's amazing Mika Bomb and their bold and brilliant, boundless energy. The same that carried over for the terrific TsuShiMaMiRe, who showed us their soy sauce and a jukebox of instant sing-a-long hits like 'Brain', 'Sex' and 'Eel'. Kono being a kinetic stage presence, having audience members hold the mic as she sang into it and kept her energy effervescent, just like Yayoi's eyes and Asami's hands. Recently, from Aimyon to Sakanaction, we’ve talked about music in Japan, just like the latter's bassist Ami Kusakari linking up with fellow electronic artist Kyoka for MUTEK JP 10. It's their turn. It needs to be noticed and have its day outside of the Land of the Rising Sun, too. Anime is all over the world with its themes, and the neighbouring South Korea's K-Pop showed we don't have to be lost in translation. TsuShiMaMiRe are further proof that Japanese music rocks! TIM DAVID HARVEY.