Alex Brent

Alex Brent writes fiction and art criticism. He has published with Jazzwise, Radical Art Review, Tribune, Labourlist, Everything Theatre, London Pub Theatres, as well as album reviews for the blogging site iheardin.
Dreaming As a Radical Act: Bebop Demands We Listen Again

Dreaming As a Radical Act: Bebop Demands We Listen Again

Dreams in Double Time explores how bebop created new possibilities for marginalized people in the early 20th century. Bebop demands we listen again.

Mary Lattimore Shines on Tranquil ‘Goodbye, Hotel Arkada’

Mary Lattimore Shines on Tranquil ‘Goodbye, Hotel Arkada’

Mary Lattimore’s Goodbye, Hotel Arkada is mysterious, eerie, calming, and spacey and deserves a listen from fans of experimental, ambient, and electronic music.

Abstract Hip-Hop Duo Armand Hammer Return with Superb New LP

Abstract Hip-Hop Duo Armand Hammer Return with Superb New LP

We Buy Diabetic Test Strips is an incredible offering from Armand Hammer, one of the headiest yet most exciting alternative hip-hop groups right now.

Alabaster DePlume Uplifts on Spiritually-Stirring ‘Come With Fierce Grace’

Alabaster DePlume Uplifts on Spiritually-Stirring ‘Come With Fierce Grace’

Alabaster DePlume’s Come With Fierce Grace is uplifting music for a chaotic present and a must for jazz fans and anyone who appreciates rich creative art.

James Blake Revisits His Roots on ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’

James Blake Revisits His Roots on ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’

Playing Robots Into Heaven is ultimately a flawed album, but at times it’s a worthwhile foray for James Blake into more beat-led, dancefloor-friendly music.

Julie Byrne Soars on Otherworldly ‘The Greater Wings’

Julie Byrne Soars on Otherworldly ‘The Greater Wings’

The Greater Wings is a sublime folk album from Julie Byrne, pairing lush instrumentation with soft-spoken vocals and richly contemplative lyrics.

Little Dragon Return With Slinky and Assured ‘Slugs of Love’

Little Dragon Return With Slinky and Assured ‘Slugs of Love’

Drawing from disco, funk, and R&B, Little Dragon’s Slugs of Love is genre-crossing music, achieving an artful balance of danceable tunes and reflective moods.

Kassa Overall Dazzles on Eclectic and Forward-Thinking ‘Animals’

Kassa Overall Dazzles on Eclectic and Forward-Thinking ‘Animals’

Kassa Overall creates a record worthy of your time and that of anyone interested in free-thinking music. Animals pushes jazz and hip-hop further.

Jayda G’s ‘Guy’ Is a Touching Tribute to Life, Love, and Loss

Jayda G’s ‘Guy’ Is a Touching Tribute to Life, Love, and Loss

Jayda G’s Guy is an admirable and occasionally affecting project that balances both personal vulnerabilities with uplifting and life-affirming music.

Killer Mike Returns to His Roots on Triumphant ‘MICHAEL’

Killer Mike Returns to His Roots on Triumphant ‘MICHAEL’

Part autobiography and homage to the city that made him, MICHAEL is a lushly-produced and defiantly Southern hip-hop album from Atlanta rapper Killer Mike.

Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Reflections’ Soundtrack Is Impressive If Vague

Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Reflections’ Soundtrack Is Impressive If Vague

Composed by Sufjan Stevens, the Reflections soundtrack is virtuosic and a pleasant listen but on its own the album feels indistinct and largely forgettable.