Furman’s favourite thing, it seems, is to confound expectations – but look behind the theatricality and the Chicago singer has a musical masterplan at work

The second album by the Swedish duo was inspired by gloom but aims for happiness with a dash of ‘Twin Peaks’

What did Midlake do when their frontman walked out last year? They picked themselves up and made a stunning new album in just six months. Eric Pulido discusses the Texan band’s shake-up with Lauren Murphy

Why wait for those end-of-year lists, here’s the best albums and songs – until now