THE NATIONAL revisit summer 2024 with a live recording from Rome
The National change their setlist every time they play, and on Live In Rome they pull all of their aces for the Italian audience.
Gosia Buzzanca
Early 80s ‘anti-biography’ THE SECRET HISTORY OF KATE BUSH returns to print
Self-indulgent, bordering on bizarre, Fred Vermorel’s The Secret History Of Kate Bush reads like end-of-party soliloquies by a drunk relative, not a serious work about a serious artist.
From noisemakers to wordsmiths, Buzz’s ONES TO WATCH in 2025
Musicians, playwrights, charitable causes, illustrators and wrestlers... It's that time of year again for Buzz's predictions for the people and things that'll be big in 2025.
HEARTBREAK IS THE NATIONAL ANTHEM: a passionate ode to TAYLOR SWIFT
Music critic Rob Sheffield explores Taylor Swift’s profound impact on pop culture in Heartbreak Is The National Anthem, a heartfelt homage for dedicated Swifties.
ALI SMITH’s GLIFF: an enigmatic start to dystopian duo novels rooted in folklore
Ali Smith's Gliff is a dystopian duo opener that blends folklore and dystopia, resonating as a powerful, poetic mirror to our times.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SWANS: RHIANNON LEWIS’ haunting post-apocalyptic tale of survival
Rhiannon Lewis' The Significance of Swans is an unforgettable journey of survival and hope in a post-apocalyptic Wales.
Unearthing lesser-known genius in THE COLLECTED PROSE OF SYLVIA PLATH
We delve into Sylvia Plath's complete prose collection, edited by Peter K. Steinberg, exploring her unmatched talent beyond poetry and The Bell Jar.
FANTASTIC RACKET at LLAIS 2024: moments of brilliance lost in a disjointed showcase
Fantastic Racket at Llais 2024 dazzles with standout moments but struggles with pacing and cohesion, leaving audiences restless in a drawn-out evening.
INTERMEZZO: Sally Rooney’s most ambitious (yet imperfect) novel explores grief and family
Sally Rooney's Intermezzo tackles complex grief and brotherhood. While ambitious, it sometimes falters in emotional depth.
SOPHIE’s posthumous album: lost potential and cherished creativity
Sophie’s posthumous album, finished by collaborators, offers a bittersweet glimpse of her creative genius, but leaves fans longing for what could’ve been.
NEVERLAND: a raw reflection on fandoms, hero worship, and human flaws
Vanessa Kisuule’s Neverland brilliantly explores the complexities of fandoms, personal identity, and the fallout of hero worship with emotional depth.
THE NIGHT OF BABA YAGA: a gory, fast-paced thriller you won’t forget
Akira Otani’s The Night Of Baba Yaga is a sharp, violent narrative about loyalty and power. Fans of Tarantino and John Wick will love this queer action-packed novel.