Across all four movements, the London Symphony Orchestra plays with genuine commitment, reaching the emotional heart of what is, for a debut symphony, a monumental undertaking. This is music of vivid, strongly compelling sketches that covers the full gamut of human emotion—rage, despair, grief, resilience, and hope—expressed through tempi, expressive crescendos and diminuendos, and outbursts of passion that feel entirely authentic to their subject. It is an album that will reward repeated listening, and it is a deeply impressive arrival, however long in the making.

America's Backroads is a masterclass in modern country-rooted songwriting and further proof that Alyssa Bonagura deserves far greater recognition than she currently receives. Few artists are capable of wearing so many creative hats while maintaining such a consistently high standard, and even fewer can make it look this effortless. This is the work of an artist operating at the peak of her powers, delivering one of the strongest releases of the year. If there is any justice, America's Backroads should be the album that finally introduces Alyssa Bonagura to the wider audience she has long deserved.

Midland has always understood the romance of the road. From North Hollywood’s Palomino Club to Texas institutions like Gruene Hall, Gilley’s and Austin’s Broken Spoke, the Grammy-nominated trio have built their reputation on blending classic country traditions with a cinematic modern swagger.

Following a string of standalone singles, Swedish artist Ellen Benediktson returns with WID4L, her sophomore EP released via Icons Creating Evil Art. Built around emotional impulsivity, obsession and self-awareness that changes nothing, the project pushes further into darker, more volatile territory than her debut Good Girl.

Aaron Copland's Third Symphony is one of those works that seems to contain an entire continent within its bars. Composed in the dying days of the Second World War, it reaches towards the horizon with the confidence of a nation steeling itself for brighter times, its vast sonic landscapes shaped by a mind equally at home in the concert hall and on the open plains. Sir Antonio Pappano and the London Symphony Orchestra bring it to life here with a performance that is, in every sense, the real thing.

Southampton’s own Regent have never hidden their love of football, and with England dreaming of glory once again this summer, the four-piece are back with another terrace-ready anthem. Their new single, The Best of Things, landed on 22nd May, blending swaggering guitar riffs with nostalgic nods to England’s legendary 1966 World Cup triumph.

Doctor Ross was one of the most distinctive figures - and is still one of the most underrated - in post-war American blues and rock’n’ roll. There is always something compelling about the one-man-band, not least Jesse Fuller and Don Partridge, but Ross operated on another level entirely. He did not simply perform: he generated momentum like a force of nature.