May seems to be calling forward some introspection. Whether it’s Sonny’s letter to his past self, the not-so-healthy reminiscing from Lola Young, or the directionless Matilda Mann, there seems to be a theme of inward-looking lyricism. But this collection of Monthly Picks also sees a stock-take of life where it is right now… plus a load of album announcements!

The second solo project from Ed O’Brien, and the first release under his own name, ‘Blue Morpho’ is a sonic wander through the mind of one of the UK’s most recognised and rewarded guitarists, written over four years between commitments with ‘the day job’, or to us mortals… Radiohead.

‘The Music Is Black: A British Story’ presented by the new V&A East in Stratford is the largest ever exhibition on the impact of Black British music on the UK and around the world, and the museum’s first, in the building which opened its doors last month. Read TOPNOTE’s review here.

‘OUTTANATIONAL’ was written at a time of liminality, as a way to escape the internalised conflict surrounding what it means to be ‘home’. Released last Friday, Pigeon’s first album is a dance through nations, identity and culture, between borders, and frequently beyond them. Read on for TOPNOTE’s album review.

Our ears have been thoroughly spoiled this month… in a good way. April delivered some seriously strong albums, including from Holly Humberstone and Jessie Ware, as well as singles that mean business, whether in the relentless track from World News or the welcome return of Palace.

For all the band’s talent – and there is plenty of it – last night’s show at Electric Brixton was missing punch. Read our review of Just Mustard live in London on their ‘WE WERE JUST THERE’ tour.

At the back of Mascara Bar in Stamford Hall, where a tiny doorfront retreats further and further to a living-room style boudoir, Die Twice are preparing to perform at the first of three shows across April and May named ‘Mascara Nights’. The first saw a surprise appearance from Nieve Ella - read about the evening here.

Those who committed to make it to The Kairos’ show at Colours in Hoxton last night with special guests Florentenes would know they’d made the right decision from the first few notes; for all in the audience were treated to a thrilling evening from some majorly exciting artists emerging in the modern rock scene.

Ahead of new EP ‘Put On A Record Tommy’, TOPNOTE went down to The Lower Third in Soho’s Denmark Street to see the North East’s Tom A. Smith on the London date of his headline UK tour for a night of undeniable stage presence and promise.

Out on Friday via Fontana, the multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei welcomes a different collaborator for each of the 5 tracks on brand new EP ‘Between Us’. Borrowing from the talents of Femi Koleoso, Nubya Garcia and more, read TOPNOTE’s review of the project.

This album was instrumental in so many teen soundtracks, as well as becoming the record that took The 1975 from an underground indie band to a household name… but why? We’re uncovering what makes ‘I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It’ our April album spotlight.

Back with her second record, ‘Cruel World’ sees Holly Humberstone sharpen the pen, this time on the topics of growing up and long-distance relationships. Dipped in the influence of dark fantasy, read TOPNOTE’s album review.

This month’s collection of new music picks is a real chocolate box of variety. From the restrained darkness of Die Twice to the toffee tones of Sienna Spiro, there’s a decadent selection to pick from here. March also brought us two huge albums from Harry Styles and RAYE – putting maximalism back on the menu.

With her microphone and storytelling skills, Holly Humberstone brought Kingston into a quiet, private garden within her meticulously imagined ‘Cruel World’. Read our review of the acoustic show hosted by Banquet Records ahead of the British singer’s second album.

Read TOPNOTE’s review of Tom Misch’s intimate album showcase gig hosted by Banquet Records in Kingston, two days before the release of ‘Full Circle’, the new record from the British artist and his first solo release since 2018.