Plus: Sheffield metal stars Malevolence on their big break – and how to confront online hate
Sleeve Notes | The Guardian

Support the Guardian

Fund independent journalism

Sleeve Notes
Picks of the week
Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman on the wild stories in her southern gothic rock
Arson, sex shops, livestreamed funerals  
Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman on the wild stories in her southern gothic rock
Wednesday’s picaresque yarns are full of arson, sex shops and outcasts. At home in North Carolina, their leader explains why she likes things ‘a little bit scary’ – and what’s next after her split from bandmate MJ Lenderman
‘His music documented an America that no longer exists’  
Brian Wilson’s brilliance, by key collaborator Van Dyke Parks
‘Death is complicated and kaleidoscopically beautiful’  
Jerskin Fendrix on his emotional new album – and life after Oscar success
‘Grown-ass men cry in our arms!’  
The political, powerful music of soul band Durand Jones and the Indications
‘You can’t wear gold without diamonds!’  
Hip-hop legend Slick Rick on bling, British roots and his 26-year break
Reviews
Loyle Carner  
Hopefully! – rap sweetheart faces family, fear and the feels
Hopefully! – rap sweetheart faces family, fear and the feels
Hotline TNT  
Raspberry Moon – love lights melodies through the fuzz
Folk album of the month  
Duo Ruut: Ilmateade – Estonian duo’s soulful look to the skies
 

The Guardian is a reader-funded news organization that answers to no one other than the public. You can support us here – it’s quick, and any amount helps. Thank you.

 
Spotlight
Post your questions for drag legend Bimini
Glastonbury 2025  
Post your questions for drag legend Bimini
The Guardian is returning to Glastonbury with three starry Q&A sessions, and you can ask the questions. First up, it’s RuPaul’s Drag Race star Bimini
Classical
Majestic, rigorous and sheer fun  
The best of Alfred Brendel’s recordings
The best of Alfred Brendel’s recordings
Album review  
La Mer: French Piano Trios – expansive, beguiling and unexpected
La Mer: French Piano Trios – expansive, beguiling and unexpected
Album review  
Berlioz and Ravel – his orchestra is responsive to Mäkelä’s every move
Berlioz and Ravel – his orchestra is responsive to Mäkelä’s every move
Add to playlist
Sailing towards Glastonbury  
Rod Stewart’s greatest solo songs – ranked!
Rod Stewart’s greatest solo songs – ranked!
You may have missed
Sheffield metal stars Malevolence on their big break – and how to confront online hate
‘People recycle the same old racism’  
Sheffield metal stars Malevolence on their big break – and how to confront online hate
They’ve broken crowdsurfing records – 901 in a single gig – but their music confronts deep, difficult subjects from mental health to toxic discourse
My unexpected Pride icon  
They were not cool, but bands like Mumford & Sons eased the turmoil of coming out
As a queer, black woman raised on jazz and soul, discovering the genre of indie folk felt like an antidote to the guilt and self-loathing I was battling through
‘It’s all fan-driven. People are in absolute raptures’  
How mysterious masked rockers Sleep Token took over metal
They just headlined Download festival and their latest album went to No 1 in the US and UK – so why is Britain’s biggest metal band in a generation so hated by some?
‘Nobody makes a record like that for the money’  
How Gang of Four made Entertainment!
‘There was tension with the National Front and swastikas on walls. So I’m proud the album is an outsider classic – but feel depressed these songs are still relevant’
Live music this week
J Hus  
Rapper touched by genius can’t quite channel his energy
Rapper touched by genius can’t quite channel his energy
Outbreak festival  
Hardcore and pop hooks collide in impeccable genre-fluid lineup
Get in touch
If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com
 

… there is a very good reason why not to support the Guardian

Not everyone can afford to pay for news. That is why our website is open to everyone.

But – if you can afford to do so – here are three good reasons why you might consider becoming a Guardian supporter today:

1

Your funding means we can be completely independent

2

High-quality, trustworthy journalism is a public good

3

You can support us however you like

Help power the Guardian’s journalism at a time when misinformation is rife online and good news can be hard to find. It could be a one-off payment or a regular monthly amount of your choice. Thank you.

 
You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber to Sleeve Notes. Guardian News & Media Limited - a member of Guardian Media Group PLC. Registered Office: Kings Place, 90 York Way, London, N1 9GU. Registered in England No. 908396