Baby G has garnered something of a cult following thanks to its tasty, American-style burgers and fuss free vibe. And, after hosting a number of popular pop-ups around the city, the team is finally embarking on something that allows hungry punters more than few days only to sample the delicious offering.
From tomorrow, Baby G will take up a three-month residency at Orphans Kitchen, where it will sling burgers and tasty sides (think truffle parmesan fries with housemate roasted garlic aioli) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm until 9pm. Starting with one burger and a couple of sides but with a vision to offer more snacks and various specials as the pop-up progresses, Baby G will also use the residency as an opportunity to run some test kitchens and get creative.
Capitalising on the convivial, social vibe of the Ponsonby Road stalwart, Baby G’s pop-up will be the perfect place to pop into for a delicious bite, some laid back tunes and a drink or two.
We’ve been fans of Blunt umbrellas for as long as we can remember. They seem to be the only brand that stands the test of time (or those brutal waterfront winds), and with total honesty, they’ve become somewhat of a status symbol among those traipsing their way around town.
Blunt’s latest collaboration with artist Otis Frizzell brings us joy. With a super-cute pattern designed especially for the occasion and bright enough to keep the rain clouds away, it is a limited-edition umbrella that we think simply everyone needs to have.
While the pattern is bespoke and incredibly cool, the meaning behind the collaboration has us sold. Frizzell created the special pattern especially for Cure Kids, where proceeds from each purchase go directly towards the charity. It was in this collaboration too that 14-year-old Eva Mitchell served as the muse, someone who has spent her life around Cure Kids.
Born with only half a diaphragm, Mitchell lives with gastrointestinal failure and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Only given a 10% chance of surviving birth and spending time in and out of intensive care for most of her life, Mitchell’s strength and resilience have made her a recognisable and admirable face amongst New Zealanders.
It’s collaborations like this one with Blunt and Otis Frizzell that make the work of Cure Kids possible, which has genuinely given Mitchell a new lease on life — one that has enabled her to enjoy her childhood while managing her illness.
“It gives hope to kids like me – not just that we might find a cure for our conditions, but that our treatments will improve and that people will have more understanding of how they can help,” she shares.
The limited-edition BLUNT x Otis umbrella is available online at ShopGood, an online shopping platform that’s all about doing good, for $129, with $20 from each purchase going towards Cure Kids. Shipping is free, thanks to support from Aramex.
Philly cheesesteaks are an all-American classic, with their history dating back to the 1930s and a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. But now, the iconic dish is being treated to a Kiwi reimagining thanks to Phat Philly’s — a brand new drop-in and takeaway spot in Morningside with a deliciously indulgent menu full of cheesesteaks, sandos, fried chicken and more.
At its heart, the offering of Phat Philly’s is simple — it’s about connecting people with good food that is fuss-free and utterly delicious. Their crown jewel is the Full Phat, a classic sando with hot cheese, onion and big old slab of steak. And while this meal may be polarising for some, it is undeniably tasty, with the quality ingredients (read: no terrible American cheese) sure to have you coming back for more (even though you know that perhaps you shouldn’t). A mushroom-based alternative is on offer for those seeking something plant-based, which offers a totally new take on fungi, alongside gluten-free options ensuring cheesesteaks for all. And if cheesesteaks aren’t your thing, Phat Philly’s also offers chorizo and beef sliders, tater tots and fried chicken — basically all the comfort food we seek on cold, wintry nights.
But what is even more astounding than the food, is the fact that it took the owners no more than a week to open from inception. Bringing together some of the team from nearby Crave, Kind and Morningcider, (all of which share the same laneway collective space), it took a mere seven days to dream up, fit out and start serving — a seriously impressive feat in hospitality.
Suppose the hallmark of a good suburb is the calibre of its dining destinations. In this case, Morningside is punching well above its weight, particularly as this new addition looks set to become a popular spot for hungry Auckland punters. So as the weather closes in, why not treat yourself to one of Phat Philly’s juicy, delicious cheesesteaks? You won’t be disappointed.
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday — 4pm until 9pm Friday & Saturday, 4pm until 10pm
Seeking to update your your living space? From myriad designers, decades and milieux, these iconic occasional chairs promise the perfect finishing touch to any well-curated space and are exactly what we feel like curling up in this season.
D.154.2 Armchair by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C, available from Dawson & Co. Pictured in the Vaucluse Residence by Nina Maya Interiors. Photo: Felix Forrest.
Future Proof Gio Ponti’s D.154.2 armchair reflected the futuristic ideas that the iconic architect and furniture designer gathered during his trips to Latin America in the early 1950s. Cosy like a shell but with modern touches, the chair looks good anywhere — and has complementary polyurethane frames and a plush cushion that can be upholstered in the Molteni&C textile range.
From left: Ligne Roset‘s Pumpkin armchair pictured in Elsternwick House by Chelsea Hing. Rolf Benz’s 594 Arm Chair available from Frobisher.
What Goes Around When Pierre Paulin’s 1971 seating design for French president Georges Pompidou’s private Elysée Palace apartments was put into large-scale production, it quickly became an icon. Ligne Roset’s Pumpkin armchair — characteristic of Paulin’s revolutionary style, and evocative of a giant gourd — will draw you in with its generous curvature and keep you there with its soft upholstery.
Easy Going From its soft, elegant curvature to its plush, velvet upholstery for extra comfort, Rolf Benz’s 594 Arm Chair exemplifies easy elegance. Eye-catching thanks to its high, broad back but not so attention-grabbing as to take over a space, this chair will be at home in any discerning living room.
Chloè armchair by Giulio Marelli, available from Sarsfield Brooke.
Two’s Company Simple, sophisticated and versatile, the Chloè armchair by Giulio Marelli features a unique bentwood structure in oak veneer that curves elegantly around its cushioned backrest. With the frame and upholstery both available in a range of sleek finishes, these chairs can be made to suit any space, and often work better in pairs.
Soriana armchair by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, available from Matisse. Pictured in the Forest Knoll Residence by MASS Beverly.
Creature of Comfort The Soriana armchair by Afra and Tobia Scarpa for Cassina changed the face of upholstered furniture. The year was 1969, and the use of polyurethane foam opened a door to new structural possibilities. This chair became the embodiment of casual comfort and was widely sought-after for its quirky shape. Now, the re-released design needs no internal support, and is made with specially-developed BioFoam so you can sink even further into the seat with renewed relaxation.
From left: Redondo armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, available from Matisse, pictured in Arent&Pyke’s Villa Amor. Lido by GamFratesi for Minotti, available from ECC.
Driver’s Seat From its distinctive two-part shape to its padded shell and generous seat cushions, the Redondo armchair by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso mirrors the sumptuous interiors, soft body curves and on-road comfort of 1950s and 1960s American cars. Constructed to have no sharp corners and finished in a supple, quilted fabric this chair is made for those who love cruising through life.
Feet Up Designed by Italian-Danish duo GamFratesi for Minotti, the Lido is a 1950s-inspired basket-shaped seat with sweeping, continuous curves that immediately draw the eye. Available with a sculptural x-shaped base, or a more subtle one with legs in solid timber, this chair marries Brutalist lines with plush comfort and feels complete when paired with its matching footstool.
Nuvola 09 lounge chair by Paola Navone for Gervasoni, available from ECC. Pictured in the AAP Residence by Mim Design.
Make a Statement In the otherwise male-dominated Italian design world of the 1980s, Paola Navone was the exception, active in the avant-garde design movements. Her multi-layer Nuvola 09 lounge chair for Gervasoni features a hidden solid wood frame which is covered by a fibre quilting made from goose down and polyester to lend it unique shape. A choice as bold as its designer, this chair will add confident flair to any living space.
From left: Poliform’s Mad Queen Chair, available from Studio Italia, pictured in the Toorak Garden Residence by Conrad Architects. Saarinen Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, available from Studio Italia.
Diamond in the Dark It’s all in the name for the Mad Queen armchair by Marcel Wanders for Poliform. As part of the open-minded Mad collection, it’s a regal style with comfortable curved lines and a voluminous shape. The top-quality upholstery, including diamond quilting, is suitable for the matriarch of any distinguished home.
Fine Form Eero Saarinen set a new design precedent in 1948 when he designed the Womb Chair at Florence Knoll’s request for “a chair that was like a basket full of pillows”. The sweeping form of this mid-century classic supports countless positions, so you can embrace relaxation in any way you prefer.
The latest early-noughties style staging a bold comeback is the classic platform heel. Unapologetically brazen and flattering on every figure, this style of shoe will see you putting your best foot forward every time. And with a raft of street style icons and renowned brands offering their own takes on the trend, we have been left with a range of options to suit any taste.
Clockwise from top left: Jodie Platform Sandals from Saint Laurent, Triplatform Sandals from Versace, Women’s platform sandal from Gucci, Max 150 Platforms from Jimmy Choo, Valentino Tan-Go 155mm platform pumps from Farfetch, Medusa Aevitas Platform Pumps from Versace.
Clockwise from top left: D’Accori Belle textured-leather platform sandals from Net-a-porter, Bottega Veneta Tower 140mm platform pumps from FWRD, Amina Muaddi Dalida PVC Platform Sandals from Moda Operandi, Christian Louboutin Jenlove Alta from Faradays, See by Chloe Viviane Platform Sandal from Workshop, Podium Platform from Louis Vuitton.
As the seasons shift, so too does the produce made available to the kitchens around Auckland. Thanks to the changing climate, delicious new dishes are popping up on the menus of our favourite restaurants, and one that has particularly caught our eye is Park Hyatt’s Onemata. Guided by the evolution of seasonal ingredients and the new inspiration to be found in those, the latest homegrown menu offers a taste of New Zealand on a plate.
Traversing the length of the country and the vast cuisine on offer, Onemata’s Head Chef Rob Hope-Ede has curated a truly considered offering. From northern flavours like Te Matuku oysters to southern delicacies like Orā King Salmon, and dishes like lamb agnolotti and Cloudy Bay clam spaghetti with chilli soffritto, it is a menu that showcases the delicious uniqueness of New Zealand’s culinary landscape.
Chicken Liver Pate with Kumara Syrup and Toast; Soft chocolate, hazelnut, Jerusalem artichoke caramel and truffle ice cream.
Yet perhaps the most exciting new offering (especially for those who struggle to decide on dishes), is Onemata’s Hearth Oven, an addition to the menu that allows diners creative license to build their own dish. Here, you can pair succulent meats or vegetables with inspired sauces and sides to match. Think Pamu Farms venison or Te Mana lamb shoulder to share, paired with red wine jus or truffle béarnaise and add-ons like baby cos with pancetta and anchovies or tasty potato salad.
Of course, no dining experience at Park Hyatt is complete without the innovative touch of pastry chef Callum Liddicoat — his soft chocolate, hazelnut, Jerusalem artichoke caramel and truffle ice cream is the perfect winter dessert and an unmissable menu highlight. The menu is best served with finely paired wines from one of the most extensive and exclusive wine lists in the country, courtesy of sommelier Suraj GC.
Roasted Eggplant with Babaganoush and truffle and Date Syrup; Onemata’s Head Chef Rob Hope-Ede.
At its best, this is a menu that celebrates New Zealand’s seasonal bounty and the culinary talents to be found right on our doorstep, and is a credit to the clever team that have made Onemata such a popular dining destination. So if you’ve been looking for an excuse to book a mid-winter dinner date, here it is.
To celebrate Onemata’s new menu, we are giving away a divine dining experience for two. The Five-Course Kitchen Counter Experience allows you to sit at the kitchen counter and relax as Head Chef Rob Hope-Ede takes you on a culinary journey, sharing his inspirations and the techniques behind the new menu. The five-course menu and matching wines have a total value of $400.
This competition is now closed.
Onemata
Park Hyatt Auckland
99 Halsey Street,
Auckland CBD
Got a chilli craving? When an appetite for spice strikes, there’s only one thing to do — plan your next meal immediately. Whether you want to simply flirt with fire or go full throttle, these dishes are sure to satisfy your need for heat, from noodles and fried chicken to tacos and curry.
Spicy pork gyoza with Sichuan pepper & aji amarillofrom Azabu Ponsonby In Azabu’s unmistakable Japanese-Peruvian style, spicy pork gyoza is paired with Sichuan pepper & a spicy aji amarillo sauce. Savoury and oh so moreish, this dumpling dish is so nice you’ll want to order it twice.
Bang bang chicken from The Blue Breeze Inn Forget the pork bao, the bang bang chicken is one signature dish you don’t want to miss. Cold shredded chicken is paired with tangy black vinegar, crunchy peanuts and plenty of glossy, chilli-ladened sauce. Enjoy as is or even up the spice level with Sichuan chilli sauce or minced pickled chilli available to order on the side.
Milenta, Peaches Hot Chicken.
Kingfish with aji amarillo sauce and finger limefrom Milenta This Victoria Park newcomer has become a fast favourite for its strong menu of smoky flavours and expertly executed dishes. The kingfish is a standout, pairing delicate slices of fresh fish with a spicy Peruvian aji amarillo sauce that packs a serious flavour punch.
OG sandwichfromPeaches Hot Chicken Specialising in authentic Nashville hot chicken, Peach’s Hot Chicken is so popular that the former food truck transitioned to a restaurant in East Auckland’s Panmure. Choose your spice level (ranging from mild to Holy Cluck — described as a religious experience) and enjoy it served between two buttery brioche buns with homemade pickles and creamy aioli.
Sad cold noodles mixed with cucumber shreds in spicy sauce from Eden Noodles The menu flags this dish, pre-warning you of its super spicy status. We can confirm it’s no over-exaggeration. The refreshingly cold noodles and cucumber prove the perfect foil for the ear-ringing sauce that while punishing, is impossible to stop devouring.
Ockhee, Roti Bros.
Spicy soy and sesame glazed Korean fried chickenfrom Ockhee Packing a gochujang-spiked punch of flavour, Ockhee’s Korean fried chicken is not to be missed and pice fans will love the spicy soy and sesame glazed chicken; trust us, it brings the heat. We recommend pairing with the Chun Sa Chae noodle salad for a deliciously fresh contrast.
Thai beef rotipiefrom Roti Bros Fresh from their hole-in-the-wall spot at Commercial Bay, Roti Bros signature pastries combine soft, buttery roti paratha and South Asian flavours with the classic Kiwi pie. For those wanting a kick we recommend the Thai beef roti pie which is is a delicious and bold combination of spicy, salty, sweet and sour.
Boneless chilli chickenfrom Spicy House Let’s be honest, anything from Balmoral’s Spicy House is sure to satisfy any and all spice cravings. However, the chilli fried chicken served here has made quite a name for itself and after you taste it, you’ll understand the hype. The chicken is seasoned with a copious amount of chilli and is perfectly cooked so that once you sample it for the first time, you’ll be addicted for life — seriously.
Bar Magda, Lowbrow.
Purple kumara, clover honey soy, goats cheese and Sichuan pickled beetrootfrom Bar Magda New kid on the block Bar Magda certainly knows how to make an impression when it comes to a fusion of flavours. While most of the dishes carry a certain level of kick, paying homage to their Filipino heritage, the Sichaun pickled beetroot is an entirely comfortable way to uplift an otherwise creamy and utterly comforting dish. It’s one that, try as we might, we can simply never look past ordering.
Fush sando from Lowbrow While there are two versions of this irresistible sandwich (original and hot spice), we are not ashamed to say the spicy kind gets our order, every time. Tempura market fish is dusted in mouth-tinglingly hot spice, paired with cooling lemon pepper mayo, and served on a pillowy soft potato bun. Finish with pickles and crisp lettuce and every bite will be heaven, down to the very last.
Smoked mushrooms, fenugreek, trufflefrom Cassia This comforting curry from Cassia has it all — creamy mushrooms, a deep umami flavour and a decent heat kick that isn’t overwhelming, but rather makes the other layers of spice sing. Paired with fluffy naan and rice, this may just be the perfect vegetarian meal.
Simon & Lee, Ghost Street.
Danger spicy chicken nibblesfrom Simon & Lee You can’t go to Simon & Lee without trying its famous Korean fried chicken, and for good reason. Those looking to flex their tolerance (and perhaps question their own sanity later) can try the ‘danger spicy’ chicken, which comes complete with disposable gloves to help you tackle the fiery pieces with aplomb. Try the ‘safe spicy’ if you don’t have anything to prove.
Wok seared eye fillet with doubanjiangand dried chillies from Ghost Street With a menu centred around Beijing’s famous food street, it’s easy to find something with a bit of spice at this subterranean eatery. One of our favourites is the perfectly tender wok seared eye fillet paired with a hot Chinese bean sauce, ginger, celery and finished with dried chillies for an extra layer of heat.
Bakso abang abangfrom It’s Java The beauty of the noodle soup from this Indonesian eatery is that you can tailor it to suit your tastes. With beef meatballs, two types of noodles, stuffed tofu and bok choy, its warming broth is made even more delicious with the addition of vinegar and kecap manis. In our case, it sings when loaded with It’s Java’s free-flowing housemade sambal sauce — of which you can help yourself to as much (or as little) as you please.
Hello Beasty, Ebisu.
Spicy BBQ pork scotchfrom Hello Beasty Bringing the heat to Viaduct Harbour, Hello Beasty’s Spicy BBQ pork scotch is packed with spicy Sichuan flavour before being grilled to perfection on the hibachi. The dish is perfectly paired with lettuce ssam, kimchi and a yuzu cucumber pickle to balance out the heat.
Steamed prawn dumplings with ginger soy and housemade chilli oil from Ebisu Unsurprisingly, the traditional Japanese influence on Britomart’s Ebisu brings flavours to the table that satisfy our spice cravings in infinite ways. Yet it is the steamed prawn dumplings that stand out when we’re seeking an extra punch. Served with ginger soy, housemade chilli oil, shaved almonds and crispy shallot, it perfectly hits every flavour note with an element of inspiration and surprise, down to the last morsel.
As soon as Matariki festivities cease, we look to another festival of the stars to bring us gastronomic inspiration throughout the winter months — this time, calling on Japanese mythology and culture for a truly beautiful celebration.
Tanabata is a vibrant feast for the senses. Also known as the star festival, it celebrates the ancient legend of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are only allowed to come together once a year. Throughout Japan, the tradition has prevailed for more than 1000 years, with villages offering parades, banquets, games and drinking.
So with these traditions in mind, Haku Vodka and MASU have collaborated on the most auspicious of events. For six weeks, the beloved restaurant will transform into a space worthy of the deities. The beautiful venue will be complete with live bamboo trees, layers of traditional streamers — some inscribed with the guests’ wishes — and thousands of lights to emulate the night sky. The most welcomed addition, however, is Haku Vodka’s specialty cocktail menu, which has been created in honour of Tanabata.
Akira Ohki, MASU’s award-winning mixologist, has imagined the bespoke menu that will only be available for the celebrations. While the list is robust and must be sampled in person, our favourites include the Orihime (with cherry blossom mirin, strawberry and vanilla) and the NZ Tanabata Harvest (paying homage to our produce with truffle-infused Haku, apple and pear).
From left: Haku Vodka; MASU.
Haku makes its mark as a vodka representing the craft that goes into Japanese distilling. It is born from 100% Hakumai rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal, which delivers a purity that is hard to find and a unique flavour profile that lends itself beautifully to MASU’s revered cuisine.
“I spent a number of years living and training in Tokyo, studying Japanese cuisine and taking part in the spectacular local events,” shares Nic Watt, MASU founder and chef. “The Japanese are very observant of the seasons, deeply respecting fresh, seasonal eating and drinking, and festival cuisine reflects this.”
With starry night festivities in mind, Tanabata is one we can’t wait to celebrate in style. Running from July the 1st until August the 13th, bookings through MASU are essential. And for one last added celebratory surprise, those who attend the celebrations at MASU have the chance to win a trip for two to Tokyo, Japan, including six nights of accommodation and a tour of a Suntory Distillery (worth $9,500).
To celebrate Tanabata, Haku is also running a series of Kintsugi workshops with local expert Ema Frost, which considers the art of weaving beauty into imperfections by mending pottery with fine gold. Tickets can be purchased here.
As the flu season hits us like few others that have come before, we find ourselves reaching for innovative ways to uplift our spirits and get our health back on track. It is to be expected, of course, that our immune systems aren’t as robust as they once were, and this year we need a little extra TLC to keep our health flourishing. These are the winter wellbeing remedies we’ve been leaning on at Denizen to help get us through — we hope you find a little goodness for you too.
IV Vitamin Therapy When it feels like moments away from everything crashing down around you, with little to stop you from sinking into bed and letting sickness take over, let a banana bag be your friend. There is much to be said for the incredible benefits of modern medicine, and having IV vitamin therapy on speed dial can really leave you feeling like a million bucks in mere minutes (or hours). Depending on your symptoms, you will find a cocktail of nutrients best tailored to you — but you can never go wrong with some high-dose vitamin C at this time either. Our favourite local purveyor of this helpful service is Drips NZ, who offer a comprehensive menu of vitamins to suit any kind of need and an easy mobile IV service that comes direct to your house. Administered by a registered nurse and only requiring about an hour of your time, Drips is as straightforward as it is life-changing.
Daily Zinc Dosage Equally as important as vitamin C for immunity is the essential mineral zinc. This natural compound is often looked to for skin health, for its role in protecting you from acne and blemishes. Zinc acts as a barrier in the body, preventing pathogens and viruses from entering the cells surrounding your organs. It’s a lot of science-speak, but the key takeaway here is that there’s no such thing as too many zinc-rich foods like oysters.
Gargle Saline Solution On advice from my naturopath (and years of watching my mother, who is rarely sick), saline solution is the trick to fighting sickness. It doesn’t need to be a complex or costly process either; simply dissolve salt in a glass of warm water, gargle a mouthful, and repeat until it is all done. This creates friction in the throat, making it challenging for viruses to cling on and remain stable. Instead, they are sent to the stomach, where they can be dealt with by all the good bacteria — preventing illness before it arrives.
Steam Inhalations Steam inhalations will be your new best friend when the scratchy throat starts to become somewhat stuffy. Best performed first thing in the morning, and as you go to bed at night, the inhalation routine involves tea tree oil (I love to use Olbas Oil), boiling water, and a towel over your head. I recommend using the 10 minutes (which can drag on) to sink into a podcast or a quick meditation. Alongside shifting any congestion through your sinuses, it also removes any impurities in the skin while giving them a hydration hit — it’s a win, win, win.
Nourishing Foods It has often been reflected that you are what you eat, a notion that certainly rings true in winter. Now more than ever, you want to be eating some of the most wholesome, nourishing foods that are seasonally available, like soups and soul-warming spicy dishes. This time of year also calls for the welcome addition of immune-supporting foods — those that promise to act as both medicinal and culinary delight.
Saunas & Ice Baths If you’re feeling up to it, a little hot and cold therapy goes a long way in safeguarding your immune system for the future. A gentle sauna could be just the ticket to help your body sweat out all the nasties (while leaving you feeling revived), but if you’re more advantageous, following it with a plunge in an ice bath to test the strengths of your immunity. See for yourself what happened when our editor-in-chief took the plunge with some contrast therapy at local spot, Hana.
Gentle Hot Yoga If you’re someone who prefers to stay a little more active, even when you’re craving rest, a restful hot yoga class can go quite a long way. These sessions don’t always have to be power or Bikram, but studios like Basecamp and Studio Red are known to offer more gentle, nourishing fusion and yin classes in their heated spaces.
Rest & Sleep It is no secret that ample sleep is the most potent remedy, and when it comes to keeping any winter bugs at bay, an entire eight hours is essential. Yet when the stress of the day becomes apparent, or you are tempted to stay up late catching up on new episodes of whatever show you’re addicted to, a little natural support may be needed too. We are very excited about Two Island’s new sleep-inducing herbal elixir, Night Cap, as well as Jeuneora’s latest release, Beauty Sleep, a plant-based adaptogenic hot chocolate superpowder that makes a strong case for hot cocoa before bed.
With these natural remedies at your beck and call, winter illnesses and lingering flu cases stand little chance of bringing your health down to its last leg. Instead, winter can be a season where you can actually thrive, should your body be given the best chance to protect itself.
There is something to be said for listening to and enjoying an album from start to finish — the way the artist likely intended. And there is certainly no shortage of musical talent releasing new bodies of work at the moment. From local up-and-comers to fan-favourites, here are the albums we’re listening to on repeat right now — and you should too.
Soft Spot by Chelsea Jade Soft Spot is Chelsea Jade’s second album, written to draw on the spaces between feeling and expression, certainty and doubt. Her talents and focus as an artist have evolved, and in this album she speaks to romance specifically, in a more solemn way. This release is a must for anyone straddling feelings of melancholy and joy and will make fast fans of indie lovers everywhere. Song to start with: Best Behaviour
Remember Your North Star by Yaya Bey Described by the artist as a ‘thesis’ of sorts, Yaya Bey’s dazzling new album traverses through scenes of heartache and joy as the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter expresses her own experiences with mysogeny, depression and familial turmoil. In a sound that marries R&B with soul and jazz, and lyrics that offer insight into her psyche, Yaya Bay has created an incredibly engaging, throughtful, moving record that we will be listening to on repeat in the coming months. Song to start with: Keisha
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar In the fifth studio album by the only rapper in history to have won a Pulitzer Prize, this new release by Kendrick Lamar promises to take you on a musical journey into his mind and family life. Full of the musician’s signature wordplay, lycical genius, surprising musical scores and jostling rhythms, the album wrestles with the trauma of the black experience and is another exhilierating, enthralling release from the iconic artist. Song to start with: Rich Spirit
C’mon You Know by Liam Gallagher The ever-divisive former Oasis frontman has announced his May release of C’mon You Know, and listeners around the world can expect more rock-classics that promise to be just as iconic, but perhaps less repetitive than ‘Wonderwall.’ Song to start with: C’mon You Know
Life Is Yours by Foals Following up the trio’s 2019 two-part release, Life Is Yours is one of the most anticipated indie-rock albums this year and builds on Foals’ February single, ‘2am.’ Song to start with: 2am
Dropout Boogie by The Black Keys After taking a five-year hiatus ending in 2019, blues rockers The Black Keys have come back in full force. Dropout Boogie is their third studio album in four years, and it’s one we’ve been playing since the release — paying homage to their signature sound that put them on the map. Song to start with: Wild Child
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