Mike Patton and the Avett Brothers join forces to create a work of immense beauty.

Works by Saariaho and Shostakovich Dudok Quartet Amsterdam Rubicon RCD1218 59:41 mins Carrying a dedication to ‘those who have departed’, Kaija Saariaho’s Terra Memoria for string quartet, composed in

Rat City Rockers TEE PEE

Featuring tributes to curry and fantasy battles involving… rats?! here are all the records our critics loved this year

From nature worship to screaming, Mawiza’s singer/guitarist shares the metal and Mapuche music that’s shaped him

London’s post-punk seismographers pick up more weird vibrations on their third album. By Victoria Segal. Illustration by Cold War Steve.