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New albums from Thundercat and Arlo Parks reviewed

Thundercat steps into the mind of a young Darth Vader on his new LP, while Arlo Parks deals with the aftermath of a big night out on hers

[Thundercat]

Thundercat steps into the mind of young Darth Vader on one tune(Image: Michal Augustini/REX/Shutterstock)

The funkiest moggy on the planet Thundercat always had the chops to compete with the best, but these days hes strutting around like the cats whiskers on latest LP Distracted.

Those distinctive fretty arpeggios have never never sounded sweeter as the LA bass King lights the jazz funk pop fuse on Candlelight, then becomes the missing link between George Duke and the Beach Boys for Tame Impala assisted No More Lies.

The late Mac Miller loved his pal's basslines and so its only fitting that Cat reserved one of his busiest licks for posthumous head-nodder, She Knows Too Much.

Never mind the four-string Thundercat has also perfected his angelic falsetto, caressing dreamy easy listening gem What Is Left To Say like a young Barry Manilow, while Star Wars nerds will feel the Force as Cat steps into the mind of young Darth Vader for Anakin Learns His Fate.

The themes are amusing and as wild as a Manga comic, but Thundercats polished four star grooves soothe the soul and will keep you purring over Easter.

Closer to home, it took a while for Arlo Parks to overcome modesty and lean into her award winning status but she's finally sounding like a global force.

Project number three Ambiguous Desire is a major leap forward, a free musical spirit taking risks with beat driven tunes that document late night adventures.

Flitting effortlessly between pop, garage, house and indie it's an album of contrasts cemented by the BRIT award winner's poetic riffs and breathy delicate melodies.

Only she could make the act of chundering sound so cool as it does during the woozy Blue Disco which references "chips, gin, scratched walls and throwing up.

Club culture isnt always romantic and, alongside the exquisite voice of Sampha, they sensitively dissect flawed love affair during stand-out Senses.

But Arlo seems like shes worked it all out as the pulse-soothing Floette signals the end of the party. Nothing too ambiguous here, just desirable.

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