New Albums This Week: The Thermals, Bob Mould

The Thermals – We Disappear (Saddle Creek)

We Disappear is ultimately a break-up album, but framed by the recurring theme of technology, and the way it allows us to commit to semblances of real-life experience while cutting ourselves off from the real thing. An intelligent and invigorating listen.

Bob Mould – Patch the Sky (Merge)

The Hüsker Dü legend is in reflective mood on Patch the Sky, exploring loss of both life and love. Sunny melodies and muscular delivery make this a much more palatable proposition than it seems on paper, with the end result being an album that can't help but win you over.

• “I think it’s a little bit deeper than the last two records” – Bob Mould talks us through the making of Patch the Sky.  

Aidan Moffat – Where You’re Meant to Be (Kiss My Beard) 

The companion piece to Paul Fegan’s new folk travelogue sees Moffat and his band on entertaining form. While it makes more sense if you've seen the accompanying film, Where You're Meant to Be showcases Moffat's sharp ear for folk’s cultural significance. 

• Read our interview with Aidan Moffat on the making of Where You're Meant to Be, and our review of its premiere at Glasgow Barrowlands.

Kiran Leonard – Grapefruit (Moshi Moshi)

Exciting in the same way that mis-reading a map can walk you into the unknown, Leonard's jumbled and action-packed debut presents a songwriter eager to show off the full scope of his inspirations. Watch an exclusive session recording of Hecataeus, shot at Edinburgh's Electric Circus, in the player below.