Pet Shop Boys review

Electric Ballroom, LondonThe era-defining duo’s ultras are suitably spoiled in the first of this intimate five-day run, showered with rarities that put a different spin on their well-known history

‘I couldn’t see, breathe or sing. I blacked out twice’: why are so many metal bands wearing masks?

From Sleep Token to Ghost and Slaughter to Prevail, the genre’s biggest stars are using freaky facial disguises. Are they hiding behind them – or revealing their true nature?

‘I over-articulated to stop my braces sticking to my lips’: how Five Star made Rain Or Shine

‘We performed it everywhere, even on Miss World. Once, on tour, a fan pulled me into the pit – but my hunky Italian security guard put me back on stage’

‘Barbara Windsor smacked our bottoms!’ Pet Shop Boys on showstopping visuals, horrified bosses

As a 600-page doorstopper celebrates their groundbreaking costumes, gigs, sleeves and videos, the duo talk about ‘side-stepping the pop-star thing’ – and the naked trampolinist EMI had to censor

Mumford & Sons on collaborations and how they got their confidence back with their new music

Mumford & Sons' new record, "Prizefighter," recently debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 200. The band spoke to Anthony Mason about their journey through the music industry, how they got their confidence back and the major collaborations on their new music.

Add to playlist: the endlessly inventive, radiant indie rock of Friko and the week’s best new tracks

The Chicago band’s frantic, urgent guitar melodies celebrate hope, friendship and family in these uncertain times

An Astonishing Concept Album Made Even Better

Lily Allen’s West End Girl tour isn’t a live concert so much as epic theater.

Sanaya Ardeshir: Hand of Thought Review

(Karigar)The Indian producer steps away from electronics into intricate, slow-building compositions that favour texture and restraint

'I lost a $3m brand deal. I was like: OK, losers!' Swedish pop provocateur Zara Larsson on fame, fun and fighting the power

After a decade in pop’s underground, Larsson’s radiant fifth album turned her into one of the world’s biggest stars. It’s about time, she says, relishing the attention without sacrificing her morals

Sunn O))): Sunn O))) review

(Sub Pop)The doomy duo strip back their sound to tectonic guitars and feedback, conjuring an immersive, strangely euphoric listening experience recorded in the wilds of Washington

‘Ring the alarm! Wake up! Be human!’: Aurora and Tom Rowlands on their new dance-pop duo Tomora

The Norwegian singer-songwriter and the Chemical Brother have combined their talents, and names, to create a wildly inventive new band. The collaboration has gone smoothly so far – but will they soon need separate tour buses?

'It was an exorcism': how heartbreak, queer rebirth and finding love over Only Connect shaped Wendy Eisenberg’s stunning new album

The guitarist made their name on dazzlingly knotty musicianship and collaboration with the likes of Bill Orcutt. So their new album is their most surprising: a startlingly beautiful reflection of love and self-acceptance