Nick Buckley
Nick Buckley is an arts and culture writer.
Four star-frenzy: These new albums are so close to perfect
This week’s must-hear albums include a jazz master’s opus, a Danish delight and a Western Australian gem.
- John Shand, Annie Toller, Nick Buckley, Tom W Clarke and Robert Moran
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This is the best dance work I’ve seen at this year’s Rising
The show runs for little more than an hour – with an ensemble of just four dancers – but nonetheless gives the impression of an epic drama.
- Andrew Fuhrmann, Nick Buckley, Will Cox and Cameron Woodhead
A pop album about IVF and middle-aged dating? It could only come from Robyn
The most influential pop star of the 21st century became a single mother through IVF – and then made an album about it.
- Nick Buckley
Hula-hooping and a nip slip: Grace Jones delivers chaos and fun at St Kilda gig
On an ominous, stormy night on St Kilda foreshore, Grace Jones makes a declaration that sounds a bit like a threat: “I’m gonna have some fun tonight.”
- Nick Buckley
Talent scouts should make a beeline for this darkly comedic show
Every now and again Melbourne’s indie theatre scene throws up something destined for a bigger stage. I hope that’s the case with Harrison Clark’s Sabotage.
- Cameron Woodhead, Nick Buckley, Bridget Davies, Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen and Jessica Nicholas
The best album of 2025 tackles a racist local staple
American artist Billy Woods’ latest rap masterpiece has an added layer of uncomfortable resonance in Australia.
- Nick Buckley
‘To be Maori is to be political’: Marlon Williams returns to his ancestral tongue
The singer-songwriter’s new album wasn’t intended to be political, but it arrives at a tense moment for Aotearoa politics.
- Nick Buckley
His brother and friends were murdered. Now he only sings to remember them
Recorded between two senseless murders, Mustafa’s new album finds faith as a salve amid overwhelming grief.
- Nick Buckley
The Australian hardcore band that’s on the precipice of unlikely stardom
The tight-knit hardcore scene has an aversion to outside interest. But that hasn’t stopped Speed from becoming Australia’s biggest musical export in years.
- Nick Buckley
She just played Wembley with Taylor Swift. This pop sensation’s rise has been dizzying
With her debut album Vertigo, British pop star Griff is navigating intense new heights.
- Nick Buckley