New York City’s Lathe of Heaven are named after a novel by sci-fi author Ursula K. le Guin and their latest album has been envisioned as a collection of sci-fi short stories – deeply influenced and lyrically driven by themes of anti-colonialism, diversity and equality. All of which would be nice but moot if the sonics were off, but this is a bracing release, particularly if you enjoy paddling in waters where art-pop meets goth. Touchstones include bands such as The Cure and Depeche Mode, by way of Finnish post-punk, and the result is bang on the money. GM

Released 29 August on Sacred Bones