NME Magazine International – the latest music news

Cover Feature – Julian Casablancas For Julian Casablancas, 2014 has been all about launching new band The Voidz and running his label, Cult Records. But as he tells Gavin Haynes, The Strokes will return in 2015 – they’re headlining Primavera and there may be new music ‘if the vibe is right.’ The Week Gallagher Jr returns to the stage for the first time since the Beady Eye split – performing ‘My Generation’ at a Who tribute night, The Maccabees to play Britain’s Best Small Venue - Norwich Arts Centre, in the studio with No Devotion and more. NME Radar Calgary’s caustic post-punk obsessives Viet Cong go from tragedy to triumph as lead band of the week, plus more bands hotly tipped for big things – you heard them here first. Definitive Album Verdicts Lorde showcases her adventurous approach to pop with Kanye, Haim and more on The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 1 soundtrack, taking lead of the week. Plus! Verdicts for Cult of Youth, Frank Turner and more. Ultimate Live Reviews Circle pits, flying limbs and brutal hangovers at the messy finale of the NME New Breed Tour, plus live verdicts for Spoon’s biggest-ever headline show in London. Features Mac DeMarco Mac DeMarco’s 2014 has been bookended by existential funks – triggered first by the process of making his excellent third album and then by the bittersweet effects of its success. Jazz Monroe finds him wrestling with fame and public perceptions. TV On The Radio After years of misery, TV On The Radio are back with ‘Seeds’, “1,000 per cent the best thing we’ve ever done.” Kevin EG Perry meets a band who are learning to laugh again. Mogwai Mogwai are a band with few regrets. And, as NME find outs, after almost 20 years together they’re on a career high, with a Top 10 album, a thriving label and even their own whiskey. Plus… On repeat – Our top 20 tracks of the week, including Mark Ronson, Years