The Loud And Quiet Podcast

Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs put 3 new albums under the microscope for the year’s first Roundtable episode of the podcast. Those albums are the third from south London post-punk band Dry Cleaning, and a couple of debuts, from LA big voice Tyler Ballgame and Phoenix underground rap duo By Storm.
The anniversary record we take a second look at is of course Bowie’s parting gift, Blackstar, released 10 years ago, just 2 days before his death. Did we all get so caught up in grief that we loved that album without really listening to it, or does it stand up better than ever?
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Further reading/viewing
Sam’s Dry Cleaning cover feature from 2022


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One of the reasons Flying Lotus hasn’t released an album since 2019’s Flamagra is because he’s spent the last 5 years directing a sci-fi horror movie called Ash, starring Aaron Paul. Today he’s announced a new EP – a maximalist collection of tracks called Big Mama, the first to be released via his own Brainfeeder label, which has been releasing others since 2008.
On this episode of the Loud And Quiet Podcast, FlyLo reflects on what making a feature film takes out of you, and how Big Mama came to be from a desire to not write music but sound.
More music (new and old) is on its way in 2026, including a reissue of FlyLo’s long-out-of-circulation 2006 debut album 1983, which fans have had to find on YouTube until now.
Recorded at the end of 2025, we also get into his new year’s resolutions, which range from profound self improvement to hanging out with a big reptile.
Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Further reading/viewing
Big Mama’s artwork
Ash trailer
Kuso trailer
‘Fire Is Coming’ with David Lynch


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Yesterday, Metronomy – a band who have been on a break since 2022 and estimate that they won’t be back until late 2027 at the earliest – announced a single surprise live show for 2026, at London’s LIDO festival on 14 June.
The band’s songwriter and producer, who started Metronomy as a solo project in 1999, has been keeping himself busy in the meantime, working with others, including Robyn once again, and Adam Buxton, whose 2024 novelty record, Buckle Up, he produced.
Speaking with Joe at his home earlier this month, he reflects on the band’s recent Greatest Hits album and explains why it doesn’t mark the end of the band; only that he isn’t rushing inspiration to make a meaningful return. He’s found a lot of that in Lily Allen’s most recent album, and would like Tim Rice or Tim Curry to play him in the biopic of his life. Or Mark Ruffalo.
Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Further reading/viewing
Tickets to Lido
Loud And Quiet early Metronomy cover feature (Nights Out era, 2008)
Loud And Quiet cover feature (Love Letters era, 2014)
Elton John, Tantrums and Tiaras
Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

2025 has been the 30th year of Biffy Clyro, the Kilmarnock trio who always wanted to be 100 people’s favourite band 1 million people’s 10th favourite band.
On this episode of the Loud And Quiet Podcast, frontman, guitarist and lyricist Simon Neil reflects on the band’s beginnings and what drove them to sign to a major for their fourth album, Puzzle. It was, says Neil, a no-brainer, despite them never wanting to be on a big label, and none of their favourite records coming from that world.
The payoff has been undeniable, as Biffy became the UK’s biggest rock band, covered by an X-Factor winner and scoring four number 1 albums, including this year’s 10th record, Futique. Not band for a group of friends who were signed at T In The Park playing the Unsigned Band Stage, when their kit fell apart and was covered in blood.
Further reading/viewing
Simon on A View From A Bridge
The Loud And Quiet Marmaduke Duke shoot and interview
‘Machines’, the Rock Version
Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show


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In the final roundtable of 2025, Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs take on the new album from goblin indie band Sorry, Detroit rapper Danny Brown’s hyperpop record, Stardust, and Rosalía’s swing for pop opera greatness with LUX. Rounded off with our personal albums of the year.
Further reading/viewing
The Loud And Quiet Albums of the Year list
The Danny Brown Show on YouTube
Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe