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Let’s talk about the 2017 Mercury Prize shortlist

The annual music award shines light on the best of UK and Irish music, but who gets your vote?

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Next month the world’s music press will turn its attention to London for the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize.

Here, Ticketmaster’s Rebekah Davis gives her rundown of the shortlisted artist and the much-acclaimed records that got them there. Don’t forget to let us know who your money’s on!

Alt-J: Relaxer

Alt-J’s Relaxer heavily focuses on mixing discordant and harmonious sound. Alt-J is unafraid to take risks on dynamics, and challenging sonic elements. The use of untraditional alt-rock instruments to compliment the bands distinct sound is breathtaking.

Best song: Pleader

Blossoms: Blossoms

Blossoms is unapologetically catchy, and draws from ’80s synth sounds. Lead singer Tom Ogden sounds a hell of a lot like co-front person for The Last Shadow Puppets (and soloist in his own right) Miles Kane. But other than this flimsy link to another artist, Blossoms have firmly created their own vibe and sound, and in the process have solidified why they’re such a loved live band on their self-titled debut album.

Best song: Blow

Dinosaur: Together, As One

Dinosaur weave contemporary jazz with subtle electronic and rock elements to create a sophisticated, yet totally badass ambient album. The intelligent use of repetition and changes in timbre keep the listener engaged and on the edge of their seat.

Best song: Robin

Ed Sheeran: ÷ (Divide)

It’s hard not to find a thousand reasons why Ed Sheeran is currently considered one of the best singer-songwriters of the last decade, and Divide certainly doesn’t disappoint. Sheeran seems equally at home rapping as singing ballad tunes on his latest release, which is what gives Divide such universal appeal.

Best Song: It’s a tie between Shape of You & Hearts Don’t Break Around Here

Glass Animals: How To Be A Human Being

How To Be A Human Being contains the glitchy electro-rock from ZABA, but second time round the sound from the four piece has focused more on a pop groove that makes this album dancefloor worthy. Glass Animals have developed a flow that’s clever and captivating on their sophomore album, and is a standout amongst these nominees.

Best Song: Pork Soda (explicit)

J Hus: Common Sense

Common Sense is an exciting fusion of Afrobeat with hints of grime, and exceeds all the hype J HUS has received for his debut LP. J Hus swings between intensity and vulnerability, and includes a complex mix of instruments and sounds on this album, making it a strong contender for the prize.

Best song: Clartin (explicit)

Kate Tempest: Let Them Eat Chaos

Possibly the most unique offering of the Mercury Prize nominees is Kate Tempest’s Let Them Eat Chaos which is written as a poem for performance. Part hip-hop, part electro, part spoken word, Let Them Eat Chaos takes the listener on a journey through a day in the life of seven people who live on the same street.

Best song: Album should be listened to from start to finish

Loyle Carner: Yesterday’s Gone

Yesterday’s Gone is smart and charming, the type of record you take home to meet your parents. Infusing jazz elements with rap and hip-hop, this record is clear in its imagery and storytelling.

Best song: Florence

Sampha: Process

Sampha’s smokey voice croons with emotional tension on Process. The layering of sounds, while juxtaposing the sometimes tinny electronic sounds with Sampha’s smooth voice, creates a variation on R&B that’s striking. The album is suspenseful, soulful, and soothing.

Best song: Blood on Me

Stormzy: Gang Signs & Prayer

Stormzy lives up to the hype with Gang Signs & Prayer. Filled to the brim with grime, rap, and smatterings of pop, the album is boisterous but is not afraid to show tenderness on ’90s-inspired ballads. Stormzy’s debut is littered with collaborations with the likes of Kehlani and J Hus, which give the album interesting variation.

Best Song: Big For Your Boots (explicit)

The Big Moon: Love In The Fourth Dimension

Love in the Fourth Dimension is a refreshing reminder that alt-rock is still alive and kicking. While lyrically and melodically simple, The Big Moon at times toys with a theatrical vibe, which creates excitement. Add to this intricate guitar hooks and drum rhythms, these elements combined complement each other and create a standout debut.

Best song: Formidable

The xx: I See You

The xx have solidified their unique blend of RnB and electro elements on I See You. The intimacy and vulnerability has been amped-up on their third LP, while they also expertly execute builds to grab the listener, taking them on their journey of love and loss.

Best song: Brave For You

So, who will win?

Sampha’s Process is one of the strongest and consistent across all musical elements and tracks, but the dark horse is Kate Tempest’s Let Them Eat Chaos. The originality of this album might be the one thing that sets apart from the other nominees to take out the prize.

The 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize for ‘Album of the Year’ will be announced on 14 September 2017 at Eventim Apollo, Hammersmit (London, England).