Will Archer has, in between other projects, quietly been piecing together an epic of strings, subtle beats and A-list collaborators. Touching on R&B, Funk and Jazz rhythms while spotlighting cellos and woodwind for repeating motifs, ‘A Western Circular’ is dynamic and vibrant and abundant while seemingly never trying too hard. Simply, it’s confounding. Featuring verses from MF DOOM, a guaranteed gold star from us, and a collaboration with Sam Herring from Future Islands that manages to feel like both Bowie and Prince. The highlight, however, is ‘Cheater’ featuring Sudan Archives on vocals and a riot of instrumentation that combine for one of the best tracks of the year so far.