Jim Eagles and Mark Fryer round up the best of recently released non fiction books.

The National's return succeeds in its creative focus and thoughtful relevance.

A new CD captures the Herculean challenge pianist Michael Houstoun set to mark his 60th.

Greg Fleming reviews the latest releases from Don Winslow, Sarah Bailey and Susie Steiner.

Conductor Uwe Grodd ignited an impressive conflagration of sound from his choristers.

There's a lot to love about the Royal NZ Ballet's Romeo and Juliet, says Raewyn Whyte.

A Deeper Understanding positions Adam Granduciel as a true rock music auteur.

homemade

Venue for the NZ String Quartet's concert not up to scratch, writes William Dart.

15-year-old Billie Eilish is a new name in pop but one you're going to want to remember.

Josh Homme knows how to play Devil's Advocate on Queens of the Stone Age's new album.

Season two of Top of the Lake goes even deeper than the first.

Nell Gwynn is a highly recommended night at the theatre, writes Janet McAllister.

What's Jane Campion's point with characters in Top of the Lake, asks Greg Bruce.

US composer Copland's symphonic masterpiece is gloriously restored, writes William Dart.

Painted Ruins is a generous, expansive record with secrets to tell.

COMMENT: Richardson's "oafish, larrikin chat" is setting clock back, writes Alex Casey.

NZ Trio's Spiral promised forward motion and leaps into the unknown, writes William Dart.

They say the best revenge is living well. If that's the case, Kesha just won the war.

Dizzee Rascal had backed himself into a corner, now, he's come out fighting.

Old Tricks New Dogs breathes new life into a dance show, writers Raewyn Whyte.

Series is powerful platform for confronting everyday sexism

Modest turnout of moviegoers enough to capture No 1 spot in a month.

William Dart finds himself longing for the Kronos Quartet to channel Jimi Hendrix.

A strong Kiwi debut and a poetic study of masculinity; check out our latest NZIFF reviews.

A UK reality show's huge success is a mystery wrapped in a phenomenon.

Believable portrayal of deeply felt connection satisfies, writes Janet McAllister.

"Winter is here," someone said to someone else, in this week's episode of Game of Thrones.

Emotion-as-drug tale off-theme toward end but more than enough here to satisfy.

Charlize Thereon kicks butt in Atomic Blonde, and it's close to being a knockout.