Richard Russell has been a very busy man this year. Not only has his XL Recordings label released its usual array of diversely stunning records – see: Four Tet, Nourished By Time, Fontaines D.C., Makaya McCraven, Blawan, Jim Legxacy for starters – but Russell’s super collective Everything Is Recorded have been responsible for two albums (this spring’s ‘Temporary’ and the ‘Solstice Equinox’ collection this summer) and then an EP, ‘No Ends No Beginning’ to end the year.

‘Temporary’, a beautifully haunting suite of songs composed with a who’s who of leftfield electronic music, and even the odd bona fide pop star and folk rock matriarch, has easily been our most-listened-to album of 2025, providing succour and joy in equal measure.

As such, naming it our Album of the Year was an easy decision. This is what Russell had to say after he was told of the accolade...

Congratulations on being Disco Pogo’s Album of the Year! Do accolades like this and reviews mean anything to you?  

“Yes, I’m honoured. You never know what anyone is going to think of anything you do. The process of making this album was amazing. While you’re making an album it is your life. After that, everything is out of your control.”  ‍

How do you feel about the album now you have had time to reflect on it and it has got out into the world?  

“I have been so touched by the responses. I've heard from people who have used the album to help them in difficult times, and that is the ultimate achievement. The record is intended to have a healing quality to it, without sounding too woo woo!”

You've played a few shows this year. How different was it playing the songs from the album live?  

“I loved it. I’ve had some incredible experiences this year, being out in the world with an insanely talented and lovely bunch of people. And I have been using a new rig where I can be very expressive and make a lot of noise! We didn’t just play this record, we did some older songs, and a Gil Scott-Heron cover. And also some improvisational stuff, different every time. More coming in 2026. 

What albums have you enjoyed and inspired you this year?  

“Jim Legxacy’s album (‘Black British Music’) is very special and important, with a great sense of humour and humanity. Nourished By Time’s album (‘The Passionate Ones’) shows what an astonishing songwriter he is. Chronixx (‘Exile’). Jay Electronica (who released two mixtapes and three mini albums this year). Lily Allen’s album (‘West End Girl’) kind of shocked and amazed me. Great year!"

What can we look forward to from EIR in 2026? 

“A new single with two new collaborators imminently and a bunch of shows when the weather warms up. See you out there.” 

Read our review of 'Temporary' in our albums of the year round-up

Buy the album

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