The Cinematics
A Strange Education (TVT Records/Europe)
A Strange Education is the debut album from the Glasgow based post punk/indie band The Cinematics. The album starts well with a punchy sound which seems instantly familiar and likeable. The first few tracks all work very well, introducing the varied styles the band can produce. Race To The City has some fantastic guitar work and a catchy beat which quickly gets your foot tapping along and Break, which has a more electro sound with Scott Rinning really showing the breadth of his vocal talents. Later in the album is a surprising find, a rather upbeat cover of Beck’s Sunday Sun, which the band comfortably put their own stamp on. Unfortunately as mentioned earlier, the easy familiarity the band conjures up, lets the album down. At first listening to the album is very easy to get on with but with repeat play the derivative nature of the album begins to become more noticeable. On listening to the album you can certainly hear influences from bands such as Interpol, Editors, Bloc Party and even shades of The Killers. The problem is these influences come through so strongly it almost leaves you thinking would you be better of just listening to them instead. The Cinematics have produced tracks that are well crafted and the band are clearly talented enough to achieve big things, however until they uncover more of their own sound and grow confident in expressing it, this album will merely be a warm up for their big break. Dan Skurok
The Cinematics Website

Bauhaus
Go Away White (Cooking Vinyl Ltd)
Bauhaus have a lot to answer for. Initially blamed for the birth of Goth music, they formed nearly thirty years ago in 1978. Since that conception, they have moved in circles from glam-rock to post punk and Go Away White see the band deliver what is to be their final statement, progressing into a more angst tainted approach and it is clear to see where they have influenced of the likes of Nine Inch Nails, adopting industrial style samples and guitar riffs. This album is instantly likeable and Adrenalin has a fantastic electro hook that the likes of Joy Division and Krafwerk might usually be associated. The track, however, has a more aggressive, chaotic vocal which works fantastically in the context of the song giving it more of a punk feel. Throughout the album, there are sumptuous bass hooks and T-rex style guitar riffs so there is plenty here to satisfy any rock fan but tracks such as International Bullet Proof Talent gives a real insight in to what Bauhaus are all about. This track has a killer riff and attitude to spare and is just the tip of the Go Away White iceberg. Anybody who picks up this album with an interest in rock, electro or punk will certainly find it of interest. Furthermore, if you like this album its probable you’ll find yourself reaching for the back catalogue of Bauhaus with curiosity as to why you haven’t heard more about them before. For those who know Bauhaus, it’s definitely business as usual. Nik Storey
Bauhaus Website

Groove Armada
Late Night Tales (Outpost Digital)
We’ve all received and enjoyed mix CDs from friends but part of their charm is that it is from someone you know and appreciate the fact that they have taken the time to choose songs they think you’ll like and left something of their personality upon the compilation. You would have to be a pretty hardcore Groove Armada fan to attach the same value to a compilation such as this and see it as anything more than a compilation of no discernable theme. The Late Night Tales series grants the band the opportunity to make some money for old rope by putting their name to a compilation album and adding minimalist touches of remixing. They’ve chosen some great songs but the question is whether their expert mixing enhances or detracts from these classics. The excellent instrumental intro to Roxy Music’s Love Is The Drug is extended but this just makes it too long and it became repetitive as I impatiently waited for the verse. No doubt they chose some great tracks, like Close To Me, by The Cure (number one on my list of tracks that are easier to dance to than you think they’re going to be) but just when I was anticipating the excellent trumpet solo it cuts out to be replaced by the next song, leaving me with unpleasant memories of those awful Jive Bunny singles in the 80’s. Groove Armada are a talented band, but this is for die hard fans only. Murray Brown
Groove Armada Website

Kylie Minogue
X (Parlophone)
Kylie seems to be back with a new style of music! As ever Kylie Minogue is proving herself to be the chameleon of pop. What is really good about the album is that most songs vary from each other, while some are slow and mellow; others are upbeat, energetic and more modern. I like the song Nu-di-ty with its really modern and up-beat tempo. It sounds like RADAR by Britney Spears from her new album, so if anyone likes Britney’s songs they would love this one! Speakerphone has a modern sound to it. It’s a mix between dance music and nice vocals, making it sound quite minimalist. In My Arms is definitely like the classic Kylie songs we know, with its 80’s disco feel. Her new sound, I would say is more aimed at teenagers. There is a good mix of sounds from the 70’s and 80’s with really modern sounds. I would recommend this album for all ages of Kylie’s fans; she’s definitely back with a twist! It’s a great album to listen to when working on a project you don’t enjoy as it seems to magically increase the energy levels! Maria Fafouti
Kylie Website

Malcolm Middleton
Sleight Of Heart (Full Time Hobby)
Sleight Of Heart has the intensity of Conor Oberst and the delightfulness of an acoustic guitar meeting a Casio keyboard under a sunset. Formerly one half of Arab Strap, Malcolm Middleton broadens his horizons with guitar in one hand, keyboard in the other and tells us his own nonagon shaped story. Originally intended to be an acoustic EP it’s developed into an album release and what a good idea that was too. Songs like this cannot be hidden away in rusty drawers. The introducing track Week Off, increases in texture. The violin and piano compatibility sounds like the much appreciated breeze on a sultry day. Love Comes In Waves is the longest on the album at over 7 minutes long and is the perfect ballad. However if you’re not a fan of Coldplay you won’t like the Chris Martin rip off, Hey You. His lyrics are fresh from the soul and are sang effortlessly in a soothing Scottish symphony. There is even a Madonna cover thrown in but thankfully done well and he manages to make it his own song. Admittedly you’ll have to be a fan of the acoustic guitar for this to tickle your fancy as it won’t exactly inject an adrenaline pulse. Kristi Genovese
Malcolm Middleton Website

Kathryn Williams & Neill MacColl
Two (CAW Records)
The latest offering from Kathryn Williams in cohorts with Neill MacColl is nothing short of sublime. Forget about the folky tag and just listen. This is a masterpiece of relaxing, finger picking guitar and fragile harmonies blended perfectly with subtle strings and percussion; you really would be hard pressed not to find a golden moment or two within it. Neill is the son of Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger, so comes to the party with exceptional pedigree. Williams is also a veteran of many albums. The two initially paired up at a "Daughters of Albion” concert. Two just became a natural progression from there and was recorded in just six days with veteran producer Phill Brown (Rolling Stones and Roxy Music fame) at the helm. The result is an intimate album of self penned numbers and covers. The version of Tom Waits Innocent When You Dream is so sweet and gentle it is virtually unrecognisable from the original. Track after track they maintain the mood without ever sounding the same. The lyrics and delivery take you away into a slower, gentle, dreamy world. It is hard to pick out a stand out track, but that is merely because the quality is so high. Relax and enjoy. Recommended! Alan Taylor
Williams and MacColl Website

Sarabeth Tucek
Self titled (The Echo Label)
This is the self titled debut album from New York singer/songwriter Sarabeth Tucek. So far, her voice has drawn comparisons between the likes of Karen Carpenter and Cat Power but throughout the album the edgier sounds of Beth Orton and Aimee Mann become more prevalent. This is a very gently paced album with twinklings of warmth and occasional pleasant surprises with the likes of Holy Smoke. This is the third track on the album which leaves behind the acoustic guitar for a more intense approach accompanied by flourishing harmonies and a more cutting vocal from Tucek. The track unfolds into searing sustained guitar riffs giving the album a darker undertone. Another notable success on the album is Blowing Kisses, a beaty track which will have the chords tugging on the heart strings. Tucek’s resounding voice really makes this track stand out for its lyrics and, following on from Holy Smoke at the beginning of the album, it’s deeper slightly more sinister emotional angle. This is not just another folk album and whilst keeping true to its genre, it is clear there is enough here to be genuinely impressed and evermore curious as to what is coming next. There are elements of country entwined within the album and even a hint of rock and roll in Nobody Cares. With a darker feel to some of the tracks on this album it really does become more than you expect. All avenues are executed crisply and confidently making this a thoroughly addictive, enjoyable album. Nik Storey
Sarabeth Tucek Website

Sparo
The Falling EP (3 Bar Fire)
The Falling recounts Sparo’s descent to Earth, equipped by aliens with a MPC and the aim of spreading love through human-kind……There are some flaws in his story, but this hip-hop/electro EP is pretty flawless. The momentum drives throughout, steadied by dainty string and wind sections, funky bass, glitch programming and the odd sombrero.
Alastair Powell
Sparo Website

The Joe Strange Band
The Benefit of Hindsight
In the style of Americana ballads and indie ‘jump up and dance’, come a wonderful selection of thought provoking ditties. A creation carefully planned at the hands of Mr Strange and his band of merry men; he is taking from the rich heroes of music and giving to us poor souls some wonderful creations. This album is more than just a few nice tunes with catchy lyrics. It gives us an insight into stories that could be a part of our life as much as anyone else’s. Drawing on the country influences of Dylan’s Nashville Skyline album, Pray For Rain is a passionate personal account of some trials of life and travelling. Other personal favourites on this album are Minimum Wag, which was very reminiscent of the Chillies, and the rock and roll blues fest (complete with screaming blues harp) Evil Touch. Just A Test just makes you want to dance and stamp your feet. It’s a positive drive of a song that wakes you up from some of the more slow country songs. On reflection this album seems to capture some great musical influences and give them new life for a new audience. A well complemented blend of a number of genres that excite, provoke thought and encourage toes to tap and fingers to click. Jack Tunnecliff
The Joe Strange Band Website

Tom Baxter
Skybound (Universal Music Publishing)
Following on from his 2004 effort Feather and Stone, Tom Baker returns with Skybound. It is an eclectic mix of flamenco strings, jazz influences and love ballads. There is no question Baxter has an exceptional voice, reminiscent at times of Jeff Buckley or more recently Patrick Watson. The arrangements incorporate keyboards, swirling strings and guitars but it is Baxter’s voice, which really hits the spots. Unfortunately, it is a difficult listen at times, flitting between styles, moods and genres. There are some real stand out tracks, such as Skybound, Better, Miracle and Light Me Up but the failure to maintain a mood makes this one of those annoying albums which runs the risk of giving you “skip a track thumb”. There is no question that talent abounds here, with Baxter going into Flamenco overdrive on Tell Her Today a track which showcases his voice maximally. Miracle is the poppy Radio 2 winner, but it is difficult to know where Baxter is going at times. The mid section of the album appears to be a series of keyboard heavy arrangements reminiscent of Coldplay. Songs such as Half A Man which even features a spot of bleating (yes!) could almost make it as a new Bond theme! That said, the album is worth a listen, the voice is at times exquisite, plus I reckon it’s a grower and Baxter will probably score few film sound tracks out of it . . . . I’ll just be keeping the remote close by! Alan Taylor
Tom Baxter Website

Whole Sky Monitor
Bland Bland Bland (Firebomb Radio Records)
This is the first full length album for Leeds based crooners, Whole Sky Monitor. If you are looking for a harmless, innocuous album which is technically sound, look no further. With the majority of the music world presently being smothered by hybrid genres, like new-rave indie electro pop, that can infinitely expand to the ridiculous. They keep it natural with tracks such as the opening, Cinenema, provides the listener with an introduction of twinkling guitar, uncomplicated bass and unadulterated tea time fun. Three Cheers For The Weirdo is similarly inoffensive, though the lyrics leave a lot to be desired and the guitar solo is frankly under powering for a band that includes such experienced solo and session musicians as John Parkes. The bands producer believes they are aiming for a "sharper punk rock sound" yet desperately lack the aggression vital to the genre. Tracks such as Venus Not Venus and the albums title track Bland Bland Bland, stick to the fundamentals of the already over populated indie vibe. The deviations from these tracks hope to create a new sound but without the passion essential to any innovation, Whole Sky Monitor will remain in the backseat of the rock scene, always support, never centre stage. Meredith Lester
Whole Sky Monitor Website

Ursula 1000
Undressed - Ursula 1000 Remixed (18th Street Lounge)
Undressed is the remix compilation from the 2006 album Here Comes Tomorrow
by Ursula 1000. Fronted by New York based Alex Gimeno, son of a 50's Latin Orchestra member, the varying styles of disco, percussion beats, funk and electronica show an artist who is as indefinable as he is eclectic. Now, I've never been completely sure about having more than one remix of the same song on an album, even one that is specifically for remixes. We've all heard those modern day rock albums that contain a 'live at Brixton Academy' addition, but Undressed contains four of its tracks, twice! Although sceptical, this did allow me to compare said tracks according to who is remixing. For instance, the upbeat party track Hello! Let's Go To A Disco is first remixed by Robosonic and is reminiscent of Soulwax's Nite Versions with it's Lo-Fi techy beats; whereas the Moston & Malente remix rings of The Streets’, Fit But You Know It, with its monotonous guitar intro. Both remixes of Step Back, the reggae infused opening and closing tracks on the album, had me head-nodding and toe-tapping along, but it was the Deekline & Ed Solo version that had a more breakbeat vibe to it that won me over. Undressed is very much a listenable album and is recommendable to those who enjoy cranking up the electrofunk before hitting the clubs. Simon Norris
Ursula 1000 Website

Natalie Gardiner
California (Ramjac)
Following her 2004 debut self titled album, Natalie Gardiner has followed on with a soothing, sexy and soulful second album, California. The half Ghanaian, half Swedish soloist has created a sound which incorporates the smoothness of Sade or Anita Baker with cool house grooves lavished with electro-beats. California has an immediate presence in the style of a trip-hop beat from the first track Summer Rain. This is a groovy, soulful song which has elements of Donna Summer with depth and warmth. The sound is crisp and classy making the song really easy to enjoy. The overall feel of the album is very chilled the most prominent feature throughout is the mood that is created. Come Find Me Again is truly sensual with a funky rhythm which really stands out from the other tracks with great use of African beats. Natalie Gardiner also offers plenty of texture to her music and this makes the album as a whole a really invigorating listen. This is definitely a winning formula for modern soul and funk music and whilst this album is mainly the same tempo throughout, it is intricate yet uncomplicated. Gardiner’s voice is refreshing and offers a new direction for more recent soul artists. California has an ambience that makes this album really enjoyable and makes a potentially tricky second album a very successful follow on. Nik Storey
Natalie Gardiner Website

Pet shop Boys
Disco Four (Parlophone)
If you’re Mark Ronson, your skill is to rip, rupture and ruin perfectly good songs by The Smiths. If you’re Lightspeed Champion your magical musical ability can make Good Shoes’ songs sound better. However, if you’re the Pet shop Boys you turn songs into wedding friendly anthems and send them to cheesy clubs. When I saw Yoko Ono and Rammstein on the same remix album I was somewhat intrigued. Out of all the David Bowie songs they choose the campest one Hallo Spaceboy and out of all of Madonna’s songs they choose the most mainstream, Sorry. Yoko Ono is the exception and sets a slick electro Bjork style sound and is the only one I managed to listen to without skipping through it. If all the songs had this style to it then it would be a pretty decent compilation yet suffice to say it doesn’t quite tick the boxes but you can’t deny them variety. Rest assured for Pet shop boy fans they have remixed two of their own songs, I’m With Stupid and Integral, and it’s plain to see that their own material puts them in their comfort zone. The remixing crowns have already been placed on the heads of Crystal Castles and Erol Alkan and quite frankly a band whose hey day was twenty years ago cannot compare. I was expecting more from a band who were once the electronic egoists. A lesson has been learnt through this album and that’s to not judge a CD by its cover. Kristi Genovese
Pet Shop Boys Website

Red
Fingerprints (Dealmaker Records)
Spurred on by the success of the EP release of Seen, Fingerprints is the debut album from scratch DJ Red (Tom Calvert). Red initially started out as a drummer before embarking on a career based around turntables and multi-track machines which led him to spend a year in California experimenting and refining his unique sound and style. The stand out feature of the whole album is that each track has been created entirely from scratching; each element has been carefully crafted together using genuinely innovative DJ techniques which demand attention. The albums sound is very different from traditional scratch DJ work, sounding almost like well edited remixes rather than the pure turntable manipulation it is. The tracks span some interesting ambiences and moods making the album a pleasure to listen to. The tracks feature a selection of carefully blended instrumental hip hop beats, Simmer and Samba Scratch in particular stand out as showcases of Red’s considerable talents, with some interesting loops and beats, but to pick out just a couple of tracks would be doing the album as a whole an injustice. Each track is worthy of interest and the album, as a whole, works exceptionally well. Red is now also fronting the band Full Fat which features more conventional instruments (guitar, drums and synths) but with the faithful turntable still leading the line and are definitely worth tracking down for a live performance you won’t want to forget. If you have any interest in scratch DJ work or even just fancy experiencing something outside of your normal comfort zone, I cannot recommend this album enough. Dan Skurok
Red Website

Robert Owens
Night-Time Stories (Compost Records)
Robert Owens combines his soul/R&B vocals with house beats, keys and electric rhythms to bring you Night-Time Stories. The sounds in this album are reminiscent of soul and R&B that you may have listened to in the 90's, with a very laid back and loungy sound to it. The soft easy vocals allow the album to flow from track to track, with occasional synth and b-line surprises along the way; evident in No Tomorrow and Inside My World. Signed to Munich-based Compost Records, Robert Owens' fan base reaches as far as Spain, the Ukraine and farther still, showing an artist whose music is widely accepted and enjoyed. This album would probably be a hit for those with a greater appreciation of this genre of music. Simon Norris
Robert Owens Website

The Kull
Transference (Illumnirec)
From only forming in late 2004, to bringing out their debut album on Swedish label Ilumnirec in 2007, The Kull could have done worse. Okay, world dominators like Arctic Monkeys could probably have had three albums out in that time but on the local bands scale very few have this success. Transference means shifting emotions from one person to another unconsciously and in this case, The Kull shift their raw loud and exuberant sound into the air waves. This would be great if this sound wasn’t what you heard in pretty much every song. They’ve been likened to Queens Of The Stone Age in the past but I can honestly say it’s probably the opposite. Songs like Where Did You See Me ease you in slowly while songs like Iron Tongue drag you into their frenzy of sound almost immediately. It is a good debut but won’t be the album that will make them stand on the shoulders of giants. You can imagine it sounding enormous in venues like Junction 7 with their three guitars but it’s a big step away from Rock City potential. But get rid of their old skool Placebo sound and make more songs like Rattle and All Fall Down and they could be on the right track. Kristi Genovese
The Kull Website

St. Vitus Dance
Glypotheque (Probe Plus)
St. Vitus Dance are a six-piece from Belfast who formed in 1981, signed in 1987 and split up by 1989. They are now back with new album Glypotheque, after reuniting to play a one off show for Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in 2005. Glypotheque is a captivating collection of folk anthems with a few nuggets of pop perfection thrown in for good measure, it’s full of social commentary, pop poetry and story telling, the writer’s wry humour and cynical take on modern life really comes across; some of the lyrics are utter genius and its worth a listen, just for them, even if the style of music doesn’t interest you. Their style is clearly 60’s influenced and it’s essentially easy listening with a bit of an edge. The vocals are particularly interesting the sound of the vocalist’s voice is reminiscent of Justin Haywood or Paul McCartney even. I was struck by how much they sounded like the House Martins on some tracks, particularly the first track Winners All. It is the perfect introduction to this album; it’s intelligent and meaningful, yet it’s a pop song and compact enough to be single material. The track, Glypotheque, is a gently swaying love song that gathers in intensity and the latter half is beautifully instrumental. Longfinger is probably the most intense track on the album and begins with dramatic piano which helps to provoke a dark, rousing atmosphere about it. The album itself is a light-hearted folk/pop take on the darker sides to life, it’s by no means ground-breaking but it is heartfelt, impressively literate and original. Lis Haslam
St. Vitus Dance Website

Moose Malloy
Dirty Stories (The Music Quarter Records)
To be honest Moose Malloy are not going to be setting the world alight any time soon, but I think even by their own admissions they are not expecting to. Hailing from Nottingham, Dirty Stories displays a band enthralled to 1960s American pop. Think a combination of The Byrds and The Monkeys but with Mansfield accent. This collection of songs isn't going to slap anyone in the face and make them pay attention, but they are gently and whimsical enough with pleasant melodies flowing throughout to put on in the background when doing your Sunday chores. The songs on Dirty Stories flirt between the heartfelt, such as on tracks like the gentle Borderline and the organ led The Big Casino; through to nudge-nudge wink-wink humour as found on That's How True Love Really Grows, which seems to be about swinging. The problem with trying to write this sort of Americana music is that if you don't come from America and have that tradition in your blood and surroundings, then you just sound like a pale imitation But saying that, Moose Malloy sound like capable musicians and are easy enough to listen to. Paul Klotschkow
Moose Malloy Website

Love Is All
Mixed Up (Parlophone)
There is a definite risk in releasing a remix album. Though it can represent artists who have peaked, this is not the case for indie/punk outfit Love Is All, who have compiled a laid back adaptation of their previous album Nine Times That Song. This remix album transcends all situations, from a summer chill out to a post-club wind down, there is no excuse not to give it a listen. Felt Tip (Fryars Remix) entices us in high spirits with its minimal clicks and alluring vocals. However, it should be said that this is no entrance to a glorified pop album. In fact, Make Out Fall Out Make Up (Bees Version) confims this with jazz roots that juxtapose a sleek bass motif and ruthless female vocals, that presents the theme current throughout this compilation, the combination of old and new. Turn The Radio Off also looks back to older trends by blending a Fleetwood Mac styled stomp with the signature chronological style of late 90’s trance through a combination of synths and a crescendo of vocals. This, like every track on the compilation seizes your attention and creates a fresh sound so is definitely worthy of a listen. The barely noticeable repetition, of five tracks to make a nine track album, provides stiff competition to the original. The album is all encompassing but maintains the originals’ sincerity. Meredith Lester
Love Is All Website

Jack Cheshire
Allow It to Come On
A beautifully melancholic album wrapped in clouds of dreams that take you to different scenes and thoughts with the help of superb musical arrangement and a young yet worldly experienced voice. It’s amazing that Jack Cheshire has not been more highly documented than a few short reviews here and there. Although only heard in London, so far, I feel this artist will find his feet and travel afar like his songs. Little Moon, although starting slightly out of tune turns into a list of beautifully thought out images. The track Fireworks, takes me to some Richie Havens’ fast strumming, then travels into a deep story into the mind of some twisted soul. Love is the most promising track on this album. Deeply coated in Donovan loveliness this one really stands out. Through soft humming and quaint distant voices Love becomes a song that future fans of Cheshire will call out for in the future with excitement for its sheer beauty as a track. Although there’s been an influx of acoustic singer-songwriters we shouldn’t be afraid of welcoming another into our music collections. In fact we should embrace Cheshire in the same way his music is able to embrace our thoughts and desires. Jack Tunnecliff
Jack Cheshire Website

Hayseed Dixie
No Covers (Cooking Vinyl)
Hayseed Dixie are best known for their cover versions of heavy metal tunes, such as Ace Of Spades and Walk This Way. Pioneers of the ‘Rockgrass’ sound, their new album sees them abandon the covers band tag and play all original material written by John Wheeler. Their new album begins in the romping stomping way one might expect with Bouncing Betty, the sort of song that’s perfect for swinging your partner around in a barn to whilst slapping yourself on the thigh and shouting yee-haw, (if you like that kind of thing!). Remaining up tempo, Set Myself on Fire is a wittily written account of a man intending to set himself on fire to gain the attention of his unrequited love. This is sung in earnest but full of comic irony. When Washington Comes Around sees the band turn political. Washington is described as a freeloading, ill-mannered friend in a metaphor for the bands distrust and contempt for politicians. The political rock song clichés I am half expecting to hear never appear in this track and i’m surprised by the intelligence of their song writing and embarrassed by my own ignorance. For some reason I just didn’t expect a Rockgrass covers band to be such competent song writers, I’ve no idea why! Still, I’m more than happy to be proved wrong, and the band continues to surprise with song writing that is subtle, witty and insightful. Murray Brown
Hayseed Dixie Website
 
Bat For Lashes
Fur And Gold (Echo)
Whilst this is not a startlingly edgy or exciting record, it is the more comfortable achingly beautiful vocals which may entice to you to listen to this album. The lyrics are at times unbelievably weak and are often engineered to fit the rhythm which lets the vocalist down at times. However they do create an interesting aura for the album. It is one such that you could not imagine a picture of the band or visualise this being recorded as it is quite new world. You couldn't go to wrong in comparing this to Iceland's Royskopp, in terms of sci-fi entertainment. The funky, Sarah, is a mystic surprise with a funkier bass riff, almost jazz-like, whilst the opening track, Horse And I, is a solitary highlight in a dull album which combines an electronic toy riff with haunting lyrics, on the back of a military beat. Other than these two tracks, this is a sleepy album that is certainly not absorbing and very hard to get into. If you're looking for the next CSS then do look elsewhere as you will surely be disappointed. I think that this album is quite overrated with various award nominations and it will not ever be classed as a classic. Jack Le Sueur
Bat For Lashes Website

Sex Party
Self titled (Flytrap Recording)
It is hard to take any band or record called Sex Party seriously and upon listening to this record, I don't think they want to be taken seriously. That is where the fun lies. Sex Party are a four piece supplying fuzzy bass lines, crashing drums, bubbling keyboards, and free-flowing vocals to anyone that will take them. This record jumps along like a dog on heat that just can't (or doesn't want to) stop humping your leg. There is a dark, uneasy sexual tension running throughout this whole album. It's hard to work out whether this is due to the cheeky and knowing way singer Paige struts her way through each song, or if it is down to the way the instruments bump and grind like they are in an R-Kelly home movie. This is the sound of The Go Team if they performed in an Amsterdam sex show every night. Going back to the humour, Sex Party isn't an album to listen to if you want to contemplate the state of the Middle East or how you just can't get the girl to talk to you. This is an album to forget about all of those things, especially with songs like Post Conceptual Pretension proudly declaring, “I hate, I hate your erection”. This is Hot Chip getting high with Peaches. Fun and dirty. Paul Klotschkow
Sex Party Website

Helen Boulding
New Red Dress
It was the striking album cover that first attracted me to Helen Boulding’s album (and her great name of course!) and I later discovered that this was shot by Bryan Adams in his new role as a photographer. Helen comes from Sheffield and apparently has quite a strong fan base there already. Her obvious pride in her roots shows in the name of her own label which she set up, Maid In Sheffield. She has just released her debut album, New Red Dress. The album is an eclectic mixture of laid-back mellow tunes, rock anthems, big ballads and upbeat numbers with catchy choruses. The single Copenhagen is not one of my favourites, it’s a nice enough tune but ultimately easily forgettable. I’m more drawn to Breathe her previous single, which is a beautiful ballad. The wide variety of her influences is clear and there really is something for everyone and this is the beauty of this album. Her performance is confident and polished and I’m sure we’ll hear plenty more from her in the future. Helen Boott
Helen Boulding Website
 

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