Black Francis
Svn Fngrs (Cooking Vinyl)
Black Francis returns with more twisted tales of sex, death and birth. Svn Fngrs is a mini-LP which adequately showcases Black Francis’ expansive imagination and fascination with the macabre. Die hard Pixies fans may miss the instrumental inventiveness of the other members and the expansive sound that resulted. Francis’ solo sound may be more linear but no less challenging. This is especially true with the opening track The Seus which assaults the ears like a genetically mutated Captain Beefheart/Velvet Underground hybrid. The rest of the album reverts to more traditional grungy melodies but Black Francis’ irreverent approach to lyricism means the album retains an air of surrealism. His unique voice is, as always, able to convey such a wide range of emotions that even when you don’t have a clue what he’s talking about you still empathise with the mood of the song. His lyrical ambiguity gives his songs longevity, as new meanings become apparent upon further listening. Many of his songs are littered with biblical references, which I will steer clear of pretending to understand, as Sunday school was a very long time ago, but even without fully understanding each song has more than enough cool lines to shout along to. Murray Brown
Black Francis Website

Duffy
Rockferry (Polydor Ltd)
I knew straight away that Duffy’s debut album Rockferry would be one of those albums I wouldn’t be able to stop listening to. It really is fantastic. I’ve got my mum playing it in the car, my sister playing it on her iPod and I’m just blasting it out at every chance I get. Although to be fair the only song you can really blast out is Mercy, the number one single that shot Duffy straight to the top. The beat and the repetition and her unusual voice can completely perk up your day and I don’t think there’s really anyone that could resist singing along, or at least attempting to. My favourite track is definitely Syrup And Honey. I love how her deep, soulful voice and vocal range stands out against the simplicity of the few bass instruments. However, the album does seem very gloomy up until Mercy, which was clearly the turning point for not only her career but also her love life. I haven’t had to skip any tracks and I would certainly recommend Duffy to any old timers who love their Motown classics or just anyone who likes tracks with meaningful lyrics and good beats. A stunning first album. Megan Johnson
Duffy Website

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly
Searching For The Hows And Whys (Atlantic)
The new album from Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly is, in a way, quite simple and innocent but genuinely good. After their debut album The Chronicles Of A Bohemian Teenager, which reached number 26 in the UK charts, the expectations were high but Searching For The Hows And Whys definitely lives up to its predecessor. There is something very different about the band which stands out clearly in their music, especially in songs like Waiting For The Monster To Drown, which has an interesting electronic backdrop. My favourite track on the album was Postcards From Catalunya, as it shows off Duckworth’s talent as an acoustic artist, as well as a very gifted lyricist. The album is definitely one of those to just sit and relax to. Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly sure know what they’re doing. A few of the songs are mildly tedious and the lyrics can seem unusual, and not necessarily in a good way. However all in all I really do enjoy the sounds of Sam Duckworth and have liked his previous releases as well, so I highly recommend a listen to his newest works. Megan Johnson
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly Website

Hot Chip
Made In The Dark (EMI)
If you popped some indie, rave, hiphop, synth pop and easy listening into a blender with shot of Sambuca then Hot Chip is what you’d get. Made In The Dark, Hot Chip’s third album is surely their best effort to date and a sterling example of a great dance record. It welcomes you to shake your ass round your bedroom, bounce around in a club or just lay back and relax to it. They haven’t swayed from their synth heavy sounds and the percussion still makes your ears prick up. Going from mellow, beautiful vocals to shouts and tongue-in-cheek raps, with it all fitting together, like Lego. The layering and range of instruments give it a fullness which can take the volume being knocked up full but doesn’t require it to be enjoyed. Their second album, The Warning, had the defining but problematic track Over And Over which unfortunately eclipsed all the other tracks. The latest offering, thankfully, doesn’t have the same problem which isn’t to say that it’s lacking strong songs. Shake A Fist is an instantly recognisable anthem but it has equals in Hold On and Ready For The Floor. These tracks are complemented by more tranquil tunes, like the title track Made In The Dark. It shouldn’t, in theory, work but it does. Hot Chip far surpass their comparisons to New Order, even though there are undeniably echoes in their style at times. With a vocalist that can actually hold a tune, beats that demand attention and tunes and lyrics that get wedged in your brain this is an album that you should definitely give repeat listens. Alison Emm
Hot Chip Website

Jenny Hoyston
Isle Of (Southern Records)
The San Francisco based singer/songwriter Jenny Hoyston is well known for her electronic based experimental work but her new album Isle Of moves to incorporate a lot more guitar work than her previous efforts, giving this album a much more different feel. Isle Of is Jenny’s first solo project away from her previous work with Erase Errata and her Paradise Lost project, the album was released late last summer and pre empted a European tour over the winter. Jenny has a reputation for producing a very diverse style of songs and if you are a fan of albums shifting genre and pace radically from track to track you will not be disappointed by Isle Of. The stand out track for me was Novelist, an angsty guitar driven song with some compelling lyrics which gets better with repeat play. The album does have a couple of weaker tracks, notably Everyone’s Alone and Babies With Rabies, both the tracks are certainly interesting but they are edging over the line from the semi-structured work seen elsewhere in the album into something resembling experimental noise rock, not a genre I am personally comfortable with, but perhaps considering the character of the artist you probably shouldn’t expect anything less. If you have previously enjoyed any of the work of Erase Errata, Mika Miko or The Gossip then this album will more then tick enough boxes for you. Dan Skurok
Jenny Hoyston Website

Elbow
The Seldom Seen Kid (Fiction Records)
The Manchester outfit return to form their latest album The Seldom Seen Kid on their new label, Fiction Records. Long receiving mass critical acclaim and endorsements from top acts such as Blur, R.E.M and U2, front man Guy Garvey again leads the northern five piece to produce their fourth studio album in seven years. Elbow stand alone in both style and content making them undoubtedly one of the most original British bands of the last ten years. Garvey's soft to powerful vocals very much echo the music on this album as it has on previous. We're once again subjected to sombre, tinkering piano, and harmonious guitar throughout, to compliment the poetic and intelligent lyrics from Garvey. The album will still please the eclectic listener with some chunkier, more indie sounding tracks thrown in such as the single Grounds For Divorce. Only so often can one find a record so easily listenable. You can enjoy each track individually or the album as a whole, in equal measure, due to its moderate tempo and amiable tone. Simon Norris
Elbow Website

My Federation
Don’t Wanna Die (Eye Industries) 
When I first put this album on it was a bit like the first time I ever heard The Beatles. Not in the sense that my heart melted to sugary syrup, or that my eyes watered a bit but more simply because they had the sound of a Beatles cover band. However the track Enter also has lots of beeping keyboards and annoying vocals to bring the sound up to suit present day listeners. This band are not bad, they’re just not very interesting and they have a very familiar sound. This medley of synthesized, rocked up space funk is just not worth nodding your head to. Admittedly, you could sucked in by the interesting cover art and song titles, but please don’t be reeled in by the handclaps. The most interesting aspect to this frankly mediocre band, is Lee ‘Muddy’ Baker. He apparently gave up forging fine paintings and stealing cars to make this record. Yeh, don’t give up the day job Muddy. Hannah Robbins
My Federation Website

The Click
Self titled E.P
Oh no! It is! It really is yet another The Jam wannabe band. The Click are a 3 piece indie band from the north. Cue lots of songs about the repressed life of living on a council estate. I wouldn’t mind giving them a listen if they made music with some sort of hook or riff, as it is, they sound like a very boring and British version of My  Chemical Romance via Bolton. The song Pill with its bold opening and stadium rock style vocals, has a mildly catchy chorus which almost makes your purchase worthwhile. Hannah Robbins
The Click Website

Robots In Disguise
We’re In The Music Biz (President Records)
This English electro punk band who have Noel Fielding as their best mate and appear in the Mighty Boosh series, generally look good on paper. The lyrics this band have come up with are very tongue in cheek and they aren’t afraid to say what they think. Clearly this is a band that just want to have fun with titles including The Sex Has Made Me Stupid and Can’t Stop Getting Wasted. In my opinion there aren’t enough bands that say what they mean enough these days. It’s just a real shame that there isn’t a better voice to sing the words because the very girly pitch does go straight through you. What’s good about it is that they make themselves instantly recognisable. The rhythms and beats are there, with a CSS groove going on, it’s just that it does all sound quite similar. The fact that Noel Fielding is a fan just isn’t enough I’m afraid. They tell you themselves not to copy them and they are the wisest words I have heard since somebody told me not to mix Absinth with Sambuca. Kristi Genovese  
Robots In Disguise Website

Various Artists
Step Up 2 - The Streets Official Soundtrack (Atlantic Records)
The soundtrack to the sequel of Step Up, a film about a dancing couple, is a straight dirty teen RnB compilation affair with a sexy club attitude and a big line up. The songs are all pop friendly and never drops below chart worthy portions of club cheese. If it wasn't for Missy Elliot’s Ching-A-Ling, T-Pain’s Church and Scarface’s Girl You Know, I would have passed it on for consumption by my local cheesy bar by now. Buy this if you got some cleaning up to do and you need to jiggle whilst you work. It’s got more mentions of ‘da club’ than 50 Cent and generates boredom like a generic X-factor finale, I like the girl on the cover though... Andy Elementz
Step up 2 Website

Gusto Exterminaton Fluid
The Cleaner (Momt Records)
Made for mad people, this album is an anarchisctic showreel of crazydom with a sonical slur on urban decay. It is industrial electronica placed in a dark dimension, infused with dub ambience and sent through a self-oscillating sampler programmed by Satan himself. I myself can see how it reflects todays wasteland that is modern life and I can relate this atmospheric release to the second Burial album Untrue, although it doesn't carry the weight and significance. Horselip comes in with a tight string stab melody and swishing drum samples that make you wish GEP would drop just one decent drum beat. The final track Trashed gives you the feeling that this album was an attempt at techno without the bass drum. The Cleaner just sounds sonically flawed by its lack of drum and bass. It’s ok to be deep and meaningful and to have great artwork but could this be nothing more than an attempt to get scary movie credits or failing that, a late night goth documentary. This album would probably have appeared on Charlie Mansons iPod, which might have done wonders released under the title ‘Official Soundtrack - Your Favourite Nightmares’. Buy this if your in a dark place, you need a refreshing assault on your audible senses or your driving off a cliff. Andy Elementz
Gusto Extermination Fluid Website

Tegan And Sara
The Con (Vapor/Sire)
The Con is the fifth album by Canadian twins Tegan and Sara. Since winning a battle of the bands in their home country they have toured with the likes of The Killers, Bryan Adams and Neil Young. It’s not easy to narrow their music down to one specific genre and The Con demonstrates their versatility moving from Knife Going In which has a Cyndi Lauper style vocal, to the off beats of Are You Ten Years Ago. The most striking aspect of listening to Tegan and Sara is the way they layer their voices giving a distinctive texture to their music. Relief Next To Me is the first outstanding track on the album starting with a simple melody and a glassy vocal. As the song unfolds it offers and increasing intensity and the vocals entwine themselves in harmonies and together their voices create a curiously dramatic sound. The album has a random nature to it and Back In Your Head is a good example of how Tegan And Sara keep you listening with no idea of what is to follow. The piano intro is met with soft vocals and the chorus erupts to make this track really catchy and the album becomes ever more addictive. Nik Storey
Tegan And Sara Website

Yael Naim
David Donatien (Atlantic Records)
Born in 1978 in Paris, Yael spent a large part of her childhood in Ramat Hacharon, a small town not far from Tel Aviv. She performs her tracks in French, Hebrew and English, but no matter what language or song she is fantastic. Within seconds of listening to the album, it becomes clear that there is something truly mesmerizing and unique about Yael Naim, her voice is clear, soft and eloquent. The mixture of up and low tempo tracks gives the album variety, so you do not easily become tired of Yeal Naim. Whether you understand all the tracks or not the album is well worth a listen. Trust me you’ll be hooked instantly; especially if you enjoy the music of Jose Gonzalez, Iron And Wine and The Weepies. She sings of personal history and life, which gives her words exceptional emotion and depth. Yael Niam’s debut album has sent her far on her way to stardom and success, having sold 200,000 copies in France alone and New Soul the third track on the album having reached No.1 in the US iTunes chart; this is the first and not the last time we will hear of Yael Naim. Sarah Iqbal
Yael Naim Website

Chuck Prophet
Soap and Water (Cooking Vinyl)
Chuck has distinctive vocals, a combination of deep vocals and a deep south accent. Most of the songs on this album have a subtle sound of Elvis rock and roll to them, it’s not annoyingly obvious, but you can tell it’s there. Most songs on this album are really mellow and relaxing with a few others a bit more upbeat. The songs seem to chase after the age old theme of love and relationships, so I recommend this album if you enjoy songs like that. They are not cheesy songs; rather he explains how he feels through lyrics and the music. A good song is Would You Love Me, with sweet lyrics that really suit his voice. This would be a great album to listen to, when you want to chill out after a tiring day and relax. One of the best tracks from this album is Naked Ray. You can’t tell from the title, but it’s a really soft, mellow song and the saxophone and bass in the background make it even smoother. This is the sort of album that has songs that you need to listen to more than once to fully appreciate them. The first time you hear them, you might not think they are good, but second time’s a charm! Maria Fafouti
Chuck Prophet Website

Forward Russia
Life Processes (Cooking Vinyl)
If you’re a Forward Russia fan you’ll remember their obsession with numbers. This time round we just have to deal with words and lots of them too! I am suspicious that someone’s been looking at Biffy Clyro’s artwork for some inspiration though, tut tut.  Compared to their older material it has instantly recognisable depth but Some Buildings sounds like a Mogwai attempt and fails to keep my attention but if you do have patience you may like it. Fans of epic songs are in for treat with Spanish Trainglesa at nearly nine minutes long and six minute long Gravity And Heat has promise too. However, don’t worry, there’s a few three minute gems hidden in there as well, such as A Shadow Is A Shadow Is A Shadow. There’s diverse instrumentation and tempo from one minute sounding oddly like Bloc Party then moving on to imitating Biffy Clyro with the voice dominating over the sound. The production of this album is much better than on the first, so if you didn’t like them the first time round then give Life Processes a chance. I’m not a massive fan yet but it’s a huge step from Give me a Wall. Kristi Genovese
Forward Russia Website

Goldfrapp
Seventh Tree (Mute Records)
Goldfrapp returns with Seventh Tree which is a departure from electronic based previous offerings. Instead I found it drifting towards a more dreamy and ambient sound. The record is inspired by an acoustic radio session the band performed adding guitars to make the sound in Goldfrapp’s own words a little more warm and delicate. Even though the record does feels much more delicate than past releases such as Ooh La La there are still touches of synth madness and glam rock woven in for good measure. Clowns carries you off into a cinematic cloudlike backdrop, possibly hovering somewhere Nordic, this is an earnest and Abba-esque affair. Cologne Cerrone Houdini echoes The Doors put on to a down beat disco cut, while the track A & E sounds like a solemn and muted Kate Bush performance. Seventh Tree is a definitive creative shift for Goldfrapp, sometimes moody, sometimes childlike and imaginative with refreshingly visual lyrics painting a picture of melancholy. I’d like to say that I loved this album, what with its inevitable quirk, but the flossyness dissolves just too quickly for my palette. Andi Numinous
Goldfrapp Website

Jay Haze
Love & Beyond (TuningSpork)
Jay Haze has led something of a traveller’s life, born in Philadelphia but only recently settling in Berlin. The experiences on his travels and exposure to different DJ styles have led him to his current musical stance. Jay is well known for his minimalistic tech house sound with his own experimental slant thrown in. Love And Beyond carries on this theme in many ways. The album release consists of two CDs. CD 1 appropriately titled CD Vocal carries on the soul orientated mixes. Meanwhile CD 2, CD Instru, contains a selection of more off the wall instrumental tracks which highlights the more diverse nature of Haze’s talents. To further confuse matters, the vinyl release of the album consists of a completely different track list with a more dance orientated sound. CD Vocal has some interesting tracks, from the inappropriate Cocktail to the more romantically inclined One Day At A Time there seems to be something for everyone and each track maintains Haze’s independence of style so that you can’t easily make comparisons. CD Instru takes a completely different direction, whether it’s the more up beat instrument inspired efforts like Awakening or the electronic starkness of Jump That, each track is well crafted and they compliment each other well. Dan Skurok
Jay Haze Website

The Envy Corps
Dwell (Vertigo)
The three piece indie rock band includes Brandon Darner on guitar, Luke Pettipoole on vocals and Scott Yoshimura on drums. Originating from Ames, Iowa, The Envy Corps can be described akin to the likes of Radiohead and New Order, and their debut album Dwell to be released on Vertigo records, does indeed resemble an indie record of recent years in both sound and style. The opening track Wires & Wool could well be described as an early Thom York, fronting say, a later Coldplay. The album then picks up in pace and becomes its own record with a style agreeable for indie fans both sides of the Atlantic. Rhinemaidens and Story Problem are definitely worthy of a slot in Glastonbury Festival’s New Bands Tent, to provide an afternoon sing-along opportunity; which is a compliment one can apply to this record as a whole. Simon Norris
The Envy Corps Website

Mystery Jets
Twenty One (SixSevenNine)
Remember the Mystery Jets? The 5 piece that sang about zoos and had Blaine's Dad on guitar? If not, well jump on board, this is the second coming. One minute they were relying on a drum machine and waiting for Blaine's voice to break and the next playing the NME awards tour and Top Of The Pops. Then it all went a bit quiet. This time they return but unfortunately Blaine’s Dad will no longer be touring. So what can Twenty One, the album that celebrates growing up gracefully without acting foolish, offer us? Young Love, a one night stand ode, produced by Erol Alkan could probably have been written better by a girly pop band with simplistic lyrics but rest assured the sound is far more pleasing. It is repetitive but it is Laura Marling's delicate voice in the middle which gives it character. Half In Love With Elizabeth, produced by Stephen Street, is a typical Mystery Jets tune and has a soothing melody with catchy intervals. Flakes, originally released as a free Christmas single, is a slow moving and heart breaking ballad about lost love and includes the infamous ‘whoa’ which appears more than once on the album. Girl Next Door screams every ounce of the 80s at you and it’s very likely your Dad has a similar song to this in his record collection. In summary it’s a fusion of love stories that may require you to reach for a tissue or a sick bucket. Kristi Genovese
Mystery Jets Website

Tal M. Klein
Plastic Starfish (Aniligital)
Tal M. Klein, the artist formally known as Trancenden, is bringing back his breaks with the new album, Plastic Starfish. An album comprised almost wholly from samples it feels at times like bumping into old friends. Unfortunately it doesn’t always flow as comfortably as you might expect from a man with three prior albums and numerous remixes under his belt. There’s a heavy emphasis on funk and soul with bits of Latin music thrown in for good measure. This won’t be the most seminal breaks album you’re ever going to hear but it is easy on the ears. The track listing focuses on the surf and sand and this is reflected in the music which has a calm summer mood. The title track, Plastic Starfish, made me want to grab my bikini, a cocktail and get sand wedged in some uncomfortable places. Others, such as Houston Brownwater Moccasins, could get you shaking your thing at a club, though as a package the album is laid back and shows the lighter side of breaks. An album worthy of a listen, whilst having a nice cuppa, rather than, stomping your feet to down Stealth on a Saturday night. Alison Emm  
Tal M Klein Website

Calvin Party
Godard’s Girlfriend (Probe Plus Records)
Indie in the truest sense of the genre, Manchester’s Calvin Party are on their fourth album, Godard’s Girlfriend. Their past accolades are John Peel bigging them up and including them in his festive fifty, not once but twice. The album starts with the upbeat History Girl, all jangly guitars and a sing along chorus. Not all the songs are in this vein but even when the lyrics aren’t the cheeriest the acoustic guitars and sweet harmonies never let you fall into a pit of despair. As a guitar based album it is reminiscent of the twee indie from past decades, with the lyrics focusing on relationships. Comparisons can be drawn to The Pixies with Try and Sleep On The Rug edges towards the sound of Bright Eyes. A solid effort which sticks to a comfortable formula, Godard’s Girlfriend has a folky rawness that lacks pretension. You can imagine they would sound the same on stage as on record, making it perfectly plausible to turn down the lights, get a fag on, crank up the volume and pogo and sway in your lounge as the tunes demand. Or you could just wait until they are actually touring. Alison Emm
Calvin Party Website

Chris T-T
Capital (Xtra Mile Recordings)
Capital is the final installment in Chris T-T’s London Trilogy, three albums which critique modern London and its attitudes and morals. This is music with a message so the tunes aren’t too fussy and the lyrics have an unselfish depth, giving his message an appealing platform. Singing about pollution, racism, war, money and fear may seem like a heavy album to take on but don’t be turned off. With a punk sensibility and a range of styles from funk to folk to electro pop, Capital is a quirky yet listenable album. The stand out tracks are This Gun Is Not A Gun and None Of Them Give A Fuck About The Future, the latter, a foot stomping song that makes you want to clap and sing along. Ankles is an uncomfortable listen but maybe that’s the point Chris T-T is wanting to get across. Put all thoughts of Billy Bragg to the back of your mind, Capital has genuine political points, intelligence and some catchy tunes to boot. Alison Emm   
Chris T-T Website

The Ike Reilly Assassination
Junkie Faithful / Sparkle In The Finish (Rock Ridge Music)
Ike Reilly and his band are from Illinois, Chicago and they have a really good habit of producing catchy indie music and just to make doubly sure, they have re-released their 2005 album Junkie Faithful and 2004’s Sparkle In The Finish together in one package. With elements of the likes of Jane’s Addiction and even comparisons to Bob Dylan style lyrics it’s clear to see that the Ike Reilly Assassination are a intellectual band making quality music that crosses over multiple genres. Songs such as I Don’t Want What You Got Goin’ On and Garbage Day have cool indie guitar riffs and slick vocals from Reilly and are real feel good tracks. Ex-Americans shows a softer side of the band rolling out a slow ballad giving them a new dimension. You can’t ignore the lyrics that Reilly has penned. Nearly all the tracks have a tale to tell or a story to listen to, making the album really listenable for more than just the music. Nik Storey
The Ike Reilly Assissination Website

Yesking
Rock This World (Timewarp Records)
I hadn’t heard of Yesking, but as soon as I realised it was a collaboration including Mark Rae, who’s an old favourite from back in his Rae and Christian days, I had to have a listen. Rae collaborating with production partner Rhys Adams definitely intrigued me. The first track, Champion Sound, is a very funky, dancehall intro to this album which gave me an inkling of good things to come. The second track had far too much grunting and groaning for my liking, but don’t let that put you off! The title of the album comes from reggae legend Dawn Penn’s Rock This World, which sets a good tone for the album. Five of the tracks feature Ayak, a 22 year old female singer/rapper, who won the Prince’s Trust Urban Music Award in 2004. I haven’t heard Ayak before but she appears to be a good new addition to Rae’s collaboration line up. From the start I was most looking forward to 40 Long Days as it featured Veba, a favourite from previous albums, and gladly the track didn’t disappoint. Leila Blackmore
Yesking Website

Iron Maiden
Life After Death DVD (EMI)
Iron Maiden were the masters of both the rock metal corner of the music industry and the owners of energetic and notorious front man Bruce Dickinson. In 1985 their world tour took them to their sell out gig at Long beach, California. 2008 sees the 5.1 surround sound remix featuring all the classics and a feature length documentary. The show opens with Aces High, with its big guitar riffs and even bigger hair. Dickinson is in top form and his energy resonates not only through his voice but throughout the band who manage to cover just about every inch of the stage in the first track alone. There is a shopping list of classics, namely Flight Of Icarus, 2 Minutes To Midnight and Number Of The Beast to name but a few, all of which are executed with not only lung bursting vocal performances but incredible quality despite being filmed on 35mm film, but I think that adds more to the authenticity. The second DVD is a real gem for the Iron Maiden faithful with 3 hours of extras and a documentary into the history of the band and how they came to be. This is certain to be a great addition to the collection and with fistfuls of nostalgia. Life After Death is entertainment guaranteed. Nik Storey
Iron Maiden Website

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

Comment (0) Send to friend Print Add to Facebook Socialise