Sophisticated, majestic pop, with songs ranging between love and lament, joy and grief, and always with a hint of melancholy even in the most glorious moments.

7th October 2012

Coheed And Cambria - The Afterman: Ascension

4 Stars

In terms of the story, ‘The Afterman: Ascension’ works well in conveying surroundings and emotions through both musicality and lyrical content.

5th October 2012

Billy Talent - Dead Silence

4 Stars

Off the bat, the singles sell the release but other numbers require additional listens to click. Having said that, once you hear that click this record is completely blinding.

4th October 2012

Rough Trade Shops: 15 Years Of Bella Union Records

4 Stars

Rather than a straight comprehensive historical overview, the compilation is instead compiled by Raymonde on a very personal basis.

2nd October 2012

Beth Orton - Sugaring Season

4 Stars

A worthy successor to ‘Comfort Of Strangers’.

1st October 2012

The Soft Pack - Strapped

4 Stars

An ambitious follow up that decisively moves the band’s sound forward.

1st October 2012

Bob Mould - Silver Age

4 Stars

There is not an ounce of fat on this record, nor one wasted note.

1st October 2012

Rinse 20 - Mixed By Uncle Dugs

4 Stars

A striking document of a hugely important period in UK dance culture.

25th September 2012

Cave Painting - Votive Life

4 Stars

A genuinely brilliant debut.

24th September 2012

State Broadcasters - Ghosts We Must Carry

4 Stars

A perfect record to accompany the oncoming long drawn out winter nights.

24th September 2012

Efterklang - Piramida

4 Stars

‘Piramida’ is sheer testament to Efterklang’s skill as master artisans.

24th September 2012

Deerhoof - Breakup Song

4 Stars

The skewed appeal of Deerhoof has never sounded more alluring.

21st September 2012

The Gaslamp Killer - Breakthrough

4 Stars

Think of it like all of a person’s insecurities, bad memories or negative self-talk, wallowing in your subconscious before they take to your mind’s eye with a pickaxe.

20th September 2012