The Dears - Missiles

4 Stars

A spectacular work that may even see frontman Murray Lightburn shrug off the Albarn-Morrissey tag

21st October 2008

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Is It The Sea?

4 Stars

A perfectly compiled list of the lesser known gems and title tracks.

17th October 2008

Jay Reatard - The Matador Singles 08

4 Stars

As a chronological collection of singles it manages not to fall into the trap of shoving all the good stuff at the beginning, relentless in its attack on your ears not once does it wane.

17th October 2008

Deerhoof - Offend Maggie

4 Stars

Satomi’s singing voice is used like an artist uses a paintbrush.

17th October 2008

Lovvers - Think

4 Stars

Lovvers’ rampant and constant fire is electrifying, and they achieve a hell of a lot in this frenetic, intense yet brilliant album.

13th October 2008

Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke

4 Stars

Arena-worthy and pyrotechnics-inspiring.

3rd October 2008

Dartz - The Sad History Of The Village Alnerique

4 Stars

There is a touch of brilliance in their sound.

22nd September 2008

Fucked Up - The Chemistry Of Common Life

4 Stars

Don’t let the piccolo solo that opens the album fool you.

3rd September 2008

Late Of The Pier - Fantasy Black Channel

4 Stars

‘Fantasy Black Channel’ could be as much a display in the Science Museum as it could be a head trip in a fucked up Narnia.

12th August 2008

Conor Oberst - Conor Oberst

4 Stars

‘Conor Oberst’ (the album) might not be anything surprising, but it’s quietly magical.

4th August 2008

XX Teens - Welcome To Goon Island

4 Stars

Though it isn’t for everyone, XX Teens’ debut is a success.

28th July 2008

The Little Ones - Morning Tide

4 Stars

The Little Ones have one hell of a trick up their collective — and grinning — sleeves.

26th July 2008

Lykke Li - Youth Novels

4 Stars

One of those rarities – a debut album that flies dangerously close to perfection.

9th June 2008

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

4 Stars

They self-style themselves as a family business of ​‘baroque harmonic pop jams,’ and as usual with bizarre hybrid genres, it works damn well.

9th June 2008

The Notwist - The Devil, You and Me

4 Stars

‘The Devil, You and Me’ is gracefully melancholic piece of work that has been more than worth the wait.

2nd June 2008

Ten City Nation - Ten City Nation

4 Stars

Ten City Nation manage to create a mood of their own, which is uncommon enough for a first album to be notable.

26th May 2008

Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit – A Larum

4 Stars

The album is a brooding but melodious debut, which never strays from its authentic folk and blues roots.

26th May 2008

The Futureheads - This Is Not The World

4 Stars

Just like a live set from the quartet, it’s all over far too quickly, but you can’t help ending up with a grin on your face.

26th May 2008

El Perro Del Mar - From The Valley To The Stars

4 Stars

El Perro Del Mar is a truly modern artist, in quest of a new spirituality.

19th May 2008

Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy - Lie Down In The Light

4 Stars

A wonderfully rewarding showcase of talent that should appeal to both old fans and newcomers alike.

19th May 2008

Lykke Li - Little Bit EP

4 Stars

She’s more in common with the earthy Camille or Feist than anyone from her motherland.

6th May 2008

The Shortwave Set - Replica Sun Machine

4 Stars

You have to admire the man-hours Danger Mouse has put into arranging and producing ​‘Replica Sun Machine’.

5th May 2008

The Wave Pictures - Instant Coffee Baby

4 Stars

The Wave Pictures have created an album that pulls off all the core essentials of a great pop album; quirky, endearing, and catchy in all the right places.

5th May 2008

This Et Al - The Figure Eight EP

4 Stars

‘The Figure Eight’ EP is an unashamed and stylish portfolio of what the band are capable of, and judging by what’s on show here, rightly so.

28th April 2008