Album Reviews #9

Ten more albums and EPs you need to listen to!

Callaghan - Skin on Skin (EP)

With a perky whistle opening up the first track 'Better Together', Callaghan's latest EP is a touching joy, from the brass-funky and optimism of the opener to the subdued, piano-focussed breathy closer 'All Through the Night' with its touching, gentle vibe, preceded as it is by a delightfully cinematic orchestral prelude.

The titular second track is a gentle, smooth little number with some heartfelt lyrics and a building, swaying vibe with a sensual central chorus. The EP is centred by 'Broken', another touching and beautifully sung track. A delightfully sombre but emotionally-hefty song with a huge orchestral build, this proves to be my favourite of the five tracks, though as an EP it's strong all the way through. (7.5/10)

Charlie Hole - Dirty Like Secret (EP)

This five-track EP begins with the title track, a smooth, slow and multi-layered calming number with elements of falsetto and moments like a lighter voiced Chris Rea combining with a range of percussion styles to form a strong soulful indie tune with a repetitive yet catchy central chorus. Strings are in full force for the ballad 'Make It Better' with a stripped back production style giving the emotively-charged lyrics room to be breathe and settle in, and the call-and-response vocals woven in near the end really add a great new element. Track three, 'The Chapel of Unrest', with its fun production and smooth chorus proves to be my favourite song on the release, with the vocal highs and lows, plus strings, woven in delightfully.

'Unlit Flame' keeps the smooth ballad theme going with moments of soaring vocals giving the song heart and the lighters-out multi-layered chant ending really gives it some great power. It's a similar downbeat tone for closer 'Flame', its simple and soaring sound tying up a delightfully smooth and touching EP. (7/10)

Charlie Hole - Someone Else's Dream (EP)

A four-track EP including an acoustic version of title track, which appears here as track number one, a smooth and gentle yet at times more powerful number, which passes the baton to the gentler 'Boundaries', which plays out as another well written and sung ballad. 'The City' keeps the pace and tempo in similar territories before the previously mentioned acoustic version of the title track closes the show. A nice, well produced and performed EP. (6/10)

Gecko - Volcano (Album)

Coming in at eleven tracks and two interludes 'Volcano' is a collection of tongue-in-cheek, pun-hefty run pop-indie-rap tracks created by the witty lyricist Gecko who I recently saw live and thoroughly loved. Though his energetic and entertaining live act doesn't quite translate as well to the recorded medium this album is still a delight in note-perfect humorous takes on modern life and, at times, is surprisingly poignant such as on the excellent titular closing track that covers families, hibernation and bears. This eccentricity flows throughout the entire album, particularly on highlights such as 'The Library' with its quirky and catchy chorus and 'iPhone, Therefore I Am' which is one of the best observational songs I've heard in a long time.

Elsewhere 'Any Other Room' spins off from an interlude about an unloved painting to become something more personal; opener 'Got Science' sees the strong album production mixed in with vocal samples; and 'End of the World' is surprisingly dark.

Any album that relies on humour will struggle sometimes to keep the joke going but after three listens still really love the album, the mix of personality, wordplay, puns and genuinely perky rhythms make for a joyous ride. Great. (7.5/10)

Hunger - Amused EP

We've previously reviewed opener 'Amused' and track three 'Bubbles' from this EP and loved them, and they're just as strong here as part of an ensemble. Energetic opener 'Amused' is an anthemic and well produced, bombastic indie single with a very catchy central chorus. New number 'Gravity' is a slower and darker number but with a strong harmonic vibe that keeps it going, and showcases the tight mixture of vocals and interesting multi-instrumentation, its stabs giving it a certain sense of urgency. 'Bubbles' is still the less noteworthy of the three but its building vibe and soaring vocals, with a heartfelt centre, certainly don't make it a failure and the energy gets injected just before the two-minute mark.

The EP is rounded off with some tweaks on 'Amused' and 'Gravity', with acoustic versions of both, though they feel like they've been turned acoustic in the studio rather than built from the ground up, which lessens their impact a little bit, but they offer something different.

Overall the 'Amused' EP is a great showcase of Hunger's considerable talent and I look forward to hearing more from them. (7.5/10)

Kerri Watt - Old School Sessions (EP)

At six-tracks strong and recorded live, this EP is the perfect showcase for the incredible talent that is Kerri Watt, no better showcased on the heart-wrenching stripped-back ballad of 'Long Way Home', beautifully delivered as it is lyrically, with a sad emotional core at the centre that hits you. Elsewhere there are two covers, from the emotive opener 'Jealous Guy' to the perkier take on 'Rich Girl'. There's a nod to Watt's heritage in a sparky take on the classic 'Loch Lomond' and 'Pirate Man' has a soulful swagger to its retro sound. Closer 'Little Sally' also boasts plenty of soul and a catchy mid-tempo pace, closing a delightful 22-minutes of well written and performed live numbers. (8/10)

Kerri Watt - You (EP)

A four-track studio EP it begins with the titular track, a spunky upbeat ballad with a large radio-friendly chorus and a very catchy feel. 'Got My Heart' is another perky indie track, whilst 'Paris' is the second best song on the EP, its determined beat, catchy pace and building feeling giving it a real upbeat vibe. The EP ends with the country-tinged 'Maybe' which continues the jaunty vibe of most of the tracks and boasts some neat synth work. A great showcase. (7.5/10)

Robbie Williams - Under the Radar Vol. 2 (LP)

Robbie Williams releases his second collection of unreleased b-sides and, though it feels a little less interesting than volume 1 which felt like an album, it still has enough highlights to justify a purchase. Opener 'Satellites' has a catchy rhythm and some fun lyrics like 'until she gets old...er' but is perhaps a little bit forgettable, whilst his popped-up cover of Dolly Parton's '9 to 5' has a fun heart to it, the up-tempo pace and electronic elements really making an impact on the oft-covered track. 'Ms Pepper' is one of my favourites on the collection, though it gave part of its rhythm to the earlier song 'Shit on the Radio' which stands out a little bit, but there's plenty of heart to it and a cool rhythm.

'Bambi', which sounds like a cross between Nina Simone's 'Take Me to the Water' and Jagger and Co's 'Sympathy For the Devil', has enough cheek and pop vibes to pull off the similarities, whilst lead single, the touching 'Eyes on the Highway', heads towards the upper echelones of a Robbie ballad in the spirit of 'Go Gentle' and its ilk, with a singable choral hook. Wrapping up the first half, 'Speaking Tongues' is one of the highlights of the record, a quirky and catchy pop number with some fun fantastical lyrics and a cheeky vibe built around a strong production vibe. 

Into the second half and we get second single 'Go Mental', featuring the jazzy vocals and music of Atlantic Horns which adds a real distinctive vibe to the sound, and a rap verse from 'Big Narstie' which adds little to the recipe though does give it a bit of changed-up energy. 'Run It Wild' is a smooth enough distraction but in the wake of the last track's energy feels a little middle of the road and sounds too similar to some other 'Take The Crown' songs, and 'Numb' fits into the similar basket of good, but not that memorable.

Entering the final quarter and though 'Andy Warhol' takes a bit to get going proves to be a fun, poppy number that captures the cheeky spirit of Williams again with a fun chorus and elements on the way to it. 'My Fuck You To You' is blander than the title would suggest, ending up as a middle of the road ballad with only the title giving it some attitude, and 'Weakness' wraps up the album in a similar vibe.

A treat for fans of Robbie with many highlights, but a less essential purchase than the first volume. (6.5/10)

Villa Rivercat - Days and Weeks and Hours

Having reviewed and enjoyed several of these singles on previous blogs it's a pleasure to listen to the full LP, though at seven tracks it does feel a little like a bridge between an EP and an album, though the 35-minute running time does lean more towards the latter.

Opener 'Sunshine' is a delightfully gentle and warming harmonised song with a smooth and calming vibe, beautifully produced and layered. 'Morning Comes' was reviewed only this week on our singles blog and fits in nicely, whilst 'Baby Low' has hints of a laid-back Chvrches number, before building into a calm, gentle yet soaring deliriously sung song that really lifts the spirits thanks to the lead's beautiful vocals.

'Song For F' feels a little more understated and ethereal, and proves to be not one of my favourites on the album as its low-key style doesn't progress as much as it could, though the keyboard riffs and sampled vocals that get woven into the mix offer something refreshing into the established style and there's plenty of heart behind it, possibly aimed at whoever 'F' is. 'More' as a more jaunty vibe to it with some haunting background vocals and has a bit more of a cool vibe to it, and its singable ending really works. 'Seagull Stars' with its sweeping instrumental section is great and moves gentle towards to the conclusion with the more introspective 'To See and Discover' which ties up a really strong and delightful little album with a smooth and gentle number. Beautifully produced and sung. (7.5/10)

We Are Parasols - Inertia (LP)

Coming in at thirteen tracks plus a piano version of one of the songs, 'Inertia' is quite a progressive and flowing album where each mostly-instrumental track bleeds into the next, so much so you're never sure where one tune begins and the next ends, unless there's a sudden jolt from the appearance of some angry lyrics like you get at one point. At times vocals, some more distinct than others, play in like instruments, forming a concept album which moves seamlessly around, generating a soundscape that weaves in and around you, forming a gentle background soundtrack rather than something that will grab your attention. Interesting and experimental. (5/10)

Christmas 2017

Yes, we know it's only November but let's take a look at some of the upcoming festive-themed releases coming up.

Ashton Lane - Winter Star (EP)

Delivering three tracks and a fourth live number, the title track is beautiful, the story-telling lyrics forming a vivid and seasonally delightful image in your head that is boosted by the delicious harmonies of the two leads, forming an understated but great festive song with a romantic centre. 'Frozen' is another strong love ballad with the vocals taking centre stage, quite rightly, the touching lyrics about relationships at Christmas really nailing the emotion, the chorus close to heartbreaking. 'Who Comes This Night' has a more religious theme, their cover a touching take on the old but not that familiar track, the consistent production style working well. This theme continues with the live version of 'The Little Road to Bethlehem' which is a delightful and gentle closure to a great EP. A must hear. (8/10)

Bento - It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

This urban-styled version of the classic song takes the overly-familiar song and adds a really fresh flavour to its recognisable flow, from a great beat, a jazzy tempo and some vocal shifts. It won't be to everyone's tastes but it's original and cool. (7.5/10)

Big Big Train - Merry Christmas

Featuring Mark Benton in the video, fresh from burgling with Paddington Bear, for M&S, this is a stripped back darkly produced song for the season that goes down the real meaning of Christmas route. Boasting a choir-led section it's an interesting switch between its Elbow-like darker moments and more hopeful sections. A neat little number that lifts the spirits, ending on a high, positive note. B-Side 'Snowfalls' also boasts a nicely imagined imagery too, woven through its lyrics and gentle sound. (7/10)

Callaghan - Christmas Lights

One of my favourite singers from the last couple of years, this piano-based stripped back song has plenty of heart all the way through the song, the cut back style allowing the emotional lyrics to breathe. Beautiful. (7/10)

Charlie Hole - River

A version of a classic Christmas song, Hole's soulful voice delivers the song with joy. It's not a revolutionary take on the classic number but it does it justice, and is beautifully sung. (7/10)

Ellie Goulding - O Holy Night

Though a potentially difficult track for a "pop artist" to tackle Goulding does a great job on this record, her soaring vocals making a strong take on the classic number, with the stripped back choral backing adding to the emotional delivery. (7/10)

Emma Stevens - Christmas (EP)

Coming soon, one of the country's best singer-songwriters releases a special EP of four festive-themed songs. In a weird coincidence the EP sits nicely next to Keane lead singer's Tom Chaplin album with one of their songs appearing here, alongside a shared cover of East 17's 'Stay Another Day', which opens this EP. Delightfully built around a simple piano riff with Stevens' gentle vocals really suiting the song, this is a smooth and touching opening to the record and creates a softer take on the 90s classic, and the gradual fade in of the seasonal church bells at the end works really well. Track two is the carol 'Silent Night' and though its a very faithful interpretation suits the vocal style of Stevens and the multi-layering of the vocals lifts it up. 

Keane track 'Somewhere Only We Know' with its humming open is beautifully done, adding more sweetness to it even than the original, creating a warming and delightful version of the de-facto Christmas track. Closer 'Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas' is just as lovely, the stripped back, breathy take, really suiting the track, wrapping up a gentle and warming 15-minute festive offering. (7.5/10)

Eric McGrath - Back Home

Ticking all the expected production effects for a Christmas song, this is a gentle, airy and light, anthem for the time of year with a subdued production effect and vocals high in the mix, balancing some story-telling lyrics and a sweet atmosphere. A grower. (6/10)

Fiona Kennedy - Christ Child Lullaby

Going for the more traditional sound of Christmas songs this is a delightfully gentle song that gives Kennedy's strong voice and the building choral backing the chance to shine. Something different, and just as delightful. (6.5/10)

Frank Sinatra and Seal - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

These duets with artists who are no longer with us are becoming more and more common and though this is a nice version it feels like Sinatra is doing most of the hard work, Seal's new vocals not being distinctive or different enough to stand out. Fun but relatively pointless. (6.5/10)

Gary Shail - Modding Up My Christmas List 

With its funny tongue-in-cheek lyrics this ska-influenced song boasts a great catchy chorus that feels more summer than Christmas, which offers something a little different amongst all the rest of the more cliched production effects! (7.5/10)

Graham J. - O Holy Night

Continuing on the theme of traditional sounding songs this is a warm, beautifully sung classical-sounding number that eschews the, quite literal sometimes, bells and whistles of modern songs for something more old-fashioned. But what a voice! (7/10)

Gregory Porter - The Christmas Song

The world and his wife have covered this song and Porter's version isn't hugely revolutionary and very faithful / similar to the Nat King Cole version he's channeling, but his silky voice mixed with the orchestral backing make this a delightful enough take. (7/10)

Hanson - Finally It's Christmas

Continuing their low-key comeback, 90s wonder-kids Hanson are back with this bouncy pop number with hints of retro rock and roll. Like many songs it's more seasonal than substance but it's rhythm and joy will win over your Grinch-like heart. (6.5/10)

Gwen Stefani feat. Blake Shelton - You Make It Feel Like Christmas

Gwen Stefani proves to be the latest artist to jump on the Christmas album bandwagon and this funky, soulful number with a fair chunk of Blake Shelton on vocals is a great cut from it. It's not hugely revolutionary but hits the spot. (7/10)

Jess and the Bandits feat. Gary Quinn - Always Christmas Eve

One of my favourite country acts of the last few years has released a new Christmas EP including this song, which is a cool and stripped back, warm song that might not be revolutionary but will fit in well to your snug Christmas playlist, the contrast of the two vocals building to something special. (7/10)

Katie Garibaldi - Home Sweet Christmas (LP)

The first full album of the year, this clutch of original songs (albeit one closing cover) captures the season well, with country-hints tied in with the usual tropes of festive songs. Starting with 'Happy Married Christmas', a neat twist, on the usual greeting, has, in a rather strange comparison, hints of the theme of Scooby Doo in its rhythm and delivery (!), but is a great uptempo entry into the perky album that has a strong religious-slant as befits the season.

'Star in the East' is a slower affair, capturing the imagery of the seasonal story in its country rhymes, whilst the rawer sounding 'Jesus Touched My Heart' has shades of the White Stripes in their 'Get Behind Me Satan' era, if you pardon the religious contrasts. With a perky, soulful feel there's plenty of rhythm here to get behind, and the gospel ending will get you clapping along.

'Unhappy Holiday' returns to a more secular style with a mid-tempo country style that balances a relatively bouncy tune with more downbeat lyrics about missing your loved one. 'The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas)' is a great original pop song that eschews snow for tales of beaches whilst 'Wonderful Mother Mary' is a slower, more traditional-sounding number.

'Love on Christmas Day' goes much more country in its musical style with its twangy guitars lifting the spirit, but its the tempo that lifts for 'Holy Spirit in my Heart' with its quirky and catchy rhythm. 'Safe and Warm (Lullaby For Jesus)' kicks the pace back for a sweet, hymn-like number with a great choral-effect chorus.

'Tomorrow is Christmas Morning' is an atmospheric number that paints a delightfully season picture complete with the evocative sleigh bells, whilst 'Our Home Awaits you' will bring a smile to your face as you look ahead to the season.

The album finishes on its one traditional song, a strong folky-tinged version of the classic hymn 'Silent Night' which goes down the road of something with a little more energy than the usual slower version which offers something fresher. 

Balancing a mixture of religious-themed numbers with more secular pieces, this country and folk take of the season is a delightful listen and will set the mood for the season if you so wish to think this far ahead. (7/10)

Keith 'n' Julie - Mr. Mince Pie

Sounding a bit like a modern, Christmas-themed version of 'Come Outside', this quirky Cockney-fulled festive offering is a tongue-in-cheek hit with a fun centre to the knowing song. (7/10)

The Lancashire Hotpots - Oh Come All Ye Faithful (Singalonga Version)

If you've always wanted to hear a comedy folk band tackle, semi-seriously, a classic carol then we have the perfect thing for you here. With a bouncy upbeat rhythm this a great, nicely paced and tongue-in-cheek take on the favourite. (7/10)

LA Wise Man - All I Want For Xmas Is Rock & Roll

This year's Christmas song to eschew the usual production effects for something more rocky, this is a foot-tapping entry with a quickly catchy fast-paced chorus. Rock on! (7/10)

Lord Buckethead - A Bucketful of Happiness

Having taken the political world by storm Lord Buckethead goes all Meat Loaf on us with this witty festive offering. The vocoder vocals and production effects may be a little poor and muddy but the heart and style is there, plus the lyrics are very funny - in particular the John Lewis line and its punchline. (7/10)

Lucy Spraggan - Drink 'Til We Go Home

The perky pop-songstress Lucy Spraggan joins the roster of Christmas singers this year with this song influenced by the Pogues both in style, slur and subject matter. Fun and with some vivid, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, the sing-a-long string led chorus with its stein-swinging rhythm work really well. Fun and jaunty! (7.5/10)

Mariah Carey - Lil Snowman

Not at all the sound you'd expect from Carey, this 'Roll Over Beethoven'-influenced rock number does not sound like her at all, adding much more bite to her usual wailey-sound, though it's sound-a-like vibe does knock it a few points off. (6/10)

(For something more expected why not try the sweet, if not a little saccharine, 'The Star' from the recent movie about the nativity. It's gentle but building with plenty of heart. (6.5/10))

MiC LOWRY - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Taking a stripped-back, almost A Capella, take on the song, this is a surprising direction for the group, but a welcome take on the song. With some big harmonies, and a grandiose end this is a strong take on a classic. Smooth. (7/10)

Mister Sledge - What Do You Want For Christmas?

Given a 2017 re-release this is a fun, mid-tempo Christmas song with the familiar production values you expect from this time of year but a heart-warming feel and old-fashioned feeling style that warms the cockles of the heart. (7/10)

Panic! At The Disco - Feels Like Christmas

P!ATD join the throng of artists releasing Christmas songs with this frantic, over-produced number that throws plenty of eccentric licks at the wall. Unashamedly ticking all the boxes of their sound this is perhaps a little too generic but will bulk out your playlist well. (6.5/10)

Red Sky July feat. Graham Gouldman - Him and Christmas

With a Cardigans-feel washing around its country-lite styling this is a low-key Christmas song with its production but has a strong slick feel that makes it more distinctive than a lot of this season's fare. (6.5/10)

Rosie Ninmo - Being A Child Again (In the Snow)

With a classic Nina Simone sound both in vocals and brush-drum rhythm, this is a free-form and calming seasonal number that is the music version of chestnuts roasting on a hot fire. Smooth. (6.5/10)

Sia - Santa's Coming For Us

The title might sound more threatening than festive but it's a fun and perky, quirky, number from Sia with a simple yet very catchy chorus and all the Christmas trappings you'd expect from the song genre, though if you can translate the first four lines you're better than us. 'Ho Ho Ho' is another track from the album worth to hear. (7/10)

Sleigh Bells - And Saints

Though it feels like it's building to a crescendo that never comes and it doesn't feel particularly festive in its lyrics, it's got a warming feel to its production that suits the season. Not even sure, aside from the band title, whether it's even a Christmas song! (6/10)

Tom Chaplin - Midnight Mass

The voice of Keane returns with this sweet and gentle track from his loosely-themed Christmas album. It might like the huge hooks he's known for but it's a pleasant, warming seasonal offering. (6/10)

UNITY - Merry Merry Christmas (Each and All)

A delightfully gentle and friendly indie number with plenty of heart and warm lyrics, the two young singers winning you over with their touching delivery and catchy chorus. (7/10)

William Alvey Christmas - The Christmas Club

Your enjoyment of this song will depend on your tolerance for young children singing but if you can cope with that this is a nice, sweet middle-of-the-road Christmas song, but it's probably more for those involved with it. (6/10)

New Music Review #85

Ten more tracks you must hear!

Ben Haenow - Alive 

Another strong pop song from the talent show winner. It's not the most memorable of songs after it finishes but its Biffy Clyro-lite vibe works well. (6/10)

Callaghan - Broken

Another beautifully written and performed track from the incredible voice of Callaghan. If this doesn't touch your heart strings not much else will! (7.5/10)

Carol Laula - 2nd Hand Joy

With folky undertones and the weaving in of a choir, there's an innocent and simple joy in this record with a bigger, catchy chorus. Delightfully different. (6.5/10)

Everything Everything - Desire

One of the most reliable bands around at the moment, 'Everything Everything' go a little bit Muse on this new release, a dramatically operatic falsetto-led number. (7/10)

Jack Found - Sundown

One of my favourite songs of the moment, this bouncy brass-hefty pop song sounds like Mark Owen with more energy and is a great catchy radio-friendly number. A must listen. (7.5/10)

Kele Okereke feat. Olly Alexander - Grounds for Resentment

The lead singer of Bloc Party shifts gear quite considerably on this slower ballad that has big echoes of the Feeling. Gentle yet touching this is a cool, chill-out number with strong lyrics and delivery. (6.5/10)

Lorde - Perfect Places

After the slightly off-the-wall 'Green Light' we get something more straight forward in 'Perfect Places' but the lyrics, delivery and driving pace all work well in creating a great little pop song. (7/10)

Pink - What About Us

Pink can often be relied upon to produce a great pop song and she does it again on this mid-tempo ballad. It's not a huge departure from some of her earlier material but it has enough heart and a strong enough chorus to win you over, and mixes in some nice dance elements too. (7/10)

Sea Girls - Call Me Out 

'Call Me Out' is a gentle slice of pop-indie that comes across as somewhere between the Killers and the similarly sounding Seafret. With a distinctive, foot-tapping chorus, this is a grower. (7/10)

Toddla T feat. Andrea Martin - Magnet

Keeping the backing track gentler lifts up the sweet and smooth vocals of Andrea Martin that gives this single its central emotional core. Chilled out and thoughtful. (6.5/10)

Album Reviews #2

Ten albums that you should take the chance to listen to!

Callaghan - The Other Side (EP)

This five-track EP sees the return of the wonderful Callaghan to recorded music. Consisting of four songs and an intro to the titular song, it's that tune that lends its title to the full EP that scores the highest marks, formed as a dramatically produced and sung ballad with bite that kicks it up a gear and delivers a real gut punch. 'Solid Ground' is a strong opener to the collection and moves along nicely, whilst 'Surrender' strips things back to a quiet piano-led ballad. ' I Don't Know How To Lose You' as the middle track lays on the emotion as well whilst keeping the production simple and clean, contributing to an EP that tugs on the heart-strings thanks to Callaghan's songwriting and pure voice. (6.5/10)

Erin K - Little Torch

Erin K's 10-track strong album 'Little Torch' is a mixed bag of weird and wacky tracks that oscillate from catchy summer-friendly pop-indie numbers like opener 'No Control' and country-tinged 'Dum Da Dum' to the awkward yet memorable 'Assholio' to the frankly weird and irritating potty-mouthed and pointless 'I Just Ate Shit' which stands out like a sore thumb on an otherwise fun album; it's a joke track that is musically poor and lyrically tedious and as the longest track on the LP feels like a mis-fire. Dismissing that the rest of the tracks are rather joyous fun little snippets with catchy warmth. Nice and relaxing, with some toe-tapping moments. (6.5/10)

Jerry Harmon - Walk Softly

Familiar sounding country songs are the order of the day with this set of ten songs from Jerry Harmon, ranging from the banjo hefty opener 'Walking to Cleveland' which mixes up the catchy titular hook and a proper hoe-down backline, to the slower lighters-out curiously titled 'Daddy's Was Purple' covering family in a touching way. Along the way we get mid-tempo movements like 'Made of Time', 'Man Who Used To Be' and 'Walk Softly' and the speedy 'Whose Mind Was Made'. The highlight of the album is the western-heavy 'Back to the Country' with the poppiest and most radio friendly album whilst 'Grandma's Are Sexy Too' can be left to your own imagination. With 'Love In The House' completing the autobiographical themed tracks, you'll enjoy 'Walk Softly' with its traditional bouncy country sound and it's occasional eccentricity. It slips neatly into the cliches of the genre but that's not always a bad thing. (7/10)

The Jesus and Mary Chain – Damage and Joy

With an album name translated from the famous German word Schadenfreude, ‘Damage and Joy’ is a darkly indie-rock album of fourteen songs with a surprisingly poppy heart, whether it’s in the gritty ‘War and Peace’ which enjoys a pacey-refurbishment mid-song or a newer re-imagining of ‘All Things Pass’. The gentler, more harmonised ‘Song For A Secret’ changes things up a little even if the production is a bit muddier; the indie-heft of ‘The Two of Us’ plays out nicely ; and moving on into the second half of the album ‘Presidici’ perks things up with a faster pace, though still a little dark and gloomy in terms of production. Closing numbers like ‘Simian Split’ and ‘Black and Blues’ bring the album to a nice closer, before the Beatles-esque finale of ‘Can’t Stop the Rock’ (nicely ironic final track name) boasts some well designed harmonies and a keen ear for tying up loose ends. Overall a comeback album after twenty-years I can get behind. (6.5/10)

Karen Elson - Double Roses

Elson's ten-song strong LP is a slow, downbeat ode to lost love, personal relationships and the ilk that's both surprisingly downbeat as well as very gentle, listenable and relaxing. With her beautiful and delicate voice accompanied for much of the record by equally fragile strings and timpani, what we get is a treat for the ears and a calming 46-minutes in her company.

Opener 'Wonder Blind' is an evocative number and the perfect early showcase for her voice, alongside a sweet cacophany of instrumentation including some marvellous flute work forming a strong soundscape. The titular second son is a smooth mid-tempo number with much of the same qualities whilst 'Call Your Name' has a little more energy and could be described as soaring.

'Come Hell and High Water' is once again delightful and the most distinctive song on the piece whilst the deeply personal and emotional lyrics continue on 'The End'. The metaphor-heavy 'Raven' is a pleasure and the clock ticking and dramatic building of 'Why Am I Waiting' succeeds with its noteworthy lyrics and the hook of references of shoes to fill and bridges to burn.

The LP continues to take a darker introspective turn on 'A Million Stars', an emotive and personal ballad with many heartfelt messages, with the theme of love continuing in 'Wolf' with phrases such as 'fatal mistake' adding to the poetry of the piece, a feeling that continues and concludes with album closer 'Distant Shore'.

'Double Roses' is a dark and personal piece but something that doesn't feel too much like an intrusion into Elson's psyche as you listen. Beautiful. (7.5/10)

Neil - Black Flowers

'Black Flowers' by Neil is an 11-track album that begins and ends with tracks entitled 'Spleen'. Coming across as a series of rock tracks of various depths and levels with hints of country and rock-a-billy in parts, such as on 'My Tired Heart', it's quite a downbeat album of songs with a gloomy outlook both lyrically and musically, though with moments that express more positivity. Occasionally angry and a little sweary, it's at its best on 'Not A Love Song' with its crisp guitar and 'Queens of the Stone Age'-rhythm. (6/10)

Rodina - You Got Soul

'You Got Soul' is a funky, retro-sounding, cool eleven-track LP of jazzy and funky songs, like a cross between Imelda May and Tracy Kashi. From the big band swagger of the confident empowering 'Only Girl' to the slower and more introspective 'Later', the album is great and involving with only the occasional track - 'You Got Soul' - being a little too experimental for my taste. Lead single 'What If' with its slow build to its radio friendly chorus still impresses; 'Black Crow' is as sultry a track as you'd long for; 'Outside Your Door' is a smooth slow-dance; 'Flame' is a Caribbean-tinged delight; 'Something That You Said' full of bounce and joyful summery piano; and 'Rise Like The Sun' a slower, more sombre number. 'On To Me' switches things up with a more quirky style and breakdowns with a modern flavour, whilst penultimate song 'This Place' has all the funk of a jazz club. 'You Got Soul' certainly lives up to its title and keeps things fresh with lots of different styles and pace, and keeps a smile on your face. (7/10)

Rory Lavelle - Waves

'Waves' is an atmospheric ten track album that opens with the Richard Marx / David Gray-esque 'All These Horrors', a dark guitar-led number with the catchy 'Say Something' hook of its chorus and a strong, involving production feel. Follow-up 'Sonny' continues the atmospheric, guitar-driven soft-rock numbers with crisp production and strong progression. 'Poor Pride' continues with the hooky-lyrical structure that keeps the gentle numbers moving along, whilst 'When the Crazies Come Out' with its Sparks-like classical stabs and repetitive vocal hook is the most distinctive and intriguing of the tracks so far though it does perhaps run out of fresh ideas by the time it goes a little Moby next to its constant repeating on the title. 

'Somewhere Along the Line' continues the optimistic, low-key songs that maybe wash over you musically more than make a huge impact, but they're likable, calming little compositions which is quite appropriate considering the album's title. 'Alive Now' perks things up with a Bob Dylan-like harmonica enthused play out, whilst 'Waiting for the Reverie' contradicts the title with a rather slow, and a little maudlin, ballad number that works well with the instrument but is a bit too gloomy and rambling for my tastes. 'A Thousand Kinds of Pain' which comes next is a much more bombastic piece with hints of Richard Ashcroft, the strings and vocals working together to cement the drama of the piece.

The album continues on strong form with the emotive 'These', with a frantic, almost panicky vocal which adds energy. Finale 'Sleepy' comes in at five minutes and gently wraps up 'Waves', a delightfully evocative and sweeping album that mixes Richard Ashcroft and Bob Dylan into a relaxing emotive piece. (7/10)

Sam Gleaves and Tyler Hughes - Sam Gleaves and Tyler Hughes

This self-titled duet album from Gleaves and Hughes boasts fourteen tracks from various sources, the opening two written by the two leads then more composed by others, and some from traditional origins. The sprightly and delightfully produced LP begins with the memory-filled 'Stockyard Hill' before kicking up a gear with the subtly politically charged 'When We Love' which feels like the understated theme song for 2017 America. 'Georgia Row' is a more traditionally sounding country song that is 50% scratchy instrumental and 50% campfire sing-a-long. 

'Mister Rabbit' is a new take on a traditional ode to the titular animal that will bring a smile on your face whilst 'I Can't Sit Down' feels quickly catchy thanks to the singers' call-and-response vocals and the upbeat and toe-tapping music. The well matched harmonies continue through songs like 'Bread and Roses' alongside the jaunty and relentless perky numbers with eccentric titles like 'I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew'. 'Lonesome Homesick Blues' feels like a generic blues number but you can't help tapping your foot to it whilst 'Well I Guess I Told You Off' is a tongue-in-cheek number about anger management and dealing with people you don't like. 'Living with Memories' is a gentle but touching track whilst the closer 'Tear Down the Fences' wraps things up with some strong reflectiveness and thoughtful lyrics.

This album by the duo is a joy to hear, nailing the style of the region with a series of catchy, toe-tapping tracks well sung and composed with a mixture of messages and feelings. (7.5/10)

Three Minute Heroes #HearMeOut 

Inspired by Hull's appointment as Capital of Culture comes this compilation album of fifteen acts from the city. It opens with Fronteers and their song 'Mamma's Boy' which is a bouncy, upbeat and quickly catchy indie-pop number with plenty of energy and a real radio-friendly head-nodding sound. Things become a little heavier with Black Lime's rocky 'Famous' which takes a bit to grow on you but settles in eventually but it's a bit too much in its gruffer bits for my tastes. La Bête Blooms & EMBRS join forces for 'Stingray (I Still Dream)' at track three and though the guitars are a bit heftier than the opening track the hook of the chorus and the battle of the vocals work well, it's just a shame the track gets a bit screamy as it reaches its conclusion.

'Home' by 'The Mighty And The Moon' is more to my tastes, a mid-tempo indie number with two well harmonised vocals and a smooth progression. It may lack a big chorus but it has plenty of emotion woven into the vocals and lyrics, and sways nicely for five minutes, which perhaps makes a little bit of a mockery of the album title. 'Paint A New Picture' from singer-songwriter Ruth Scott, featuring Kristian Eastwood is a much more stripped back piece and this helps the powerful vocals to shine, lifting them up to where they need to be in the mix. 

'It's Been A While' from False Advertising brings us hints of grunge to the varied composition and though it's not one of my favourites on the album the Paramore-like lead vocals of the lead singer work well and there's attitude by the bucket-load, but some of the higher notes don't quite hit home and the music is a bit too muddy for my tastes but by the end of the song I have to say I was won over.

The post-punk 'Bed Mood' by Serial Chiller has plenty of attitude and crunching guitars and a punchy, fast-paced rhythm with crisp production, and at under two minutes does what it needs to do. Taking us up to the half-way point the clap-heavy 'I Want To be Human' by 'The Quicksilver Kings' has plenty of poppiness in its fun rhythm and the spoken breakdown keeps it fresh between its catchy chorus. 

El Whaeko's 'Over Think' is a more experimental affair throwing in a less formulaic structure, some harmonica and a darker drum riff into a track that freshens things up a little. Not my favourite song on the compilation but a definite grower and the repeating of the hook at the end really works. 'Dead Langer' from the 'Hillbilly Troupe' which follows has hints of 'Rawhide' in its rhythm and tone and is a short and punchy distraction between tracks, with fun folk-influences woven in, and a catch'ness from the 'woman in the shadows' lyrics.

'See, Hear, Speak' from 'The Dyr Sister' is possibly the most unusual song on the compilation, mixing in Bjork-sounding vocals with an electronic-tinged vocal hook of the title that runs through the piece with hints of that famous song from musical Chicago. Certainly more experimental in nature this creates a strong soundscape that won't be to everyone's tastes but I really like the flavours created.

'Dance: Happy Dance' from 'Waste of Paint' is maybe not as happy as the title would suggest but it has plenty of bounce and energy, though the production masks the vocals a little too much in the mix. Sometimes less is more, but it's a fun and quirky little number with an enjoyable, if a little murky, choral hook but it does go a little crazy in its final sixty seconds.

'Crooked Weather' with track 'Skeletons' brings us into the final three tracks and is a more ponderous, subdued number that sounds like Lana Del Rey if she was a little bit gloomier. It's atmospheric but a little too ethereal, murky and wishy-washy for my personal tastes and the only track that is skippable.

'Egg'  from 'The Froot '67' is more like it, a more laid back number, and though it doesn't reach the heights of some of the earlier numbers is pleasing enough with its laid-back vibes and sixties-sounding set-up, with hints of psychedelia and it plays out nicely.

The impressive compilations concludes with 'December' by 'Chambers' which sounds like a muddier Arctic Monkeys song, it's heavier rockier tones bringing things to a slower conclusion, tying things together nicely.

'Three Minute Heroes' is a top-drawer compilation that may be a little front-heavy in terms of the better more accessible tracks but there's much to enjoy here and very little to skip, with plenty of genres and styles on showcase. The opening track is definitely the highlight but the curator of the compilation should be proud about assembling fifteen songs that show the music scene of Hull in a great light. (7.5/10)