Japandroids – Art Czars (Polyvinyl) 01/03/2010
It’s disappointing to hear them hit a stumbling block on their follow up single, but there is still lots of angst and immediacy to suggest another great album in them.
Broken Bells – Broken Bells (Columbia) 08/03/2010
The core of the songs remain, but everything around it is done oh so slightly that much better giving them the lasting resonance and depth that many artists fail to create by themselves
The High Wire – The Midnight Bell (Grandpa Stan) 01/03/2010
‘The Midnight Bell’ will give you the feeling you are asleep, rather then sending you to sleep –and there’s nothing wrong with that.
Errors, So So Modern and Race Horses @ The Scala, London 04/03/2010
Errors unleashed their blend of new wave acid house on a mesmerised following at London’s modest sized Scala, but not until after an intriguing support line-up.
Lonelady – Nerve Up (Warp) 22/02/2010
Lonelady’s ‘NERVE UP’ is her debut offering with indie label Warp, and to compare her to something of a post-apocalyptic Blondie probably does more of an injustice to post-apocalyptic societies than Debbie Harry herself!
The Features – ‘Some Kind Of Salvation’ (Serpents and Snakes)
‘Some Kind Of Salvation‘, is set to yet again be re-released (first released 2008, then again in July last year) to coincide with joining KOL’s label. So why should we bother with it this time round if it’s not been a success without the big name?
Lightspeed Champion – Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet You (Domino) 15/02/2010
Life Is Sweet! Nice To Meet you finds Lightspeed Champion firmly in his ascension as a solo artist.
Hot Chip @ Birmingham Academy, 20/02/2010
The added dimensions afforded by live instrumentation were the real highlight of an amazing set.
Efterklang – Magic Chairs (4AD), 22/02/10
a solid, graceful album, and with Modern Drift included, that will just do fine.
Erland & the Carnival @ The Glee Club, Birmingham 19/02/2010
With their collection of wonderfully crafted and re-worked tracks, band members from the best musical stock and a charismatic front man, Erland & the Carnival have every box ticked
