reflective mood

The New Amsterdams: Story Like a Scar

Story like a Scar opens with two undeniably perfect tracks defining the album genre as mellow folk. The New Amsterdams incorporate country-style instruments such as a harmonica, banjo and stand-up bass for a brilliant effect.

Kasino: Fearless

Here we have ten diamond white 80s pop songs with mighty swirls of darker third millennium awareness.

The Futureheads: News and Tributes

As good as The Futureheads' debut was, it was often trying to be the class clown one too many times for its own good, too disjointed to ever really get going, too yelp-tastic and with one too many collective sing-a-long to get the real point across.

Decoration: I tried it, I liked it, I loved it

John Peel loves them and he's not the only one! This 3 track follow up to the astonishingly good "Thomas Pink Session" is another warning shot across the bows of the music listening public - whistling past with the words "you will adore us" ringing in the ears of all those who dare get in their way.

Clayhill: One Nerve

While others are off on tour supporting Beth Orton in the U.S we British Lizards are stuck here to take the heat.

Stephen Dale Petit: Guitararama

Even for willing listeners this album may challenge sustained concentration, but it's not short of highlights, and has real momentum on opening in quintessential electric blues style with 'Sacramento' and 'Alexis Korner Says'.

Flying Lotus: Los Angeles

The second LP from Flying Lotus (aka Steven Ellison) comes on in waves of liquid synths and stuttering beats.