Biffy Clyro

Puzzle

There are many significant, jump-out-at-you facts about Biffy Clyro at present. Ignored by much of the mainstream press for, well, much of their 10 years (yes, that’s another one, they’ve been together a decade), the band declare that they want to make a pop album. more… “Biffy Clyro”

Various artists

Whispers From the Offing (Kevin Coyne tribute)

If you’re unfamiliar with the work of Coyne, first things first – he died in 2004, following a 30-year career as an inspirational singer-songwriter. He also had an interest in the work of the psychiatric charity Life and Living. Always an underground figure, the artists he has inspired are, if this CD is anything to go by, also of a more obscure nature. more… “Various artists”

The Wildhearts

The Wildhearts

Bands who have been around as long as these guys really shouldn’t be expected to make records which sound this exciting. Blistering basslines collide with waves wave of crunchy feedback, every one of the 10 tracks pummels its way into your head. more… “The Wildhearts”

Amplifico

Hometakes Volume 2

This is what people mean when they talk about records being “lo-fi.” The seven tracks here are all very radio-friendly in a late night, John Peel session kind of way. more… “Amplifico”

Garbage

Absolute Garbage

While selling in their millions, Garbage will always be regarded as the “nearly” group of ‘90s rock. And with the evidence here on tracks like ‘Stupid Girl’, ‘Milk’ and ‘I Think I’m Paranoid’, that’s something of a shame. more… “Garbage”

Various

Alex Tronic Records Volume 1

This is (by all appearances) the debut release from Edinburgh-based label Alex Tronic Records. It is obviously aimed at Edinburgh’s massive clubbing audience more… “Various”

Oi Va Voi

Oi Va Voi

The first thing that strikes you about this album is just how fast-paced it is. Tracks kick you in the gut, hard and fast and then run off again. more… “Oi Va Voi”

Chris Hong

May All Your Children Be Dragons

By the end of my first listen, I genuinely hated this album in every respect. I had quite literally undergone painful gum surgery that day involving pliers and a small, chisel like implement. The fact that I was feeling curiously nostalgic for the experience more… “Chris Hong”

Dntel

Dumb Luck

There’s always a sense of trepidation going hand in hand with listening to the solo work of someone with a successful track record elsewhere. Such side projects often smack of over-experimentalism and a drudgery of dull self-indulgence. The experience can become even worse when accompanied by guests – other musicians desperately seeking a break from what the rest of civilisation would deem notable output. more… “Dntel”