Their rejuvenating effects make this the most rounded and melodic QOTSA album in a decade, a triumph snatched from the mortuary doors. [Summer 2013, p.88]

No, 13 isn't as good as their first six albums--what is?--but it's a million times better than most of what followed. [Summer 2013, p.86]

Albatross is a step up, sailing closer to the crunch and proggy intelligence of their 1997 debut, with songs that manage to be both smart and visceral. [May 2013, p.91]

It may not be the most important return of the year, but 133 serves as a reminder that Muir is a leader in the field of party starting. [Jul 2013, p.87]

Musically, it's so tried and tested it's almost frictionless. [Jul 2013, p.92]

At best, for a former superstar, returning to the creative fray, the record is mediocre. [Jul 2013, p.88]

The result is both shamelessly derivative and gloriously entertaining. [Jul 2013, p.88]

As equipment hums, bass rumbles and Robb bellows over joyfully insistent melodies, it becomes clear that The Terror Of Modern Life is the sound of a band hopelessly in love with the music that made them. [Jul 2013, p.88]

["It's A;right, It's OK" is] Yet another foray into shameless retro pastiche, then, but it concludes this gloomy, ear-bashing album with a welcome blast of rousing optimism. [Jul 2013, p.90]

Texas have gone back to basics, reconnecting with the solidly crafted simplicity of their earliest albums, Southside and Mother's Heaven. [Jul 2013, p.90]

The fact that The Fall are still going is remarkable enough; the fact that they're still making extraordinary records is even more so. [Jul 2013, p.92]

It's the culmination of four years during which Megadeth have continuously raised their game. [Jul 2013, p.92]

Alkaline Trio's fangs are still sharp after all these years. [Jul 2013, p.92]

There's still a rich seam of experimentation, but with more palatable results than has often been the case. [Jul 2013, p.95]

It might never escape the long shadow of the past, but it deserves a fair hearing. [Jun 2013, p.86]

This is punk rock at its snotty, hilarious best, rattling along on an 100mph wave of smart, deadly one-liners and beautifully abrasive riffs. [Jun 2013, p.87]

This is an album that refuses to sit still and stagnate. [Jun 2013, p.87]

Clutch are getting better with age. [Jun 2013, p.88]

The whole thing sounds like they had a blast. [Jun 2013, p.88]

The album gets better with every play. [Jun 2013, p.89]

BMTH sound more genuine, dramatic and emotional than they ever have before. [Jun 2013, p.89]

Ready To Die suggests Iggy is anything but. [Jun 2013, p.90]

Mind Control may occasionally lack the outright mania of its predecessor but this is music made in a puff of red smoke, heady and hypnotic. [Jun 2013, p.90]

Magnetic may veer close to Maroon-5-at-their-very-best territory, but let's not get sniffy. It's a life affirming, joyful record. [Jun 2013, p.91]

A glorious return to form for one of the world's most peculiarly successful bands. [Jun 2013, p.92]

Repetitive chants and moments of unfettered melodic joy further bolster or confuse the situation, depending on your mindset. [Jun 2013, p.93]

Meir is bigger, bolder and broader in its sweep and scale. [May 2013, p.91]

Eric Burdon's flame still burns brighter than that of most bands half his age. [May 2013, p.91]