An unremittingly sad record, one that almost suffocates the listener with its own melancholia; and yet there's also something strangely inspirational in its 10 piano-led hymns to failing and trying again.

Kinshasa Succursale is bursting with ideas, not all of which hit their mark. It's refreshing however to see an approach to recording and production which doesn't strive for polish and perfection.

Blends much that has gone before, and serves up a freshly defined new act that has potential for popular success.

Not all of it works, but enough of that which is tried comes off to make it an interesting addition to a substantial career.

For now, this is a hypnotic, well executed, if not altogether thrilling collection.

This isn't an album that's likely to change anything, but nor does it deserve to just pass by unnoticed.

This is an LP that promised much but ultimately it's a puzzling affair.

Her debut promised much; Freedom Of Speech sees Speech Debelle delivering on that promise.

It's a creative, intelligent and serious work that also has moments of considerable fun.

Bigger, bolder but still retaining an engaging charm, it is a highly impressive melodic triumph.

The two pianists [Craig Taborn and Matthew Bourne] share a penchant for timing, space and reflection that results in refreshingly honest and original work.

So, leaner and more focused than their free-wheeling debut, Sweet Sour is a little gem in a sea of tired guitar bands looking for "something new."

The voyage is not a wholly successful one, due in part to its short length which makes it more lengthy EP than full length album, but there's also an occasional lack of musical focus.

Moonfire is a perfectly nice album, one that would provide a suitable soundtrack to a warm, summer evening. However, if you're looking for something to captivate and engage you, then look elsewhere.

Living Room Songs may not exceed 25 minutes in length but this is still an album to luxuriate in and one that fans of traditional classical composers such as Arvo Pärt and Henryk Górecki will find to their satisfaction.

A remarkably assured and instinctive piece of work, one that speaks of good times on the dancefloor while not being afraid to throw in more poignant and affecting emotions, all wrapped up in clothing that falls nicely on an ambient blend of disco and house.

If you like your music with the psychedelic layers of The Field and subtle atmospherics of Joy Orbison, Blondes have so much to give.

He doesn't ever disappear too far up his backside, instead keeping an attentive ear on what his devotees might still want to hear.

Exorcised of the dud tracks, Unbroken is a streamlined pure-pop winner, but ultimately it cannot measure up to Lovato's contemporaries.

Their end product is one of the freshest and most exciting guitar records since... well, since Field Music (Measure).

Some moments here do veer into the more predictable end of indie-rock territory.

If there's one thing it proves, it's this: Goldfrapp are an exceptional singles band.

Taken as a whole, Animal Joy maintains the quality of Shearwater's earlier outings without quite taking things to the next level they're eminently capable of achieving.

Who knows what direction they may go in the future but it would have to be very special indeed to top this hugely impressive comeback.

Ultimately it's impossible not to get swept away by the emergency room blues of Leviathan, or the electro-swamp-psychedelia thrum of Tiny Grain Of Truth and not marvel at Lanegan's damaged genius in the process.

The album occasionally forces longing for something more grounded in sobering reality, but it's the romantic view of France that it exudes which will capture the hearts of those from these isles.

The barefaced Daft Punk-like sampling culture is really ephemeral, now that DJ Food has upped the calibre of practical electronica and aesthetic trip-hop.

Yet after this strong opening half, the album struggles to maintain the same level of interest over the uneasy feel of Second Nature and the dramatic distant pianos and glitchy noises of Easy.