As a band no one lays down a heavier groove right now. [Jan 2016, p.114]

It's not the third coming many Stone Roses fans may have hoped for, but Ripples marks the welcome return of a solo artist who never rested on his laurels or allowed himself to be overshadowed by past glories. [Mar 2019, p.110]

Treading the line between artful and emotive, it's a quiet riot. [May 2019, p.112]

Uncomfortably personal, but it sounds irresistible. [April 2012, p.102]

This is a record of fiery energy, spinning into sight like a chunk of chrome off a satellite, fierce, funny and beautifully unpredictable. [Jul 2018, p.116]

As with the other great British debut of 2004 so far, by Franz Ferdinand, Up All Night ripples with cocksure sangfroid and a barely contained sexual fever. [Jul 2004, p.111]

An album that could finally establish Feeder as major league players. [Feb 2005, p.92]

It's a stunning, stealthy, faintly malevolent collection of songs that serve as a reminder of this songwriter's power and innovation. [Nov 2018, p.106]

Like R.E.M. when they were good, [The National's] superficially simple songs have a real depth and resonance. [May 2005, p.114]

A record of rivers and trees rather than streets and skyscrapers, it's a blissful and quietly cosmic experience. [Sep 2013, p.98]

Intricate and precise, Be Small doesn't demand attention--but slowly and very smartly, it secures it just the same. [Dec 2015, p.108]

This is far more than just a vanity project by a label boss. [Jan 2018, p.113]

While it may be too easy to reach for the word "cinematic," it can't be avoided. [Dec 2015, p.104]

This is furious but slick metalcore, but none the worse for that. [Nov 2012, p.103]

Baroness have confidently produced one of the year's best metal albums. [Jan 2016, p.106]

Comparisons to Marling may linger, but The Staves should soar above them. [Nov 2012, p.105]

Despite the backward glances, a record very much in the moment. [Apr 2020, p. 106]

Sheff's unorthodox, often beautiful songs blend folk and country with left-field rock influences.

At every stage the songwriting is relentlessly, almost effortlessly strong. [Jan 2015, p.139]

There is a richness and an oddity to Condon's output that deserves continued attention. [Mar 2019, p.112]

He never strays outside his comfort zone, but the strongest moments ... have a familiar charm. [April 2012, p.102]

This is a starry-eyed celebration of yearning on a US factory floor, as idealised by British spa town punks. [April 2012, 105]

Not a huge departure from the day job, but who cares if the result is as consistently enjoyable as this. [May 2015, p.100]

He may have followed the aspiring bedroom producer's now-established route from blog favourite to remixer (for Yeah Yeah Yeahs), but the solo debut of Dayve Hawk, former frontman for post-punks Hail Social, is anything but predictable. [Jan 2010, p. 122]

Nabuma Rubberband is too uneasy, too unsettling, to guarantee a full-blown commercial breakthrough, but otherwise, they've cracked it all. [Jun 2014, p.107]

The characters and stories that Oberst sketches out have never been so fully realised. [Jul 2014, p.112]

[His] new-found security has enabled Weller to refine his art in the manner of Travis and all those accused of making the same record over and over again. [Oct 2002, p.113]

GLA's songs are snappy, its drums gigantic, its guitar riffs thrilling and McTrusty sings I Am Alive with the conviction of a man truly reborn. [Oct 2016, p.113]