An album of abundant imagination, if elusive meaning. [Sep 2018, p.110]

Features a few ropey grunge numbers. [Aug 2002, p.133]

Sadly, Open Season's one-pace '80s guitar rock lags a bit behind the narrative. [May 2005, p.110]

Though twee-o-phobes may baulk at the confessional tone, wit and self-deprecation win the day. [Oct 2012, p.105]

This is an almanac for the chronically inert, best when bottling the sparks that fly as misery meets fine company. [Dec 2017, p.111]

The pomp they derive from taking dour post-rock to a rave--notably here in Prisms--is satisfying. [Nov 2013, p.101]

Their chart-friendly clothes fit them well. [Oct 2007, p.98]

Seemingly made with the camper kind of dancefloors in mind is the self-titled first album of surging Euro synth-pop from Sweden writer/producer, Kleerup. [Jun 2009, p.134]

Over three albums Echobelly seemed confused as to whether to flog the pixie-esque appeal of singer Sonya Aurora Madan and seek the big money, go for the political jugular or just to pretend to be daft old hippies. Judging by People Are Expensive, the trio still haven't wholly resolved the dilemma...

This late-period curio isn't one for the purists. ... A patchy affair. [Oct 2019, p.117]

His fourth album shows a continuing talent for both dynamite house beats and reframing idiosyncratic vocalists. [Oct 2017, p.105]

Smart, knowing and the right kind of shallow, Spector have moved on to phase two in style. [Sep 2015, p.117]

A record that twists in thrilling shapes but rarely gets tangled. [Dec 2018, p.111]

More familiar than freaky. [Jan 2019, p.114]

Pollard's ear for a pop hook remains unswerving. [Mar 2006, p.109]

There's always been a wistful strain to [Cook's music]. Youth's contribution is to amp up the dreaminess in a way that perfectly suits songs such as Lunar Addiction and Ghostly fading. [Apr 2018, p.108]

Naturally, they can't resist chopping and changing course at the drop of a hat, but the melodic sheen clearly serves notice of more mainstream intent. [Oct 2010, p.120]

Invitation Songs treads a well-worn path through dusty Americana, but with aplomb. [Mar 2008, p.100]

This is a joyful and respectful collection. [Feb 2013, p.107]

Some may carp at the lyrics, but at 47, Kay retains pole position as pop's most revved-up playboy. [May 2017, p.107]

If they're undone by anything, it's their puppy-like, kids-in-a-sweet-shop enthusiasm for their prowess. [May 2016, p.104]

The old fervour remains intact. In truth, their third LP holds few surprises. [Feb 2009, p.116]

It's the interregnum between rock'n'roll and The Beatles and, if the line-up is disparate, the tone is constant, one of languor and melancholy, with re-creation rather than reinterpretation the aim. [Jun 2017, p.112]

Whether anyone would actually buy it is debatable, but certainly everyone should hear it. [Aug 2009, p.110]

Every so often, a newfound edginess gratifyingly creeps in, be that musical, on the gothic post-hardcore of "Plan A," or lyrical, on "The Sea Is A Good Place To Think Of The Future," a movingly detailed portrait of a suicidal girl. The signs of a band whose ambition may yet match their productivity. [Mar 2010, p.055]

Untamed Beast proves the band to be much more than just the rock'n'roll Alabama Shakes. [Jun 2013, p.95]

While this album carries more instrumental and emotional heft than its predecessor, something remains off-balance. [Jun 2010, p.130]

Shah isn't doing anything especially new here, but she is blending 2017's concerns, with unalloyed fury and genuine musical craft. [Oct 2017, p.108]