Born This Way feels like the first proper Lady Gaga album. [Aug. 2011, p. 114]

Sensitive souls had best avoid, but fans of John Carpenter's soundtracks, early Aphex twin and the creepier end of Doctor Who will find themselves in familiar, if not entirely welcoming territory. [Sep 2012, p.102]

Sadly much of this record is stuck in the shallows. [Dec 2019, p.114]

Singer Dan Hyndman's mannered voice can get a bit wearing, but once Mush have bedded in, the evidence is here for a bright future. [Mar 2020, p.118]

The world will still ignore them, but mustering such firepower this late in the game is noble. [Oct 2007, p.105]

An admirable tribute if frequently deafened by the echo of its tragic catalyst. [Jan 2012, p.121]

The sparse sound that he produces means it's more entertaining to watch his trickery than to listen to it. [Apr 2008, p.117]

While 'New King' and 'Time Can Be Overcome' are heartland country-rock classics, the funk-flecked 'Trans Canada' and feedback-frazzled 'Shower Of Stones' take a cue frrom dub-punk icons Fugazi. [Oct 2008, p.141]

It's as if, in the very best sense, they don't care any more. [June 2008, p.138]

In stepping out of their comfort zone and trading in their previous identity, it seems Travis haven't yet decided who or what they now want to be. [Oct 2008, p.144]

While such single-mindedness doesn't leave much room for light and shade, at its best Pearl Mystic is testament to the power of head-nodding repetition and well-stomped FX pedals. [Apr 2013, p.104]

They've kept their distinctive sound. [April 2012, p.106]

Despite Styles' self-conscious references, his debut avoids indulgence. [Aug 2017, p.110]

An impressive album with lovely songs, but greater originality is needed. [Apr 2010, p.112]

Stratton is much richer musically than lyrically but, like a fast-flowing stream, he carries you along with him regardless. [Sep 2017, p.115]

A tricky, pretentious balancing act that's mostly charismatic and only occasionally hard work. [Jul 2004, p.116]

Despite a few too many sanitised, lounge-y moments, overall this is an enjoyable first effort. [Oct 2015, p.102]

Unsurprisingly, their music proves equally mysterious, the lava-like bass and shuddering beats suggesting a familiarity with dubstep's experimental margins. [Aug. 2011, p. 116]

At time innovative, but as with much alternative hip-hop, one for the previously converted. [Sep 2011, p.104]

Diver's appeal is immediate, its effect short and sharp. [Sep 2012, p.104]

He lets the currents take it where they will, from the churning tumult of The Wave to the cresting, Bon Iver-ish Broken. [Dec 2019, p.113]

There are moments of genuine wonder. [Jan 2012, p.120]

Singer and girl-Iggy Jemina Pearl's the star, bringing admirable conviction to her tales of boredom, drug-taking and, in the case of the Perky 'Food Fight,' "extra cheese in your face." [Apr 2008, p.102]

it's not without charm, but you might find yourself wanting to like What Now more than you actually do. [Jun 2017, p.112]

An altogether more polished affair [than debut, Good Evening]. [April 2012, p.106]

Wilson's fragile vocals dominate, but her sidekicks add musical lightness. [Aug 2017, p.110]

Hawley wields his guitar with fresh zeal, unfurling long, turbulent solos while his chocolatey baritone is less Roy Orbison, more Mark Lanegan. But the songwriting lags behind the sound. [Jun 2012, p.104]

The overall effect is a little wayward at times, strangely touching at others, and nutso throughout. [May 2004, p.104]