Spikily brilliant. [Apr 2003, p.111]

A much better record than its predecessor. [Oct 2006, p.112]

Most of the 10 songs here are still well-crafted exercises in ceaseless forwards momentum. [Dec 2014, p.106]

Like other scary experiences, it's also frequently exhilarating. [Mar 2004, p.107]

The Gallaghers sound more comfortable than ever in their skins. [Jun 2005, p.102]

What makes Head Carrier work is that the Pixies see, to have rediscovered what they're great at. [Nov 2016, p.109]

The smart-arse-ometer goes off the scale from time to time and a thin production hardly helps matters, but when Deez gets snappy on Kill Your Attitude and Melange Mining Co, he's far from a lost cause. [Oct 2015, p.104]

Whatever she's doing, it's working. [Aug 2015, p.109]

It's one of the least boring records you'll hear this year. [Nov 2008, p.108]

The sleek return from Swedish indie-pop collective. [Dec. 2010, p. 104]

Everything is supercharged and melodic, like a poppy version of Nirvana. [July 2008, p.111]

It's by nature a patchwork, but boasts more hits than misses. [Mar 2009, p.98]

While this circus could have more attractions and you yearn for a flash of lyrical brilliance among the uncomplicated relationship musings, there's no disgrace here and nothing to alienate their audience or embarrass those who grew up with Take That. [Jan 2009, p.117]

By growing a personality, he's conjured up a low-key gem and a minor revelation. [Jul 2009, p.119]

As the tempo drops, however, their shortcomings as songwriters become obvious. [Aug 2010, p.124]

It's not a bad album, but In The Warzone lacks the broad allure of what made Transplants interesting in the first place. [Aug 2013, p.106]

It's at its best on Drive, where throbbing bass and a giant chorus dominate, but then Peace slides--albeit stylishly--into a repetitive blur. [Oct 2013, p.102]

A feeling of "not a lot happening" pervades. [Apr 2006, p.118]

Fuler sounds wonderful on the woozy 'Little Black Sandals' and Ray Davies's 'I Go To Sleep,' though she could do with more restraint and better tunes to sing. [Feb 2008, p.100]

Heavy-duty electronics doing repeatedly bloody battle with grimy strings... An intense but worthwhile experience. [Nov 2000, p.102]

So, does it match expectations? No. [Jan 2005, p.122]

Cabic is most effective when he's closer to home. [Sep 2015, p.117]

There's no denying that the darker mood suits them--although with Kevin Shields and co now out of retirement as well, it could be back to the drawing board again. [May 2009, p.119]

One of those albums that grabs your attention without ever having to shout at you. [May 2006, p.131]

Tellingly, they're at their most beguiling when taking chances. [Jun 2009, p.134]

If Emika's voice lets her down a bit in places, as a producer she knows how to mould it into strange and interesting shapes. [Jul 2013, p.103]

Its rambling nature irks, for in among its nearly 80 minutes there are pop diamonds that would have made a sharp and spectacular single LP. [May 2013, p.109]

His voice, permanently pitched just down from that half-shout Eminem reserves for songs about his mum. Without a fraction of that humour or rhythm, though, it sounds like a heckler at a council meeting. [Sep 2014, p.108]