No question, Ultrasound are carving a very nice late-career niche out for themselves. [Feb 2017, p.119]

A defiant record from a band who've made a career of doing their own thing: Enter Shikari have upped their game again. [Feb 2015, p.108]

An 18-song adventure in sparse and particular beauty. [Jun 2020, p.97]

A fake band they might be, but it makes for a solidly enjoyable listen. [May 2019, p.111]

The Futureheads have found their way back by making their most emphatic statement yet. [June 2008, p.144]

There's all the usual yarn-spinning and nerdy wit here, but ... there's also a warmth and wisdom that no amount of lo-fi goofing can disguise. [Nov 2011, p. 135]

The spirit of drunk adolescence, cramped kitchens and broken valuable endures on their frightfully fun debut. [Mar 2013, p.101]

The connective sense of an on-the-hoof holiday from the day job, plus emotionally deep and humorous lyrics, make this a winner. [Summer 2020, p.98]

The collaboration between British singer-songwriter Helena Costas and US hip-hop producer Danger Mouse, for a project called Joker's Daughter, seems unlikely, but it works surprisingly well. [Jul 2009, p.124]

There are songs here which recall protestant hymns, others full of Kurt Weill cabaret humour and slick, modern white blues that suggest an energised, liberal attitude to the traditions in which he's working. [May 2013, p.101]

Externalising her feeling with space and power, I Awake gives everyone's inner life its due, the personal rendered universal. [May 2013, p.95]

This is a band consolidating their talents rather than simply showcasing them. [Aug 2003, p.108]

He rarely slips into simple pastiche. The real deal. [Jul 2015, p.112]

Yet for all Stride's laddishness, this is a sophisticated album that never coasts or repeats itself. Making pop sound this effortless, this joyous, is no easy task. [May 2010, p.124]

Sixth album by the artist who won MOJO's Best Breakthrough Act award 2007, aged 66. [July 2011, p. 100]

While unpredictable in parts, there are great melodies here to pull the floating voters in. [Oct 2016, p.106]

Different Creatures is a beast of a record. [Apr 2017, p.117]

An album that dares to tackle life's big questions head on. [Jun 2020, p.101]

Underachieving alternative heroes finally come up with the goods. [Nov. 2010, p. 110]

In its street-level politics, lucid delivery and hypnotic hooks, Novelist Guy is confirmation that this wave has a lot further to roll yet. [Jun 2018, p.107]

Their joyous music has an even greater emotional weight. [Dec 2008, p.133]

Hypnotic stuff. [Summer 2020, p.100]

Droll, baffling and brilliant in equal measure. [Mar 2002, p.128]

For all the deft production touches, it's Lanza's lost-on-the-dancefloor persona, at once sensuous and mysterious, which supplies the magic touch. [Jul 2016, p.109]

Playful pop brainteasers from the cult quartet. [Feb. 2011, p. 114]

The result is gorgeous. [Jun 2013, p.93]

A record that hasn't cut itself off from its predecessor, yet sounds more dramatically expansive and forward-facing. [Jul 2016, p.102]

It's a dazzling trip. [Jul 2015, p.108]