All through, the harmonies are urgent, uplifting and unspun, a reminder that not everything needs a recoat to look perfectly at home. [Nov 2017, p.104]

Stronger than SFA's last outing Love Kraft, this will appeal to those who appreciate the gentler aspects of Rhys's day job. [Feb 2007, p.106]

Director's Cut succeeds, however, by axing the star cameos and thrusting some of her most powerful songs back into the spotlight. [Jun 2011, p.115]

It's so alluring you have no choice but to follow. [Oct 2007, p.98]

It is a precious reminder of Wagner's quietly incisive gifts. [Mar 2012, p.105]

While his left-field turn may sharply contrast with what he initially promised, he's sacrificed none of his mystery. [May 2016, p.111]

It's the best thing either has done in a decade. [Apr 2008, p.116]

By the time he gets to the whiskey-soaked lament 'Whispered Words' you'll be wishing you had a back porch. [Mar 2009, p.93]

This superior debut from Alberta rapper Roland Pemberton cuts adroitly from Oliver Square's booty shaking electro to the spare funk of Black Hand. [Oct 2007, p.101]

You can take the boy out of the working man's club but yo can;t take the working man's club out of the boy. [Summer 2019, p.111]

Beast Epic arks a surprising loop back to the more insular feel of his earlier material. [Sep 2017, p.110]

It feels hungry, modern and thrilling. [Nov 2019, p.111]

A collection of vastly moving songs that will render stadiums as intimate as bedrooms. U2, Radiohead... Coldplay? It would seem so. [Sep 2002, p.98]

Supported by appearances from My Morning Jacket's Jim James, Neko Case and kd lang, Veirs still manages to find the magic and wonder in the big bad world. [Oct 2013, p.112]

It's a delight. [Jun 2015, p.110]

Midnight Organ Fight more than delivers on its promise: tons of spiky energy, proper tunes and a real lyrical bite to the likes of The Modern Leper. [June 2008, p.149]

This is a quietly adventurous coming of age, as languorous and fuzzy around the edges as a summer afternoon.

The usual barrage of angry cello instrumentals. [Dec 2002, p.103]

Though the pace is a little too consciously measured at times, and there is a certain sameyness about the arrangements, it's a record that, given time, yields up great rewards. [Nov 2002, p.100]

A refreshing, bracing detour. [Jul 2004, p.121]

Perhaps in time she will dig deeper, but it's an assured start. [Summer 2018, p.114]

Pushes the DBT envelope a little further and for a band whose catalogue boasts more double-albums than single ones--at 43 minutes it's extra punchy, and fully fit for impeachment-fuelling purpose. [Mar 2020, p.117]

Reminders of a great talent lost, and what might have been. [Sep 2020, p.111]

A most pleasant surprise. [Jul 2005, p.122]

All told it's a captivating listen that's proudly individualistic, heart-warmingly intelligent and beautifully intonated. [Nov 2013, p.102]

The enveloping crescendos of "Albatross" define the album's blend of beauty and pure power in a record that puts "classic" back into classic rock. [Apr 2010, p.106]

This record... is brimming with character, easily surpassing their debut, its energy level like a battery charge. [Sep 2004, p.108]

An astonishingly moving distillation of Eastern European melancholia with elegant histrionics a la Rufus Wainwright. [Dec 2006, p.141]