The spark that made initial albums such as Bug so special is still missing. [May 2007, p.123]

The whole thing is a bit of a grower and a tentative flex in a new direction with just about enough of their old sound to keep fans happy. [Mar 2017, p.111]

Trying to find a sense of humour amidst the walloping woe is exhausting. [Aug 2009, p.107]

This matches some of their best work. [Jun 2017, p.103]

He's never been quite so on top of his game or quite so blessed with melodic magic. [Mar 2009, p.100]

The results are enticingly hypnotic and reassuringly unhinged in places. [Jun 2006, p.117]

What makes it even more interesting is that the themes and execution are unashamedly grown-up throughout. [Oct 2014, p.116]

Once you've let it grow on you, Sea Change is largely so lovely that you'll forgive him. [Oct 2002, p.98]

Drummer Jim White and guitarist Mick Turner lend understated support throughout, but it's Ellis's eloquent bow that captivates. [Mar 2003, p.103]

[Makes] two known quantities thrillingly new. [May 2004, p.101]

There's a real craftman at work here. [Nov 2015, p.111]

Despite moments of brilliance, at 15 songs long the self-obsession sometimes grates. [May 2012, p.108]

An expertly fashioned LP from a duo who know how to add style to substance. [May 2019, p.115]

They have turned in their most conventional set of songs yet. [Sep 2007. p.95]

After nearly 20 years, their sonic spell shows no sign of fading. [Aug 2016, p.111]

This isn't just a new Faith No More record. It's one of their very best. [Jun 2015, p.113]

Bands aren't suppose to peak on their sixth album, but Okkervil Rover are more tortoise than hare and they've been building towards I Am Very Far since they convened back in 1998. [Jun 2011, p.118]

After years of playing to fanbase expectations, Gray has reinvented not only himself but raised the bar for folktronica. [May 2019, p.112]

Stepping outside of their natural environment ensured their longevity in the '90s, stepping back in seems to have given them a fresh boost. For all Zooropa and Pop's pushing of the envelope, limiting themselves to rock's core ingredients has given the band a new challenge. Certainly, not since The Joshua Tree have U2 sounded so like U2 but, with songs of this startling calibre, right now being U2 is no bad thing.

Was [Nothing's Real] worth the wait? At points, yes. [Aug 2016, p.117]

Here Greenspan takes a more direct approach, showcasing his feel for melody and melancholy to brilliant effect. [Oct 2006, p.125]

A thing of meditative beauty. [Nov 2019, p.115]

It was produced by Blink-182's Mark Hoppus, a fact evident within five seconds of opener, "Worker Bee." [May 2010, p.126]

Biophilia is a wonderful record in the most literal sense; it overflows with wonder. [Oct 2011, p.111]

A cut high above your usual tankard-on-the-belt stuff. [Jul 2014, p.103]

It's hard to imagine Jurvanen can outpace his boss, but he's doing just fine. [Oct 2014, p.103]

A black-metal-inspired collection of songs equally beautiful, if largely less accessible to the casual listener. [Jul 2015, p.112]

For better or worse, this is exactly how you'd expect the third Leftfield album to sound. [Jul 2015, p.107]