It ultimately comes up short on tapping into the kind of emotional depth needed to resonate beyond feeling like those brief moments when we find ourselves experiencing a sudden case of deja vu before snapping back to reality.

The marathon middle section paves the way for the record's standout final songs. 'Padova', in particular, slows Plaza's propulsion peacefully and formlessly.

Unwrapping the record reveals a collection of tightly packed delights; exceptional songs that grandstand the artist's lyrical prowess, outstanding musicianship and incredibly flexible voice, readily guided by Herbert (Bjork, Michachu, Roisin Murphy) in the producer's chair.

He never carves out a distinctive sound for himself, opting instead to show off the breadth of his musical abilities--it's impressive, yes, but noncommittal.

Gone By The Dawn is, at many turns, a lovely record. But it also seems to be a transitional record, as the group tries to find a more distinctive place for itself beyond '50s and '60s nostalgia.

Shedding Skin is a bold move for an artist so associated with a different sonic cadence, and kudos to Ejimiwe for trying to artistically reposition himself. Ultimately though, I would have liked to have heard more of an evolution rather than a complete metamorphosis from him.

The infusion of genre's and styles certainly makes the record feel like a score that would be used in an Olympic opening or indeed closing ceremony.

It’s a solid debut that establishes Dizzy as a band to watch out for because, like their beats, they’re sure to linger.

And, on the whole, Clinic’s paean to the 70s is a satisfying reinforcement of the current, clichéd view of that decade. It is lovingly put together. It yearns to experience an age that is tantalisingly close, but entirely out of reach.

Soul Power is emotionally tangible and downright soulful and in his own way Harding has fittingly paid homage to the words sung by the old guards of soul, who united and continue to unite so many.

The end result is a clean, seriously impressive hour and seventeen minutes of restless, good old-fashioned hip-hop. Zombies' are here to stay, whether you like it or not.

There are moments when their roots peek through, such as on 'Sad Sad Situation,' but this record feels more like a well thought through progression and career finisher than an attempt to indulge in nostalgia.

The best place to file Zoetrope would probably be on the shelf marked 'albums worth a punt if you have a few bob spare'.

Your mileage with This Mess is a Place may indeed vary, but more than anything, if you’ve had a lousy, or dull, day, it’s sure to jump start your tired mind into grinning goofily with its sugary, determinedly peppy rush.

The Switch isn’t anonymous or soulless, but it does have an unhuman aesthetic.

Midnight Sun is a very interesting record, and shows the duo expanding their horizons without forgetting about the importance of their melodic roots.

Season Sun is a wonderfully charming mix of interesting sounds and textures, featuring plenty of psychedelic and folk inspired harmonies that will grow and seep into your senses and leave you pining for a spontaneous summer road trip.

There's plenty of fun to be had here, even if it can't help not quite measuring up to past hype.

Cranekiss is a carefully crafted and wonderfully written record and beyond that it marks a new, exciting step in Tamaryn's career.

For an album so drenched in sadness, there is a disco for the downhearted lurking beneath its surface.

Listened to in isolation, Sodium can be an exhausting experience, and there are a couple of tracks, that don’t quite stick the landing. ... These issues aside, Sodium is still a record with a lot of promise, not only for the future growth of the band, but also the live experience. With any luck, this incarnation of Dasher will stick around to deliver on that.

Cohesively, Prhyme 2 serves as a pivotal point in the connection between old school and emerging rappers.

A Better Tomorrow doesn't quite hit the heights of The W, but it's a considerable improvement on 2007's 8 Diagrams, making it a stellar body of work for a group celebrating their twentieth anniversary.

Although it becomes a bit too intricate (and therefore slightly boring) at times, the album is a fine example of the infinite possibilities created by the so-called post-indie/hipster-psych scene without taking itself too serious.

While it may not be the most unique or innovative record, Waxing Romantic is certainly sincere.

The combination of Rozi Plain’s curious, hopefully wistful ... songwriting and the meandering, caressing lull of the playing makes room for new, soothing life within the singer’s work.

It’s difficult to escape the fact that there is little to commend Ode to Joy for beyond its exceptionally competent loveliness. That is, however, no reason to completely disregard it.

After a three year album hiatus, Rih has rendered her most profoundly authentic and effortless act of rebellion yet – she’s making the music she wants to make without a singular fuck. Anti-pop, anti-album, anti-industry, anti-expectation, anti-perfection.