Barry Can't Swim - Loner
84

Another incredible album by Barry Can't Swim, ironically feels like you're drowning in so much sound, creativity and emotion. The second half of the record especially is woven together with serious care. Full of energy and euphoria whilst also sharing the story of life. The LP also has audio callbacks to his first album that makes his entire work much more unified and thoughtful.

Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History
89

"Tourist History" feels anything but history, as other songs from the same period sound dated, there's a freshness to the offerings here that are not nostalgic but cheerfully optimistic.

Magdalena Bay - Mercurial World
83

You can hear Magdalena Bay setting the foundations with "Mercurial World" that are further expanded on in "Imaginal Disk." Really experimental, groovy without ever being overbearing. Excellent.

Max Frost - Shelby Ave
72

Solid start and finish with a quite forgettable middle section, "Stand By Me" is an absolutely wonderful song. I think this album might be playing it too safe but there's nothing insulting here, it's rather decent!

Antony Szmierek - Service Station At The End Of The Universe
77

Messy at times, yes, but it oozes in cool. The catchy instrumentals paired with Antony Szmierek's vocal delivery create a smooth journey through this interesting record. It feels like a sound we'll hear more nearing the end of the decade.

Biig Piig - 11:11
67

All over the place quite honestly. The songs that have clearly had more attention are fantastic, I love "9-5" so much but it's difficult to ignore the complete drop off at the end of this album. It feels as if the project was rushed to completion to get it out of the way.

Maribou State - Hallucinating Love
73

The singles absolutely carry this album with the songs getting progressively weaker as you get further in. Still, "Hallucinating Love" is very groovy which helps significantly. Best songs being "Blackoak," "Otherside" and "Dance On The World."

Sam Fender - People Watching
64

Undeniably incredible vocals with thoughtful lyrics. Sadly Sam Fender's third album suffers the same fate as his previous two releases. It all sounds the same, with no attempt of pushing any boundaries on his sound to the point where it's borderline monotonous. The few brass sections on the record almost feel like welcome relief from the guitars. Rein Me In is a clear personal favourite on this LP.

Jamie xx - In Waves
73

Overall, not a patch on "In Colour" but still some fantastic tracks that really pull the project together. "Baddy On The Floor" my personal favourite.

There was so much intrigue about Jamie xx's debut album, "In Waves" doesn't lack in creativity but falls flat/short on too many occasions.

Blossoms - Gary
81

An energetic and funky entry into Blossoms' discography. An album that puts great vibes above everything else.

There is a lack of depth to the songs featured but that might be intended to create such an easy listen.

Jungle - Loving In Stereo
81

Jungle drop off the searing pace set by their first two records. The much wider variety of vocals is pleasant but that creates a slower tempo overall. It's still got some unforgettable tunes, just not as concentrated as previous efforts.

Jungle - Volcano
70

A weaker entry from the UK's hottest band. Funnily enough, "Volcano" is the LP that will be remembered for finally giving Jungle the worldwide recognition they truly deserve so at least we have that to be thankful for. "Candle Flame" the strongest cut with "You Ain't No Celebrity" being so incredibly underwhelming, what a waste of a Roots Manuva feature.

Daft Punk - Discovery
99

Simply brilliant. One of the few albums that render me speechless. This is electronic/disco heaven. With every big hit comes another, it is unrelenting in it's magnificence. "Short Circuit" stops this LP from being a perfect 100 score.

White Lies - To Lose My Life...
89

Epic story telling in this harsh, unpolished, debut LP. A brutally fantastic listening journey with desolate feel. Well worth every single moment of your time.

White Lies - Big TV
83

White Lies boldest album, the band nail the outer space aesthetic without making the LP overly conceptual. "Getting Even" is a stunning high point, one of the most underrated indie rock songs of the 2010s.

James Blake - Overgrown
86

Haunting, mesmeric and refines everything great from the self-titled debut album. Gorgeous.

Bon Iver - 22, A Million
85

While I can respect the creativity, some of the aspects of this record feel noisy and somewhat unwanted. I struggled through "715 - CR∑∑KS" for instance. At the other end of the spectrum, the three tracks that follow work and flow superbly. I feel like Bon Iver is at the peak of his powers with the more peaceful, serene soundscapes he can evidently build. "8 (circle)" a personal favourite off this LP.

A mixed bag for me but when everything on this album aligns, ... read more

Arctic Monkeys - The Car
56

I mean, what are we even doing here? Brief flashes of brilliance drowned out by a whole lotta nothing.

These guys can't be the same people that brought us some of the greatest rock albums this century.

Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
58

I get that this is a conceptual album however, it's difficult to get to the place they're creating sonically. I respect the efforts but some of these songs are more uninhabitable than a hotel on the moon.

Good job I can't leave a review on Trivago to be honest.

Arctic Monkeys - AM
80

Arctic Monkeys striding confidently with a new sound that brings worldwide acclaim.

Not the same kind of brilliance we were treated to in "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" or "Favourite Worst Nightmare" but it's still great to see the Sheffielders get the limelight they deserve.

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