Was lucky enough to see these tracks the first time they were ever performed in May 2022, and they were great back then, but the tweaks the band have given these songs had made them borderline perfect. An insanely talented group of musicians, and cannot wait to see what happens now regarding studio recorded material

Where the first album borrowed more from post rock and slowcore, this album (while still retaining those influences) feels more inspired by midwest emo. Less is arguably more predictable than Return, but it’s also more atmospheric and lowkey, which lends itself well to a project such as this

A successful 7th LP by the Nottz boys. Includes Andrew Fearn’s best and most diverse instrumentals yet, and the ever-present comedic social commentary from Jason Williamson. I can understand why some may not be a fan, but for me it’s bang on

Emotive, emphatic, and with fantastic instrumentation and production, Tyron’s first attempt at a full album in his most suited style is a resounding success. Can only hope he carries on down this path and irons out the handful of creases that prevent this from being the perfect record

Probably their best work to date - definitely my favourite at least, and that’s saying something. Emotive post punk just hits the spot

Great record from a fantastic bunch of lads. Brings more instrumental variety than I expected, while still containing dry, politically charged and distinctly British lyricism. Last three tracks are particularly good. Class

Bla Bla Bla is legitimately the worst song I have ever heard. No exaggeration

The Murder' Capital's 'When I Have Fears' played a big part in shaping my own music taste. Releasing in 2019, it's brooding themes contrasted nicely with other debuts of the same year, such as the eccentric Schlagenheim and the more energetic Dogrel. This trio of UK and Irish post punk records synthesised to spark my lasting interest in the genre. In the years since, Black Midi and Fontaines DC have both built on their debut success with two more triumphant records each, but in the case of The ... read more

I mean its pretty bland, but its not awful like some people are saying. Tolerable to listen through, but probably won’t be returning - extra 5 points for the mogwai sample in the second interlude

3rd fantastic album on the bounce from Simz - not as good as SIMBI this time round but that was borderline impossible. Interesting to see where she goes from here because listener expectation will be sky high

The much more complex and varied instrumentation makes Stumpwork a real step up from NLL. Hot penny day is fucking great

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, but I’m actually mature enough to enjoy it this time

3/3 for Loyle Carner, and this is the best of the lot. Feels like he’s been able to merge the aggression some of his earlier work and the relaxed nature of much of NWBD. It’s come off beautifully

Probably the most I’ve ever enjoyed a 1975 album in it’s entirety. The cringe is kept to a relative minimum, and tracks like ‘The 1975’, ‘Part Of The Band’ and ‘About You’ are really great

Good LP overall but the second half is fantastic. Really elevates the experience from decent to great

925 was tough act to follow, but they might just have managed to match it

Wow, the fact that this is a debut is mind-blowing. ‘Cub’ feels incredibly mature, and the production is stellar. It features some of the best singles from this year, and ‘Purple’ is a phenomenal album track. Amazing record

While arguably lacking the breakout excitement of DDH, Gulp! offers a selection of songs that feel more ambitious and more stylistically diverse

Though only 8 tracks, I think the fleeting nature of Guitar Music works in it’s favour: each track offers something new, and takes influence from a range of genres, rather than becoming repetitive and stale (a fate succumbed to far too often with some recent releases). Fantastic LP

Unbelievable debut which sees Jockstrap bend and merge genres and styles so seamlessly. It’s a weirdly beautiful record which stands out from the crowd. As a sidenote Georgia Ellery contributing to the two best albums of 2022 is really impressive