A ridiculously optimistic and happy third album from the Belfast band.
Londoners’ debut is well crafted but fails to set pulses racing.
Belfast band reinvents its sound and comes up smelling of roses.
Their influences are old, but the Californian duo’s enthusiasm shines through.
A subtle spell is cast by this gentle collection of songs.
A genuine joy to listen to… Well, for a couple of weeks at least.
Northern Irish trio delivers a seriously good second album.
Belfast band’s debut hints at greatness but too often falls short.
Agonisingly personal music, poured straight from the heart – just as punk should be.
Frustrating fifth album from the Canadians, despite moments of excellence.
The Welsh outfit has matured, honing its craft, and the results are special indeed.
This belated UK debut makes clear that Of Monsters and Men are no one-hit wonders.
Strange and otherworldly, this labour of love gradually finds its way into your heart.
The best tracks here are made for glorious summer sing-alongs.
An ingenious and accessible second album from the art-pop trio.
Fourth LP from a band only a few small tweaks away from greatness.
Florence reins in her exuberance in for this stripped-back live set.
A combination of absurdity and accessibility makes this a fascinating debut.
A polished debut full of gloom and grunge from a 21-year-old on the rise.
A thrilling solo turn from 65daysofstatic’s Paul Wolinski.
A sixth album that leans on U2 for inspiration, but ultimately finds its own footing.
However seriously you choose to take it, this is a brilliant second album.
RR mainman Graeme Ronald and his cohorts are making fascinating music.
A disappointing return from the former Mercury champions
Raw, aggressive and intelligent, this is a fascinating debut from a very promising band.
This Britpop-channelling Chicago band’s potential for greatness is vast.
Packed with joyous choruses that worm their way into your memory.
Thunderous and well-produced gloomy goth-rock from the northeast.
Easy-going and mellifluous, songs built on the simplest of patterns.
They’ll get you singing along and digging out your dancing shoes.
A powerful signal of intent and a fantastic debut.
A whirlwind of an album, always keeping the listener on their toes.
The New Jersey rockers combine elements of the past to create something truly unique.
An enjoyable seventh album from one of the emo originals.
There’s plenty to fall in love with on an album of such emotional weight.
They harness a freewheeling spirit in a bid to escape seaside-town ennui.
Genuine, well-crafted rock songs – a warm, welcoming success.
The realities of life as a 20-something man in an underground band are laid bare.
A debut to savour and take to your heart.
The sound of a band at the peak of their game.
A measured, beautifully crafted album that signals an exciting new dawn.
The feel-good album of the year so far? Quite possibly.
