Latest Reviews 11-17 October 2010 

SteepleWolf People
English folk-rockers’ debut could be a towering highlight of 2010.reviewed by Noel Gardner

Lucky ShinerGold Panda
Shifting, shimmering mini-scores wracked with emotional subtlety and unexpected warmth.reviewed by Reef Younis

Belle and Sebastian Write About LoveBelle and Sebastian
Album eight from the acclaimed Scots is a fine addition to their impressive catalogue.reviewed by Ian Wade

Bold as BrassCliff Richard
Will pleasantly surprise those who might not have expected him to take up the challenge.reviewed by Adrian Edwards

White Magicceo
Eric Berglund’s solo debut is sleeker, darker and crazier than his Tough Alliance fare.reviewed by Martin Aston

MarginsPaul Smith
Fans of Maxïmo Park will not be disappointed with frontman Smith’s solo debut.reviewed by Chris White

Magnetic ManMagnetic Man
Dubstep supergroup produces a debut far beyond the sum of its talented parts.reviewed by Alistair Lawrence

AfroCubismAfroCubism
Belated collaboration between Malian and Cuban musicians results in a fine album.reviewed by Jon Lusk

A-Z, Volume 2Ash
Second singles collection from the young-at-heart rockers.reviewed by Tom Hocknell

270 StoriesBelleruche
Scratchier, punkier and more claustrophobic than what’s come before.reviewed by Angus Taylor

Every Step’s a YesThe Bees
Their music is barely acquainted with modernity yet always seems to sound fresh.reviewed by Lou Thomas

LisbonThe Walkmen
A collation and culmination of their finest work in years.reviewed by Reef Younis

In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990-2010Robbie Williams
Williams seems to be psychologically clearing the decks for a certain reunion.reviewed by Sean Egan

For the Ghosts WithinWyatt, Atzmon, Stephen
Wyatt remains at his best when he’s facing forwards rather than looking back.reviewed by Sid Smith

The Age of AdzSufjan Stevens
Fragmentation and obliqueness are ever-present on Stevens’ latest LP.reviewed by Sam Lewis

The Golden YearOu Est Le Swimming Pool
Full of genuine promise that, unfortunately, will never be fully realised.reviewed by Mike Diver

An Introduction to Syd BarrettSyd Barrett
Pink Floyd and solo material on a single disc for the first time.reviewed by Sean Egan

EpicSharon Van Etten
Melds pedal steel and electronica into something really rather gorgeous.reviewed by Laura Barton

Dust LaneYann Tiersen
A fine new label debut from the composer of the Amélie soundtrack.reviewed by David Sheppard

TalkingHarmonious Thelonious
Konono No.1 meets Steve Reich for a sweaty techno all-nighter.reviewed by Louis Pattison

$O$Die Antwoord
Confrontational South African trio strut the thin line between madness and genius.reviewed by David Sheppard

A Crooked RoadDarrell Scott
Respected sideman and songwriter serves up an overcooked banquet.reviewed by Ninian Dunnett

Mood SwingsStig of the Dump
The prize-winning battle-rapper comes good on record.reviewed by Adam Kennedy

The PreviewChiddy Bang
The pair exhibit qualities that could elevate them to the top of the charts.reviewed by Adam Kennedy

Volume One / Volume TwoPigbag
Welcome reissues showcasing a group to whom there was always more than met the ear.reviewed by David Stubbs

SwanlightsAntony and the Johnsons
It is warming to hear Hegarty sing so unencumbered by his demons.reviewed by James Skinner

KaleidoscopeSusumu Yokota
Inspirational Japanese electronic artist releases his latest opus.reviewed by Chris Parkin

Metallic SpheresThe Orb with David Gilmour
Gilmour's chiming guitar work is a sensual fit for The Orb's uplifting electronica.reviewed by John Doran

Plays John CarpenterZombie Zombie
A cracking little set that will appeal to film buffs and electronica boffins alike.reviewed by Mike Diver