Well, that was the month that was. It was a pretty good one, we'd say. There were good times had at 2000trees and NASS, Frank Ocean got all intimate at Brixton Academy and Bruce Springsteen sent his latest UK jaunt out with a bang with some stone-cold classic shows.
A bunch of great records also made their way out into the wide world after being mercilessly examined by our team of reviewers. Here's our pick of the best, all in one handy package. Nice.
Pet Shop Boys – Electric: ★★★★
“Pet Shop Boys have managed to produce – admittedly with Price’s influence – a belter of an album that, along with Depeche Mode’s ‘Delta Machine’, sets the standard for all of those new electronic acts to follow.” - Graeme Marsh
Swim Deep – Where The Heaven Are We: ★★★★
“Each song on 'Where The Heaven Are We' could quite comfortably be released as a single in its own right. That's a hallmark of a great pop record.” - Lee Johnston
Aynsley Lister – Home: ★★★★1/2
“If there's any justice in the world this fantastic album from British blues-rocker Aynsley Lister will be rewarded with the kind of mainstream recognition usually reserved for artists with considerably less talent. 'Home' is a laid-back, maturely-delivered treasure trove of blues, rock, Americana, pop and jazz, bound together by gorgeous melodies, sophisticated compositions and exquisite soloing.” - Simon Ramsay
Defeater – Letters Home: ★★★★
“By becoming more predictable, Defeater have proven themselves more unpredictable than ever. This is hardcore of a more refined nature than the ‘80s progenitors of the genre, but it’s also more comfortable in its own skin and all the more convincing as a result. Once again, Defeater have proved that they exist right at the apex of hardcore in the 21st century.” - Ben Bland
The Icarus Line – Slave Vows: ★★★★
“The Icarus Line aren't the band you once knew. Joe Cardamone stands front and centre still, but all the same he's receded into the shadows. 'Slave Vows' is a pitch black record, a soundtrack to dark corners in dangerous bars, and it's the band's best in years.” - Huw Baines
The Whigs – Enjoy The Company: ★★★★
“Losing a founding member to MGMT’s touring band after the release of your first record is hard, and equally, making it through to the other side is an accomplishment. Hats off, then, to the Whigs. Their fourth album ‘Enjoy the Company’, reveals a new-found confidence in what they do best.” - Yasmin La Ronde
Six. By Seven – Love And Peace And Sympathy: ★★★★1/2
“With Olley pouring his emotions into each song, ‘Love And Peace And Sympathy’ is the most complete offering the band has produced. Focusing on the classic sound of the band – layered, guitar-based songs that build into a crescendo of noise – it will please their underground support and could also win them a larger following with its consistently high quality. In short, it’s a must-have.” - Graeme Marsh
Radkey – Cat & Mouse EP: ★★★★
“It's time to party like it's 1983. Radkey – three teenage brothers from Missouri – play short, sharp punk with nods to Misfits, Black Flag, TSOL and the rest of the gang, and they do it rather well.” - Huw Baines
Grumbling Fur – Glynnaestra: ★★★★
“Forget the experimental tendencies of both its creators and instead focus on what’s most obviously in front of you. Yes, there are drones and weird sound effects, but there also tunes that belong to a rich heritage of British songwriting.” - Ben Bland
Small Feet - Liar Behind The Sun EP: ★★★★
“Be happy that this record made it out. The work of Stockholm-based singer-songwriter Simon Stålhamrhe, 'Liar Behind The Sun' is an arresting set of pop songs born from a battle against anxiety and depression.” - Huw Baines
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