Reviews

Those expecting the perhaps more predictable big glittery bauble on an aluminium tree might be taken aback by the veteran synth-pop duo’s take on Christmas album clichés.

Sadly, they were pushed too hard, and by their third album in under three years, the talent (and Jeremy) were damaged. There are some still truly great songs here.

The Leap Year have perfectly and realistically simulated a gorgeous interpretation of melancholy (one completely devoid of self-indulgence and petty whining) to produce what should really become your new favourite record.

Spirited and joyful performances from a talented kid who will hopefully go on to much, much better things.

It’s an album dedicated to transience, and an interesting, sometimes messy experiment from a band constantly looking wistfully to the horizon.

In many ways an improvement on their last recorded onstage effort Live At The Aragon, Mastodon play with far greater freedom and finger-cracking, nerve shredding intensity. Horn this into your stocking metalheads.