Ash Goldberg, Journalist

The record may be a little too tranquil to listen to in just any old mood, but after listening you may find your mood changed.

The band is named after the car that James Dean died in, which was supposedly cursed. But Little Bastard should be able to avoid a similar fate if they continue to make music capable of setting off smoke detectors.

The mid-west Americana sound does feel a bit confected at times but that said, tracks such as Devil And Dead Drum are probably trendy enough to remove the image of John Wayne from your mind.

"Huggins elicits a diamond sharp crispness from Popov’s voice and the multitude of instruments which accompany her on 84000."

I, A Man have created a debut record filled with swirling guitars and hypnotic, encapsulating crescendos.

"Costin-Neilsen retains the lyrical depth he displayed on his EP Diamond Teeth, and the title track is a very pleasant way to spend six minutes."

Calming as the nine songs of barely-spoken vocals and unassuming melodies may be, none are striking enough to warrant a place as the centrepiece of your attention.

Unfortunately, the band’s misstep into faux Caribbean beats on Band Breaker and Fear Of The Knife will prevent the record from achieving Is This It status.

Howler have stated their second record, World Of Joy, is their best work yet.

After 15 years and as many band member changes as studio albums, it’s amazing Taking Back Sunday are still around for record number six, let alone sounding as good as they do.

Often covered with glitter and little else, no one can accuse Fun Machine of not living up to their name.