Matthew Willson - Reviews
Magnetophone
Confusing, but intriguing limited edition single on the Static Caravan label from "avant-garde" electronica act who are also signed to the 4AD label
Howard Hello
"Beautiful, but unnerving" acoustic drone pop from established Americian solo artist
Ckid
Relaxing, but unadventurous debut EP from Nuremberg musician Rene Margraff aka Ckid
Fiver
"Quirky" is the word that came to mind on first hearing this album - right from the first song, 'Horse Pill Vector', odd song titles and unexpected guitar patterns build into an invigorating original
Airport Girl
After two promising singles on the Fortuna Pop! label this album has been eagerly awaited for some time, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. A lovely invigorating package of lo-fi indie-pop, it's eag
Suncoil Sect
Suncoil Sect are one of those bands that seem determined to cross every musical boundary you set in their path. Right from the first track on this,their first CD album after a number of successful vin
Life Without Buildings
This album is a powerful reminder that the punk scene is still producing innovative and exciting new sounds. The first track 'PS Exclusive' hits you right away with a heady blast of fast-moving lo-fi
Biffy Clyro
It's a single that follows all the formulas for a successful emo sound, but still manages to surprise you every time the pleasingly fuzzy guitars kick in. Biffy Clyro are a three piece with an energet
Contrail
This first Contrail album gives Erin Czech - singer, guitarist and songwriter for the Santa Clara band - the opportunity to unleash on us a promising set of songs which take their cues from the old sc
Various
This compilation's subtitle, "A suicidal pop collection" raises a few questions. Suicide and the icons of pop music have always had an edgy relationship, but that music so unashamedly dark in sound an
Gwei Lo
A sad story greets the listener to this brilliant debut mini-album from Cambridge band Gwei-lo - their first is also their last recording. A decision was made to release the album bearing testament to
Beulah
It's a shame this album didn't come earlier in the year really. On the first listen it strikes you as a perfect summer pop record - warm dreamy vocals,lush arrangements, ingenious melodies and catchy
King Of Woolworths
Originally on a hard-to-find 10", it's about time this excellent track got a proper airing. For those who remember his last release (the deeply claustrophobic electro scare tactics of 'Stalker Song'),