Jonjo McNeill - Reviews
Manchester Orchestra
Technically impressive and emotionally mature first album from incredibly exciting and also young Georgia-based band the Manchester Orchestra who have a dark edged sugar coating
People of Santiago
Disappointing debut single from Newcastle group People of Santiago which despite their way with a killer tune comes across as over important
Dashboard Confessional
Stripped down, but powerful fourth album from Dashboard Confessional, which finds frontman Chris Carebba rejecting the overly polished sound of the recent past, and going back to his acoustic roots making a return to form
Odd Shaped Head
Stunning, eclectic art rock on second single from quirky Newcastle quartet Odd Shaped Head
Messenger
Formulaic and totally unimaginative FM rock-pop on debut album from Norwegian-based group, Messenger
Whiting Tennis
Simplisticly beautiful , acoustic led first solo album from lo-fi Seattle-born singer/songwriter Whiting Tennis
Various
Fabulous second compilation of lo-fi electro-pop from small Manchester-based indie label, Kipper Records
Dakota Suite
Downbeat and understated, but totally compelling and eventually life-affirming new album from Dakota Suite, the band of Leeds based probation officer Chris Hooton
Screaming Mimi
Perfect, hook-laden and absolutely infectious proper debut single from 60's influenced Sheffield five piece, Screaming Mimi
Epic45
Unique and tender-sounding electro-tinged acoustic post-pop on reissued third album from British duo Epic45
LostAlone
Promising single from Midlands-based discocore upstarts Lost Alone
Slipstream
Outstanding first recording in seven years on new EP from Slipstream, the project of ex-Spiritualized members Mark Refoy and Johnny Mattock
Charlatans
Excellent and timely compilation of ever-evolving classic singles band the Charlatans, whose 15 year career has now spanned over 9 studio albums and 26 singles
Mundane Music / Sanjuro 77
Excellent split single with fantastic hand made packaging on debut release from promising new limited edition label, Kipper Records
Chapter Xiii
Unimaginative heavy metal on first album from new British band, Chapter XIII
Michael Knight
Strong debut album from new Dublin collective Michael Knight which, despite being released in winter, proves to be "the most perfect summer indie-pop album in ten years"
Gledhill
Fantastic debut single, which brings back memories of New Order and the Smiths, from new Sheffield act Gledhill
Hurt Process
Formulaic, but promising metal pop from Welsh five piece The Hurt Process back with a second album
Orange
Aggressively enjoyable debut album from rebellious Hollywood-based teenagers and pop punks Orange
55's
Stomping blues-influenced garage rock on debut album from Edinburgh-based lunatics The 55’s