Anthony Middleton - Reviews
Giant Sand
Initriguingly laidback and sparse latest album from Giant Sand, the main focus of Howe Gelb who often credited as being the founder of alt. country is now in the twenty fifth year of his recording career
Duke and the King
Solid second album from the Duke and the King, which, however unfortunately does not match up to the promise shown on their much acclaimed debut album of last year
Elliot Smith
Breathtaking and often surprising compilation album which succeeds in being the perfect guide to the career of the late American singer-songwriter and musician Elliot Smith
Danny and the Champions of the World
Dreamily authentic latest album from sprawling London-based Americana act, Danny and the Champions of the World
Jim Kroft
Enthusiastic, but unfocused anf flawed debut album from Scottish-born, but now Berlin-based singer-songwriter Jim Kroft
Arch Garrison
Evocative debut album from Arch Garrison, the project of acoustic guitarist and North Sea Radio Orchestra leader Craig Fortnam
Shearwater
Fertile latest album from Shearwater, who increasingly draw comparisons with Talk Talk and Mark Hollis in their passion and ability
Justin Sandercoe
Original-sounding, if somewhat unfocused debut album from internet phenomenon and guitar expert, Justin Sandercoe
Lazarus Clamp
Sprawling, but unmelodic fifth album from Leicester-based alt. rock outfit, Lazarus Clamp
Frightened Rabbit
Riverting string-accompanied latest vinyl only single from Scottish indie rock group, Frightened Rabbit
Ben Cooley Hall
Offbeat, but ultimately compelling debut album from Rhode Island-based singer-songwriter, Ben Cooley Hall
Mountain Goats
Atmospheric, lo-fi latest offering from the Mountain Goats, which subtly merges biblical imagery with front man and songwriter's John Darnielle's personal obsessions
Samson and Delilah
Colourful and textured debut offering from Mancurian husband-and-wife musical duo, the ironically named Samson and Delilah
She Keeps Bees
Evocative and gutsy blues on second album from Brooklyn-based two-piece, She Keeps Bees
Les Clochards
Likeable fusion of French chanson tradition and American soul on impressive debut album from Oxford-based band, Les Clochards
Ryan Driver
Exasperatingly inconsistent debut solo album from frontman with the Silt and alt. country musician, Ryan Driver
Zoey Van Goey
Predictable-sounding indiepop on debut album from Glaswegian trio, Zoey Van Goey
Sam Kills Two
Finely performed and produced debut album from Sam Kills Two, the new band of Dodgy's Nigel Turner, which, while never less than well executed, never matches its potential
Lorna
Sparsely beautiful, but also ambitious third album from Nottingham-based group, Lorna, who have similarities with both Sparklehorse and the Willard Grant Conspiracy
Matt Kollar and the Angry Mob
Accomplished, often surprising debut album from singer-songwriter Matt Kollar, which, taking migration as it main theme, both bursts with energy and also takes risks