Albums

Reviews and Features

New song and album reviews, featured articles and opinion from indie and alternative.

Review: White Lies - Night Light

‘Night Light’ stays true to the band’s template while revealing subtle, polished progression that leans into ‘70s synth textures.

Matthew McLister

8 hours ago2 min read

Review: The Hives – The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives

Seven albums in and The Hives still carry the same raw charm and witty bravado that made them a household name all those years ago.

Matthew McLister

Sep 113 min read

Review: Big Thief - Double Infinity

Double Infinity is so enthralling and impactful, by the end you won’t know whether to smile or cry.

Matthew McLister

Sep 92 min read

Review: Wolf Alice – The Clearing

Ellie Rowsell and co’s most accomplished and cohesive album yet.

Matthew McLister

Aug 282 min read

Review: The Black Keys - No Rain, No Flowers

Another exquisitely produced mainstream rock record from a duo at the top of their game.

Matthew McLister

Aug 143 min read

Review: Bleach Lab – Close to the Flame (EP)

Often bitter, often sad, the new EP from these London-based indie janglers wonderfully revels in both intensity and warmth.

Matthew McLister

Jul 302 min read

Review: Pulp – More

On More, we’re reminded of their enduring appeal, endless class and anthemic charm - this is a comeback well worth celebrating.

Matthew McLister

Jun 184 min read

Review: Matt Berninger – Get Sunk

The National singer’s second album is a record glowing in warmth and uplifting melancholia.

Matthew McLister

Jun 112 min read

Review: The Horrors – Night Life

‘Night Life’ is a superbly crafted sixth outing both expansive and empty, nocturnal and intimate.

Matthew McLister

Apr 72 min read

Review: Brian D’Addario – Till the Morning

An outstanding solo effort rivalling his brilliant work with The Lemon Twigs.

Matthew McLister

Mar 253 min read

Review: Architects – The Sky, The Earth and All Between

Another breathless assault on the senses by the Brighton band, matching aggressive metal energy, electro elements and soaring anthems.

Matthew McLister

Mar 182 min read

Indie review February 2025: The best albums

Our favourite indie albums and singles released in February 2025 - featuring Sam Fender, Doves, Inhaler and more.

Matthew McLister

Mar 137 min read

Sam Fender continues his ascent with ‘People Watching’

A beautiful, poetic and gut punching third record that will undoubtedly catapult the Geordie singer’s success to even new heights.

Matthew McLister

Mar 72 min read

The Murder Capital revolutionise themselves once more on ‘Blindness’

The Irish outfit continue to prove why they are so much more than the post-punk tag delivered to them all those years earlier.

Matthew McLister

Mar 41 min read

Indie review January 2025: The best albums

Our favourite indie albums and singles released in January 2025 - featuring Franz Ferdinand, Pastel, The Lambrini Girls and more.

Matthew McLister

Feb 66 min read

Mogwai: ‘The Bad Fire’ is another emotive masterclass of instrumental post rock

An utterly enthralling 11th studio effort from these Glaswegian post rock stalwarts.

Matthew McLister

Feb 43 min read

Review | Pastel: Madchester revivalists stun on swaggering debut ‘Souls in Motion’

Pastel prove anthemic British guitar pop isn’t just the past but very much the future too.

Matthew McLister

Jan 303 min read

Franz Ferdinand have audience eating out palm of their hand at Assai Records show

The Glasgow art rockers bring new album ‘The Human Touch’ to life live in Edinburgh.

Neil Renton

Jan 163 min read

Blinded by the Floodlights albums of the year 2024

Our 40 favourite albums of the year ranked - featuring Jack White, Fontaines D.C., Wunderhorse and more!

Matthew McLister

Dec 30, 202411 min read

White Denim: ‘12’ is lush, Spring-time escapism

The Texan band’s appropriately named twelfth album is another multi-textured collection led by the sole direction of frontman James Petrall.

Matthew McLister

Dec 23, 20242 min read