Enter Shikari TRIBALISM

“Ok, so this is a B-sides/Live songs/Couple of new singles release, which can usually be dissapointing. This isn’t. It is a great collection of songs, even if there are too many remixes of the same songs.”

Ed:  Seen the band live several times and am impressed. This album has a strong live ambience with good melodies. 3.5/5

Manchester Orchestra MEAN EVERYTHING TO NOTHING

“I think I talk to you best when I sing” Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull confesses on the last track of Mean Everything To Nothing, following it up with “I sing about almost everything.” Though, on the new release, he sings `about almost everything’ surrounding God and his Christianity. Luckily, there are love songs, drug songs, and morbid songs that are ambiguous enough to apply to all facets of life, not just religion.”

“Manchester lie pretty evenly between the mainstream and the underground, and surprisingly have stayed true to that mantra on their most recent release. If one is a fan of Manchester’s Like A Virgin Losing a Child release, then the new album is a shoe-in, though it may attract new fans as well. Similarly with ILAVLAC, there is no real radio-friendly track on the album, but overall a very substantial album that begs the question when we will see the potential of Manchester Orchestra fully realized.”

Ed: My introduction to this USA band and I’m impressed, more so for the potential that it hints at. 3.5/5

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club BEAT THE DEVIL’S TATTOO

“This album is utterly, utterly fantastic! Genuinely not a single bad track, totally devoid of filler. The band continues to put out yet another flawless collection. I cannot stress how brilliant this CD is. Beg, steal or borrow a copy and feast on the best rock album you will hear this year.”

“It’s not perfect - the opener - ‘Beat The Devil’s Tattoo’ is a little forced, though when it gets going it gets going - and ‘Evol’, though brilliantly drummed reminded me too much of ‘Awake’ off their first album, and ‘Aya’, though not bad is yet to fully grab me - but it is a triumph nonetheless. BRMC have always been a serious band but now they sound as though they’re having fun while making music and that comes through with their sound. ‘Half-State’, a full 10 minutes long, is truely an experience. A brilliant album, possibly one of the best of 2010.”

Ed: HOWL made me a fan, and this album keeps me firmly one. It’s a relatively dark album; deadly serious; that borrows from HOWL. Takes a few listens but love it you will… 4/5