Sons And Daughters - This Gift (Domino) 28/01/2008

T: Satisfyingly, this drips wth raw intensity, and I'll even forgive them the fact that "Split Lips" sounds like Elastica's "Waking Up". After all, it's not like Frischmann and co never borrowed heavily from "No More Heroes" in the first place is it?

N: It's perhaps reflective of the bands we have been discussing - off review - that "This Gift" was produced by one Bernard Butler, a name that was synonymous with the early to mid nineties, and one whose contribution has extended to something other than just behind his guitar.

T: You pretty much know what you're getting with Sons And Daughters though. They have their own inimitable brand of indie-pop that has its own template. Luckily for us, the band do it so well that you can't help but be impressed.

N: Oh yes, what's the saying? You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

T: What do you want to make a silk purse for anyway, you bloody fairy?

N: It's not that, but with Sons And Daughters, the producer is halfway there. He's just contributing his vision, and in this case it works.

T: A resounding success then. 9/10

web site - myspace

Love Is All - Love Is All...Mixed Up (EMI) 21/01/2008

T: A bit of an oddity, this one, as it comprises of the band's reworkings of their own songs from their debut album "Nine Times That Same Song". Initially, upon "Felt Tip", it sounds like Japan juxtaposed with Talking Heads, but then it all goes a bit like Salt 'n' Pepa with Gorillaz. An interesting mixture all the same, if more than a little left field.

N: Toni Basil even!

T: Perhaps, but there's a whole stocking full of references you could wave at Love Is All...

N: Brakes maybe?

T: Certainly there are moments akin to "All Night Disco Party", but let's not pit David against Goliath on this occasion. Brakes are genius, whereas Love Is All are...just interesting...

N: A cocktail shaker into which the band have included all their influences, likes and who knows, dislikes, forming a party mix that although not exactly original, is as good as...

T: ...a wink. That IS an "i" and not an "a" by the way...it's not THAT good. 7/10

web site - myspace

Lightspeed Champion - Falling Off The Lavender Bridge (Domino) 21/01/2008

N: Well, surprisingly, from the outset, it's a damn sight more engaging than his current single "Tell Me What It's Worth:...

T: ...which is a bloody good single actually, if you listen to me rather than Nick...

N: There's no need to throw a paddy. Put your toys back in the playpen...

T: You started it. Anyway, this is an album of sun baked Americana that is easily palatable and distinctive enough to set Lightspeed Champion apart from other acts of a similar ilk.

N: Is this the same single? It's actually opened up, the clouds have dispersed and his music has come shining through. He's actually quite good, isn't he? His orchestration, production and arrangement are most interesting.

T: I knew you'd see it my way eventually. 8/10

web site - myspace

John Parkes - Illegal Songs (Aaz Recordings) 14/01/2008

T: So, fresh from gaining two places in the Atomicduster "Best of 2007" list, not least the coveted number one slot, can John Parkes continue to impress with his latest solo offering?

N: Well, namechecking more musical luminaries than you could shake a stick at, Parkes makes his credentials clear, and light hearted nature visible. Certainly a good start.

T: And once again, he's shown that he's a true visionary songwriter. Just one glance at the tracklisting proves that you're in for a more than interesting ride - "Glorification Of Terrorism", "Incitement To Religious Hatred", "Pray For Recession" and "The Dog Ate My Song" are proof indeed that what you said rings true. Intelligent, witty and high on impact, I'm beginning to wonder if there is a better songwriter doing the rounds at present. I doubt it.

N: All in all, musically and lyrically engaging; this man certainly provides an enlightening ride, and you can certainly see why he was a Peel favourite. 9/10

web site - myspace