[rating=4]
49:10 min • YOY • September 9, 2013
VV Brown has returned with 11 angry, desolate and soulful songs set against a unsettling, uncompromising soundtrack. It is a startling reinvention indeed.

“Samson & Delilah never goes too far, gets too crazy or attention seeking. The measured and meticulous tone and pacing of this album is a very large part of its success.”

[rating=5]
Released September 15, 2013
Nick Brewer’s Flat 10 is an intense, 7 track EP, a collection of chilled-out rap with a message..

“‘Every word that Brewer says on this EP comes from his heart, and is said to make a change – whether it just be to one person or people at large, and that I have a lot of respect for.”

[rating=5]
Released September 16, 2013
Ketevan traces Melua’s steps back to her earlier work and there is an effortless fusion of pop, jazz, rock and blues.

“Ketevan takes Melua back to the peerless blueprint of her previous albums, incorporating contemporary songwriting, the distinctive Mike Batt production and the hallmark sincere, layered and compassionate vibrato Melua vocal.”

[rating=4]
Released September 1, 2013
Sia’s melodies are unmistakable, and Celine’s voice sails over the syncopated drums and strings. It’s match made in heaven.

“‘Love Me Back To Life’ was a complete surprise. I’d heard a rumour it had a “dubstep beat”, which could either have been an amazing decision, or the musical version of “mutton dressed as lamb”.”

[rating=4]
47:42 min • Federal Prism • September 24, 2013
Oh Land’s Wish Bone: the promise of something both unexpected and immediately compelling is met almost without exception.

“Oh Land, like several similar acts, has been on the periphery of this greatness for a little while now but Wish Bone sees her nudge her way into this very special group with an album that, in addition to cementing her own unique identity, is a delirious and thoughtful collection of pop beauty.”

[rating=3]
Released September 24, 2013
The Broken Promise Land EP is a picture of a band in their teething stages with an ability to create well-produced and enjoyable pop songs.

“Although the EP has moments of beauty and strong melodies, the band is short on their own identity and sound. They are essentially having fun making music together similar to that they themselves listen to.”

[rating=4]
Released September 09, 2013
Tookah is an impressive return for Emiliana Torrini. It is more experimental, personal and has a timely, autumnal feel.

“The lead single, ‘Speed Of Dark’ is an epic pop crossover and is pure audio mescaline. It’s easy to become enchanted with its ’80s synth feel and the track harks back to the days of Ladytron with a smattering of Siouxsie Sioux.”

[rating=4]
Released August 30, 2013
Hesitation Marks, the ninth studio album from the resurrected Nine Inch Nails, is a bold step forward for Trent Reznor.

“Trent Reznor is no longer the angry young man who created the violent masterpieces of Broken and The Downward Spiral, he’s a middle-aged musician who has lived through hell and back and is trying to find his voice again. “

[rating=5]
Released August 19, 2013
Declan Bennett’s superb acoustic rendering of Record:BREAKUP. “Fuck Lady Gaga and her ridiculously painted face, THIS is Art Pop.”

“I was at the recording of this Live and Acoustic album, as the guest of a lovely friend, (I think you can actually hear me “Woo” after ‘The Longer I Leave It’…tragic!) and having loved Record:Breakup I was interested to hear what these beautiful songs would sound like acoustically.”

[rating=5]
Released August 19, 2013
Three firmly cements Charlotte Church’s transition from pop starlet to ambient siren. A strong collection of beautiful and innovative songs.

“Now on her 3rd self-released EP, titled Three, Charlotte has banished her previous child prodigy persona and undergone a stunning ambient makeover worthy of the most authentic of artists.”